Film Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

Film Studies - Department of Theatre and Film
212 Wolfe Center, 419-372-2222

The Film Studies Major gives students a foundation in film history, aesthetics, and methods of analysis that illuminate global and cultural perspectives. Students in the Film Studies Major develop expertise in analyzing the film industry and individual films. They are prepared to begin careers in journalism, festival organization, film acquisition and distribution, and, with additional professional training, entertainment law. Film students have been accepted into film and cultural studies graduate programs and have launched electronic publications on film and media. The Film Studies Major is open to all students admitted to BGSU.

Film Studies Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Film Studies are expected to:

• Critically evaluate film as an aesthetic form and cultural text.
• Evaluate the social, economic, and technological factors that shape films from different historical periods, gender and ethnic perspectives, domestic and international cultural contexts.
• Make aesthetic judgment through interpretation and critical thinking about fiction and nonfiction film, experimental and mainstream cinema, feature and short form narratives.
• Demonstrate a sense of professionalism through creative and intellectual independence. 

Film Studies Major, Bachelor of Arts (40 hours) - minor required - Fall 2020 course requirements.

Film Studies Majors meet with Faculty Mentors in the Department of Theatre and Film to:

• Select electives;
• Choose a minor that best contributes to their program of study.

Film Minor - Department of Theatre and Film
212 Wolfe Center, 419-372-2222

The Film Minor gives students a background in film history, aesthetics, and cinema as a window into society. The Film Minor is useful for students with an interest in art, media, and culture.

Film Minor (21 hours) - Fall 2020 course requirements

Distance Learning
Selected film courses are offered in a Distant Learning format. These courses can be used to satisfy requirements in the Film Minor, the Film Production Major, and the Film Studies Major. Some courses satisfy requirements in the Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree or group requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Grant-in-aid
The Department of Theatre and Film offers grant-in-aid scholarships in acting, technical theatre, and film/video/multimedia production to qualified undergraduates. The grant-in-aid scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, with students completing interviews after submitting applications and letters of recommendation. Students interested in obtaining a grant-in-aid application packet should contact the department office 419-372-2222.

UFO/BG Reel
The collaborative student organizations UFO (University Film Organization) and BG Reel are a remarkable resource for anyone interested in making films or participating in film culture. The groups sponsor several 48 Hour Film competitions throughout the year. They also host the BGSU Film and Media Festival held at the end of every spring semester. The Film and Media Festival features workshops with film professionals and screenings of student films from BGSU and the region.

Study abroad program
Film Production, Film Studies, and Theatre Majors may apply to participate in the BGSU and University of Wales student exchange program. If accepted into the program, students spend a semester studying film and/or theatre in the respected Department of Theatre, Film, and Television at the University of Wales in scenic Aberystwyth.

The Projector: An Electronic Journal on Film, Media and Culture
The Department of Theatre and Film at BGSU also provides the online home for The Projector, a peer-reviewed journal with an international editorial board. The journal publishes research by emerging and established scholars. Some issues include forums of invited work by undergraduates (papers or screenplays presented at BGSU Film and Media Festivals).