Study film and media at Calvin
The major in Film and Media Studies provides a firm liberal arts foundation for students interested in the intersections between faith, culture, and film and media. Coursework for this major provides both introductory and advanced study for students interested in communication, particularly as it functions in film, television, radio, Internet and New Media platforms (social networking), multiple forms of digital communication, advertising, and/or other media arts. This major also will serve students interested in graduate education in Communication Studies, Film Studies, or Media Studies. Through coursework primarily in history, theory, criticism, and practice of film and media arts, students will gain the following:
- An understanding of how a life of faith can be applied to the study of film and media.
- An introduction to the elements of media production.
- An appreciation of the way film and media work as art forms within culture.
- Extensive knowledge of film and media history.
- Extensive knowledge of classical and contemporary film and media theory.
- Skills to analyze and criticize film and media through oral and written presentation.
- An understanding of the global context and practice of film and media.
- Experience in developed, historical and critical research and writing in the areas of film and media.
Students majoring in Film and Media Studies participate fully in the college’s core curriculum, receive guidance on appropriate core courses, and become well-prepared for a variety of callings in the areas of film studies, media studies, advertising and public relations, and other communication-based vocations. Students will be able to complete this program within four years. This major leaves time for off-campus study, a minor or selected electives, thereby enhancing students’ full opportunity to engage in Christian liberal arts education.
Program requirements
As a film and media studies major, you will take the following courses:
CAS 145
CAS 141, 190 or CAS/ENG 248
CAS 230 or CAS 281
CAS 231 or CAS 282
CAS 254
CAS 284
CAS 352
CAS 395 (must have taken at least two courses from the major, or permission of instructor; may be repeated twice for credit under a different topic)
Three (3) courses from the following, no more than one in media making and at least one must be a 300-level course:
- CAS 201, 230, 231, 255, 281, 282, CAS/ENG 296, CAS/POLS 318, 305, 346, 352, CAS/FRN 375, CAS 395, 399, one interim course (topic appropriate, with approval from advisor)
Media making courses:
- CAS 141, 190, CAS/ENG 248, 249, 250, 290, 351, one interim course (topic appropriate, with approval from advisor)
Advisors
Contact Mark Fackler, Carl Plantinga, William Romanowski, Quenten Schultze or Chris Smit for more on film and media studies at Calvin.
