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:

• Be acquainted with the vocabulary of film as an expressive artistic medium.
• Be able to think and write critically about film as a text.
• Possess a deeper appreciation of how the film medium affects them.
• Understand the social, political, economic and legal conditions that shape mass media industries in general and the film industry in particular.
• Understand, in a discriminating manner, the effects of media on individuals, groups, and the larger culture.
• Allow as a whole, or in significant measure, for a creative and intellectual exploration of themes, concepts and content directly related to the process of filmmaking.
• Have a knowledge of the tools and techniques actively employed in the creation of cinematic artworks.
• Have acquired an appreciation of cinema as an art form.