BA Film Studies
Film Studies is an interdisciplinary humanities major that explores cinema through theory, history, and media analysis. Students engage with a wide range of topics, including screen histories, film genres, and global screen cultures, while developing critical research, analytical, and communication skills. The major also includes a focused subplan in Cinema and Culture, Film Production, or Screenwriting, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and goals.
Film Studies is an open enrollment major with flexibility within the curriculum. Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in film studies within the College of Arts and Sciences. Students interested in film studies should consult with an Arts and Sciences advisor and with the program’s academic advisor as soon as possible. English 2263: Introduction to Film is a prerequisite for the major and fulfills part of the general education requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences. This prerequisite should be taken early by any student potentially attracted to this major.
Major Requirements
Students complete the following degree requirements:
- pre-requisite course, Introduction to Film (3 credit hours)
- core courses in film theory, history, analysis (6 credit hours)
- non-industrial and non-fiction film courses (6 credit hours)
- global screen cultures course and screen histories course selections (6 credit hours)
- film studies electives (9 credit hours)
- focus area subplan in cinema & culture, film production, screenwriting (9 credit hours)
- senior seminar (3 credit hours)
See complete requirements and course list at: https://go.osu.edu/fsadvising
Qualified students may seek to complete a senior Honors thesis, in which they pursue an area of scholarship under the close supervision of a faculty member. Students majoring in film studies may apply to either the Humanities Scholars or Arts Scholars programs. The Ohio State Scholars Program provides students opportunities to live and learn with students with similar interests and incorporates specialized workshops, programming, mentoring and advising.
Learn more about Honors and Scholars programs,
Film Studies students explore the historical, social, and political dimensions of film, television, and culture broadly, with knowledge and practice in analysis, synthesis, and expression that many employers find vital. Graduates of the program understand media objects, industries, aesthetics, and socio-political contexts; students are also trained in written and oral argumentation, audio-visual presentation, and creative practice. Graduates are well-suited to a variety of careers in the arts, including teaching and higher education; marketing and public relations; film production/distribution/exhibition; archival, artistic, or cultural management; civil service, consulting roles, and more. Film Studies is a wonderful major for students who want to teach or research media, those who desire to work with cinema and arts organizations (such as film archives and festivals), and undertake humanities or communications-based careers. Many of our students are successful in graduate programs for film, filmmaking, library sciences, humanities, and law.