Film Studies - Minor
For information, contact Steven Weitz, Chair of the Department of Communication, at steven.weitz@cedarcrest.edu or 610-606-4666, ext. 4483.
Cedar Crest offers a minor in film studies, which is the interdisciplinary study of film as an art and medium of communication. The minor is a collaboration between faculty and programs who have courses at Cedar Crest College that focus on one or more of the following aspects of film: film history; film genre study; film and persuasion; film analysis and critique; film as cultural and socio-historical artifact. Film Studies is rooted in a commitment to the liberal arts, and especially to the development of critical thinking skills. Courses in film studies illuminate both the medium of film and also the specific topic under exploration, and can promote understanding of both historical and contemporary social and political issues. It can also promote technological and cultural literacy, as students learn the techniques of film and video as communicative and persuasive media that help to shape cultural values.
Requirements for the Film Studies Minor* (18 credits minimum)
Required Course
COM 140 Introduction to Film 3 credits
Five Other Courses, Chosen Among the Following Existing Courses
COM 120 Introduction to New Media 3 credits
COM 224 Intro to Video Production 3 credits
COM 240 History of Cinema 3 credits
COM 244 Topics in Film. 3 credits (Can be taken twice; can be taken three times only after permission is given after a consultation with an advisor to the minor.)
COM 270 Race and Gender in the Media 3 credits
COM 324 Video Production II 3 credits
ENG 180 Women Go to the Movies, or How to Read a Film 3 credits
HIS 220 Film and History 3 credits
*No more than two courses that count toward a student’s major may be used to satisfy the requirements for the Film Studies minor. Communication credits in the Film Studies minor can count toward a Communication minor, with the following restrictions: approval of advisor; no more than 6 credits total can count toward both minors. A grade of C- or better is needed for courses that fulfill minor requirements.
