Department of English

Film Studies Certificate

Why pursue a certificate in Film Studies?

We are increasingly negotiating life through a screen. As screen images become easier to consume and easier to create, we need professionals who can harness the power and cultural history of the moving image and who understand the elements of narrative, light, cinematography, and sound.

An undergraduate certificate in Film Studies prepares students for careers in industrial and commercial film-making, advertising, film criticism, secondary education, entertainment, television journalism, documentary, social media, graduate studies, and more.

Declare Your Certificate

The Film Studies Certificate is available as of January 2020. To register, please complete the online registration form, and our office will submit your request.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate fundamental visual literacy that will enhance understanding and interpretation of moving images
  2. Analyze how films reflect their cultural context, including the context of a film’s production as well as its reception
  3. Evaluate how films add to the contemporary cultural discussion, and consider how they may uphold or challenge prevailing assumptions
  4. Employ basic techniques of film making, including cinematography, sound, lighting, and editing
  5. Recognize different traditions of film-making
  6. Communicate clearly and analytically about film and media

Requirements

The certificate requires a minimum of 12 credit hours at or above the 100-level that are passed with a C or better for 2.5 GPA or higher. Courses cannot be taken pass/fail.

Students must complete a minimum of 4 different courses from three categories:

  • 3 hours from Core 1: Production
  • 3 hours from Core 2: Analysis
  • 6 additional hours from elective courses

 

Core 1: Production

Student must take 3 credit hours from the following:

  • ANTH 715 "Research Methods in Digital Ethnography" (3)
  • ART 621 "Advanced Concepts in Digital Video" (3)
  • MC 191 - 193 "Foundations in Audio or Video Production" (1 credit each)
  • MC 301 "Photo and Video Storytelling" (3)

 

Core 2: Analysis

Student must take one course at 3 credit hours from the following:

  • ENGL 220 "Fiction into Film" (3)
  • ENGL 335 "Film" (3)
  • THTRE 235 "Introduction to the Art of Film" (3)
  • THTRE 630 "Topics: Film" (3)

 

Electives

Students must take a minimum of 2 3-credit hour courses of the following:

  • AMETH 560 "Top/Amer Ethnic Study: Misrepresented in Media" (3)
  • AMETH 560 "Topics: Film" (3)
  • ANTH 715 "Research Methods in Digital Ethnography" (3)
  • ART 395 "Introduction to Digital Photography" (3)
  • ART 563 "Intermediate Photography" (3)
  • ART 568 "Alternative Processes in Photography" (3)
  • ART 621 "Advance Concepts in Lens Based Media" (3)
  • ART 623 "Advanced Concepts in Digital/Experimental Media" (3)
  • ENGL 220 "Fiction into Film" (3)
  • ENGL 335 "Film" (3)
  • ENGL 420 "Topics in Film" (3)
  • ENGL 740 "Studies in Literary Theory," when offered as “Film Theory” (3)
  • ENGL 745 "Studies in Cultural Studies," when offered as “Film” (3)
  • FREN 512 "Cinema" (3)
  • FREN 519 "Topics in Cinema" (3)
  • GRMN 515 "Topic: Cinema" (3)
  • GWSS 350 "Gender in American Film" (3)
  • MC 110 "Mass Communication in Society" (3)
  • MC 191 - 193 "Foundations in Audio or Video Production" (1 credit each)
  • MC 301 "Photo and Video Storytelling" (3)
  • MC 331 "Digital Photography" (3)
  • MC 385 "Media Practicum - Top/Video" (1)
  • MC 469 "Drone Photography and Video" (3)
  • MC 466 "Law of Mass Communication" (3)
  • MC 471 "Advanced Production (Audio and Video)" (3)
  • MC 572 "Media Ethics" (3)
  • MC 612 "Gender, Class, Race, and the Media" (3)
  • SOCIO 500 "Contemporary Issues Topic: Sociology through Film" (3)
  • SPAN 768 "Hispanic Cinema - Top/Span American Cinema" (3)
  • THTRE 235 "Introduction to the Art of Film" (3)
  • THTRE 280 "Script Analysis" (3)
  • THTRE 565 "Principles of Directing" (3)
  • THTRE 630 "Topics: Film" (3)
  • THTRE 630 "Topics: Acting for the Camera" (3)

Note: Students cannot earn duplicate credit for courses for Core 1 and Core 2 in electives. For example, if a student takes MC 301 to fulfill credit for Core 1, MC 301 CANNOT count also as an elective course.

Course Schedule

Review course offerings by semester for all departments on the university line schedule.

Advising

For advising about the Film Studies Certificate, contact an advisor associated with your area of study. If you do not see your area of study listed below, contact the advisor for English, the home department for the certificate.

  • Art
  • Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work
    • Michael Wesch, Professor, Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work
  • English
  • Modern Languages
    • Angélique Courbou, Teaching Assistant Professor, Lead Advisor & Departmental Coordinator, Modern Languages
  • Media and Communication
    • Raluca Cozma, Associate Director for Undergraduate Programs and Engagement, A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication
  • Music, Theatre, and Dance
    • Shannon Skelton, Assistant Professor, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Questions?

Contact english@ksu.edu for assistance.