Mar 30, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Catalog Navigation
Catalog Home
Archived Catalogs
General Catalog Information
Majors and Combined Degrees
Minors, Certificates and Micro-Credentials
Departments & Programs
Courses
UB Curriculum (General Education)
Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Calendar
Campus Facilities and Instructional Spaces
Financial and Scholarship Information
Admissions
Student Records and Registration
Academic Advising
Learning Outside the Classroom
Study Abroad
myUB
HUB Academic Advisement Report
Accreditations
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Film Studies BA

Do you love movies? Like really, really love them-watching them, talking about them and breaking them down scene-by-scene? If so, then take a closer look at film studies at UB. This major, from one of the first media study departments in the country, is designed for people who want to develop deeper insights into films and their relationship to culture. So if you want to stand out throughout your career, grab some popcorn and keep reading.

Visit the Film Studies academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Media Study department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria

Continuing UB students wishing to add the Film Studies BA should submit their request to: College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.  Students with at least a 2.0 UB GPA will be added upon request

Course Requirements

Film Studies Core (14 credits)

Ten Category Courses (31-37 credits)

From the 10 category courses, students must complete a total of at least 18 credits at the 300/400 level.

Two Film Theory/History/Criticism/Analysis Courses

Three Critical Theory/Cultural Studies Courses

Two World Cinema Courses

Three Film Study Elective Courses

Total Credits Required for Major: 45-51

Additional Degree Requirements Include:

  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Program Distinction

A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan

A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall

Total Credits: 14 or 15

First Year Spring

  • Credits: 4 OR Pathway Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy and Inquiry 1 Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy and Inquiry Lab Credits: 1
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Film Theory/History/Criticism/Analysis Course Credits: 4
  • Elective Credits: 1

Total Credits: 15 or 16

Second Year Fall

  • Credits: 3
  • World Cinema Credits: 3
  • Film Studies Elective Credits: 4
  • Scientific Literacy and Inquiry 2 Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16

Second Year Spring

  • Film Theory/History/Criticism/Analysis Course Credits: 4
  • Film Studies Elective Credits: 3
  • Critical Theory/Cultural Studies Course Credits: 4
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3

Total Credits: 17

Third Year Fall

Total Credits: 16

Third Year Spring

Total Credits: 15

Fourth Year Fall

  • Elective Credits: 2
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Critical Theory/Cultural Studies Course Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14

Fourth Year Spring

  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 12

Total Credits Required: 120

Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge to:

  • Comprehend, explain and interpret film theory and use of media technology: being able to retain the theoretical/ practical information learned and to, in turn, explain it.
  • Apply, produce and demonstrate use of media technology and theory: to be able to use the knowledge gained to apply media theory.
  • Deconstruct, analyze and compare media objects and theory: to breakdown media objects for analysis, and to create comparisons using media theory.
  • Critique, evaluate and appraise media objects and theory: skillfully incorporate media technology and theory into critiques and appraisals. Be able to take the knowledge one step further than simply knowing and applying it

 

(HEGIS: 10.10 CINEMATOGRAPHY, CIP: 50.0601 Film/Cinema Studies)

 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors and Combined Degrees