Why pursue a film studies degree at BGSU in Ohio?
- Comprehensive program. The BGSU film program was established over 50 years ago and today is one of the most student-centered undergraduate film programs in the country.
- Nationally recognized faculty who bring years of research and experience to the classroom.
- A unique view into film. Film studies majors work alongside film production majors. You’ll have the chance to see inside the filmmaking process.
- State-of-the-art classrooms and studio spaces in the Wolfe Center for the Arts.
- Hands-on opportunities. Film studies majors are active participants in all aspects of film culture on campus. Some students review movies for the campus newspaper. Others curate screenings at the annual BGSU Film and Media Festival or at events hosted by the Film Appreciation Club.
- Study abroad for a semester. Apply to participate in the exchange program between BGSU and the Department of Theatre, Film and Television at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth. This is one of the most respected film and media programs in the United Kingdom.
- Vibrant student organizations. Join the Film Appreciation Club, BG on Screen and BG Reel if you’re interested in film culture and want to connect with other film students. The groups sponsor film competitions and host the annual BGSU Film and Media Festival.
- Outstanding campus resources. Our affiliations with the Ray and Pat Browne Library for Popular Culture, the BGSU Film Theater and the Ralph Haven Wolfe Film Theater on our campus ensure that film studies majors have a unique breadth of resources.
Career – what can you do with a film studies degree?
Our film studies graduates pursue careers in a variety of areas, including:
- Journalism
- Festival organization
- Film archiving and preservation
- Film acquisition and distribution
- Film producing
- Entertainment law (with additional training)
- Higher education (with additional training)
They have been accepted into graduate film studies programs and have launched successful electronic publications on film, media and culture.
Career paths
- Journalist
- Entertainment lawyer
- Film and television critic
- Film festival organizer
- Film preservationist/archivist
- Film and media producer
- Publicist
- Professor
Curriculum
Film studies majors develop expertise in analyzing the film industry, film culture and individual films. Courses are designed to develop critical thinking and media literacy skills, increase understanding of cultural histories, and sharpen awareness of the complex interactions between film-media practice and its socio-economic contexts.
You will complete:
- Three foundation classes – Introduction to Film, Applied Aesthetics, Script Analysis
- Three courses that provide perspective on the field – Film and Society, History of Film, and Independent Filmmakers
- Three high-impact courses – Mid-Major Portfolio Review, Film Internship or Studio Experience, and Senior Portfolio Review
- Five electives on topics such as Genre and Auteur Cinemas, Introduction to Popular Film, Animated Films, and courses on various national cinemas, including Japanese, Chinese, German, French and Russian film.
Film studies students select a minor that supports their career goals and creative interests. Business, marketing, media production and studies, and popular culture are some of the useful choices.
Sample courses
- Independent Filmmakers
- Genre and Auteur Cinemas
- Japanese Cinema
- Film and Society
- History of Film
- Animated Films
The film studies program is part of the Department of Theatre and Film in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 02/19/2024 01:54PM