Program Description

Film has become such a pervasive element in our cultural environment that we seldom critically examine the images that we see. The interdisciplinary program in film studies is intended to make students more aware of the nuances and circumstances of film and film production. Students learn to view film as a multilayered text, as a sociopolitical and economic product, and as an aesthetic and expressive artistic medium.

Courses in film studies acquaint students with the vocabulary of film so that they can evaluate film in a sophisticated way. Students learn to think and write about film critically and examine how the medium affects them as viewers. They also learn about the social, political, economic, and legal conditions that shape the production, content, distribution, and access of films. Moreover, they become active participants in a hands-on approach to the process of artistic creativity involving visual media. The program aims to make students more perceptive and knowledgeable viewers and critics of the films of the past and of the future.

Study Abroad

Saint Mary’s has a long history of providing quality international programs as an essential part of our educational mission—forming women leaders who will make a difference in the world. As this world becomes increasingly interdependent, the College offers an expanding range of semester, year, semester break, and summer study and service programs in a wide variety of countries, and encourages students to take advantage of them. Learn more about the various Study Abroad opportunities.

Programs

Department Chair

Tiffany Johnson Bidler, Program Coordinator
227 Moreau Center for the Arts
574 284-4288

Student Learning Outcomes

Students in the minor upon completion of the program should:

1. Demonstrates ability to use relevant software, equipment, and methods to produce digital videos, photos, or elements of mise-en-scène.
2. Recognizes the visual structure, artistic principles, and concepts that guide how digital videos, photos, or elements of mise-en-scène are created.
3. Analyzes film, photography, elements of mise-en-scène, or mass media using discipline- and/or industry-specific terms.
4. Evaluates how cultural factors (e.g., gender, race, class, inequality, politics) shape the production and/or reception of film, photography, elements of mise-en-scène, or mass media.
5. Demonstrates ability to use historical methods to analyze historical changes in film, photography, elements of mise-en-scène, or mass media.
6. Demonstrates ability to use interdisciplinary methods to explain the cultural and/or creative significance of film, photography, elements of mise-en-scène, or mass media.