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Film Studies, a three year program

The Film Studies option of the Mass Media program focuses on film history, theory, and criticism. Students will develop a broad understanding of films past, present, and future.

The below schedule is only one example of a three (3) year plan for a student in the Film Studies option of the Mass Media program. It is possible to complete the program in three years by taking six credit hours for three summer sessions.This example plan should not be used as a strict guide to completion of the program. Please see your advisor early in your first semester to discuss possible variations of your own degree plan. Effective academic advisement is a partnership, with advisees sharing in the responsibility.

First Semester (Fall)

  • MED 120 - Mass Media and Society [fulfills one Gen. Ed - Culture and Society] (3)
  • MED 274 - Introduction to Film (3)
  • IDS 110 - Intro to University Life (1)
  • CIS/CSC 101 - Computers for Learning (2-3)
  • COM 115 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
  • ENG 110 - Writing I (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)

Total hours = 18-19

Second Semester (Spring)

  • MED 204 - Media Theory (3)
  • JRN 270 - Intro to Journalism (3)
  • MTH 130 [or higher] (3)
  • PED 100 - Fitness for Living (2)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World (4)
  • Minor course (3)

Total hours = 18

Third Semester (Summer)

  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)

Total hours = 6

Fourth Semester (Fall)

  • MED 325 - Broadcast History (3)
  • MED 374 - History of Film I (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Writing II (3)
  • Minor course (3)
  • General Electives [125 hr graduation requirement] (6)

Total hours = 18

Fifth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 365 - Media Design and Production (3)
  • MED 375 - History of Film II (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World [with lab] (4)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Minor course (3)
  • General Elective (1)

Total hours = 17

Sixth Semester (Summer)

  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)

Total hours = 6

Seventh Semester (Fall)

  • MED 454 - Media Analysis and Criticism (3)
  • MED 470 - Special Topics in Film (3)
  • JRN 407 - Media law (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives (6)

Total hours = 18

Eighth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 570 - Film Theory (3)
  • MED 581 - Media Ethics (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (6)
  • General Electives [at least 3 hrs at 300+ level] (6)

Total hours = 18

Ninth Semester (Summer)

  • General Electives [at 300+ level] (6)

Total hours = 6

Depending on the credit load carried by students each semester, students may need to take up to one additional credit hour of intercession classes at the 300+ level in order to reach the 125 hours required to graduate.

Students must earn a 3.0 or better GPA in MED 120, 204 and 274; and have a 2.25 combined GPA in order to be admitted to the major.

The B.S. in Mass Meda (Film Studies) major requires a minor. The minor should be selected in consultation with the advisor.

Periodicity of many classes is important, with many scheduled as F (fall) or S (spring) only classes.  Check catalog.

Students need a minimum of 40 hours of coursework at a 300+ course level in order to graduate.

All statements in this document concerning requirements, prerequisites, conditions or other matters are for informational purposes and are subject to change.