CWU Film & Video Studies

 

Program Mission

Film and Video Studies (FVS) is an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts program with a curriculum drawn from courses in the university's various colleges. The program employs a scholarly, creative and professional approach to the study of both film and television and seeks to help each student discover his or her own vision as an independent critic, artist, and communicator. The program provides an education in the history & theory of film, television and digital media art forms and basic learning experiences in film and video production weaving together the scholarly, artistic and professional aspects of the field within the context of a liberal arts education.

 

FVS Promo Video By John Heimark, 2008 graduate.

 

Bridging traditionally separate areas of study, the curriculum has two components: (1) a shared core of foundation courses, introducing students to the role of film and television in society as well as building a shared vocabulary in media aesthetics and film theory and criticism, and (2) two specializations from which students must choose one:

 

* Critical Studies: exploring the history, theory and criticism of film and television
       —or—

* Production: building specific skills in mediated storytelling, from writing and producing to directing, cinematography and editing.

   Likewise, there are several minors offered:

 

* Critical Studies

* Visual Literacy

* Documentary Studies (coming soon!)

 

Program Standards

A Film & Video Studies specialization or minor can be selected by students using the normal major/minor declaration process and with assistance from a faculty advisor.

 

Only s tudents with a minimum grade point average of 2.4 or better and a combined "B" average in COM 201 Intro. to Mass Media, and FVS 250 Intro. to Film & Video Studies may be admitted to this program.