Film Studies

Ana M. Rodriguez-Vivaldi, (Faculty Coordinator) and L. Heustis (Advisor)
https://forlang.wsu.edu/academics/film-studies/
509-335-4136

The Film Studies Minor introduces students to the critical study of cinema and media studies.  It explores how cinema both reflects and influences the facts, ideas, and activities of any given society, and how film allows us to travel to most places in the world and become familiar with diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking.  The film studies minor also teaches students how to discern the cinematic and narrative features that are used in cinematography and how culture can influence them. The study of film encourages critical thinking, respect for cultural diversity, and detailed knowledge of film as a text of facts and ideas. 

The minor’s program of studies is designed by the student in collaboration with the coordinator and /or the advisor.  A minimum of 18 credits is required and must include 9 hours of upper-division work taken in residence at WSU or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. 9 credits must be chosen from COM 471, ENGLISH 150, 339, FOR LANG 110, 410, MUS 266, PHIL 210, and SOC 372 or 373. An additional 9 elective credits geared toward social, cultural, or applied skills are required. Approved courses include CES 222, 338, 358 [M], 379, CHINESE/ASIA/JAPANESE 111, CHINESE 311 [M], COM 210, COMJOUR 360, 390, 466, CRM J/POL S 381, DTC 335, 338, DTC/ENGLISH 336, 354, 355, DTC/AMER ST/ENGLISH 475, ENGLISH 205, 316, 340, 342, ENGLISH/FINE ART 337, FINE ART 333, 363, 380, 381, 385, 434, 435,  FRENCH 110, 310, 410, GERMAN 110, 310, HISTORY 400, MUS 162, RUSSIAN 410, SOC 373, SPANISH 110, 111, 310, 311, and WOMEN ST 340. No more than two courses with the same subject (or content, as in cross-listed courses) may be applied towards the minor. All core courses must be taken at WSU. After consultation with the film studies coordinator or advisor, two elective courses may be transferred to the film studies minor from accredited study abroad and other university/college programs.  A maximum of 3 internship credits may count towards the minor’s electives.

Learning Goals  

• To enhance knowledge of the history and practice of film production
  
• To analyze the nature, history, and function of film in an interdisciplinary manner that broadens and enhances critical thought
  
• To enhance the perception of and respect for the diversity of cultures in this country and around the world as exposed through this medium
  
• To enhance technical understanding of how film and related-media work
  
• To enhance understanding of the societal and cultural roles and impact of film and other media
  
• To enhance media literacy skills