Screen Studies

Q: What courses should I take during the first year?

Students should plan to take three core courses: SCRN 101 Foundations of Screen Studies (formerly Introduction to Screen Arts – to be taken as early as possible), SCRN107 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking, (formerly Introduction to Video Production), or its equivalent SCRN114 Writing About Film: Methods of Film Analysis (to be taken after SCRN 101 and as early as possible). You may also be interested in taking a 100-level Screen Studies course that does not have pre-requisites, such as SCRN 130 Film Genre or SCRN 121 Survey of International Film Before 1960. Click here to check Screen Studies course availability.

Q: If key introductory courses are filled, are there good alternatives?

Both SCRN 010 and SCRN 107 are offered both in the Fall and Spring. There will be a section of SCRN 010 in Spring 2010 exclusively for first-year students.

You may request waiving SCRN 107 if you have the equivalent (including training in Final Cut). If a waiver is approved, you should substitute an upper-level production course to fulfill the requirement. To determine whether you are eligible for a waiver, contact Hugh Manon, Screen Studies Program Director.

Q: Should students consider majoring in Screen Studies and another discipline?

Because of its interdisciplinary nature, students may wish to double major in screen studies and another discipline. You may also consider a minor in Screen Studies.

Q: What courses are required if I double major in Screen Studies and Communication and Culture?

You need to take the courses required for both majors. A few of the same courses are required by both majors. In consultation with your major advisor, you may count a maximum of two of these courses for each major (this is called “double-counting”).

Q: Where should students or faculty go for more information?

Students and faculty can contact Hugh Manon, Screen Studies Program Director, for more information about the program, major and minor requirements, and finding a major advisor.