Film Option

The School of Film and Photography (SFP) prepares students to meet the challenges of a rapidly expanding media environment as professionally trained creative artists and informed critical thinkers. Our students develop their own voices as tomorrow's leaders through intensive hands-on exploration of film, photography and related media.

The School of Film and Photography offers two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Film and Photography and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA) in Integrated Lens-Based Media. 

The Film and Photography BA program offers separate concentrations (options) in Film or Photography. Each of these two options offer ample opportunity to explore both areas if desired, while providing a strong focus for students to pursue professional career opportunities in the area of their choosing. Students who wish to explore the relationship between Film and Photography as integrated artistic media even further may apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Program in Integrated Lens Media.

Students who select the Film Option will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of motion picture production, starting in the freshman year and culminating in a senior thesis film project. While providing a strong professional foundation in all aspects of production, students have the ability to explore areas of particular interest in directing, editing, cinematography, sound design, production management, scriptwriting, etc. At the same time, students study film history and film theory to broaden their understanding of film as a highly developed medium of artistic expression and commercial entertainment industry.

Film Option Curriculum

FILM FOUNDATION COURSES (typically taken in freshman year)

FILM 101IHUnderstanding Film and Media3
FILM 112Aesthetics of Film Production I3
PHOT 113RAThe Magic of the Darkroom I3
WRIT 101WCollege Writing I3
University Seminar (topic of choice)3
*FILM 112, WRIT 101W and US101US are offered both fall and spring semesters and may be taken in either semester.
TOTAL CREDITS15
REQUIRED COURSES (TYPICALLY TAKEN SOPHOMORE YEAR)
Take all of the following courses:16
FILM 201DFilm History I: Origins to the 1960s3
FILM 202DFilm History II: 1960s to the Present3
FILM 212Aesthetics Film Production II4
FILM 251Scriptwriting3
FILM 254Acting for Film3
FILM STUDIES REQUIREMENT6
After completing FILM 201D & 202D, take a minimum of two of the following courses:
Studies in Film
Advanced Studies in Film
Recent History of Photography
Contemp Issues in Photography
Other 300 or higher-level Film Studies or related class with advisor approval. Other recommended studies electives taught in departments across the University are: ARTH 391 Visual Analysis of Film and Video (3), GRMN 422IH German Text & Cinema (3), JPNS 361IH Japanese Text and Cinema (3), LS 451 Film, Photos, and Culture: A Global Perspective (3), NASX 360 Native Americans and Cinema (3), PHL 328 Philosophy and Film (3), SPNS 352IH US Latino Text and Cinema (3), and PSYX 263CS The Psychology of Film (3).
FILM PRODUCTION REQUIREMENT8
After completing FILM 212, 251 & 254, Take a minimum of two of the following courses:
Non-Fiction Film Production
Fiction Film Production
Experimental Film Production
Theatre Production
SFP ELECTIVE REQUIREMENT12-16
Take any four courses offered in the School of Film & Photography that are not serving to fulfill any requirements listed above. Any of the studies or production courses listed above in excess of the number required in each category may serve as SFP Electives. This requirement is intended to permit Film and Photography students to explore their individual interests in greater depth in one area or more broadly in multiple areas, across both Film and Photography.
NON-SFP ELECTIVES REQUIREMENT9
Take at least 9 credits outside of the School of Film and Photography (not FILM, PHOT or THTR) that are not serving to fulfill university CORE or other Film Option requirements. This requirement is intended to encourage Film and Photography students to develop other areas of knowledge outside of film and photography. Completion of a minor outside of the School of Film and Photography automatically fulfills this requirement.
SENIOR CAPSTONE REQUIREMENT5
After completing the Film Production Requirement (above), take:
FILM 499Senior Production5
The FILM 499 Senior Capstone Project provides film option students with the opportunity to perform a major role in the production of a film, as Director (selected by a competitive pitch process), Producer/Production Manager, Scriptwriter, Cinematographer, Lighting Designer, Production Design, Editor, or Sound Designer, based on the student’s interest and accomplishment in that area. Students may take FILM 499 twice, performing different roles. Senior standing in the Film Option is required.
Alternative Senior Capstone Option: Students with unique interest and aptitude in a specific area that is not well-suited to a FILM 499 group project may, with faculty agreement and supervision, complete the Senior Capstone requirement as a FILM 490R Research Thesis.
Total Film Option Credits (not including WRIT101 and US101)
Total Credits68

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation, 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.