Film and Media Studies Minor

The Film and Media Studies minor offers students the opportunity to study film and media in the pursuit of visual literacy and creativity. The FMS minor emphasizes both creative and critical thinking, essential skills for success in most any modern field of work or study.

Visual literacy and a deep understanding of media processes are important to effective citizenship in an increasingly mediated global environment. Throughout their lives, students will face myriad opportunities to consume, interpret, and create mediated messages. Their knowledge and skill in this area will have important impacts upon the effectiveness and ethics of film and media, key institutional forces around the world. As opportunities to become creators of film and media content continue to proliferate in work and social environments, the theoretical and practical insights provided to FMS minors can offer students advantages in professional, personal and community contexts.

Film and Media Studies is an interdisciplinary minor that explores the historical, political, social, economic, and cultural impact of film and media while developing an understanding of production and aesthetics. As a result of this interdisciplinary focus, there are strong opportunities for the Film and Media Studies minor to complement and expand the impact of a student’s chosen major.

A minor in Film and Media Studies can prepare students for careers in film and television, marketing and public relations, journalism, photography, video production, advertising, and other related fields. It also provides a foundation for graduate work in Art, Film and Media Studies, Journalism, and Mass Communication.

By the sophomore year, students should choose a Film and Media Studies minor advisor from the faculty members listed above to guide them in planning the choice of courses to fulfill the requirements for the program.