Film Studies

Two students watch a video together.
The Film Studies major prepares you to become a creative and informed writer, audience member, and practitioner of film, through a deeper understanding of film art, history, aesthetics, criticism, and production.

About the Film Studies major

You will develop skills that are at the heart of a liberal arts education, including writing, critical thinking, and problem solving. The major provides an array of course offerings informed by a Christian perspective, with the aim of graduating students of competence and character who are prepared for professional careers, advanced study, and service. Primary goals include:

Cinema literacy: You will practice critical media literacy within the contexts of American and International cinemas.

Historical literacy: You will understand the formation of the American film industry and the pivotal roles movies have played in shaping American and International cultures.

Creative practice: This major prepares a generation of film critics, audiences, and professional.

Major courses and degree requirements

In general, all Film Studies majors are required to fulfill the following requirements:

  • A minimum 70 credits are required for this major, including 30 upper-division credits.
  • This program partners with the L.A. Film Studies Center, a BestSemester program of the Council for Christian College and Universities.
  • A semester at the LAFSC can serve as credits toward the Film Studies major.

View the Film Studies core courses and electives.

Entering the Major

You may enter the major during your first quarter at SPU. Entrance after your first quarter requires only good academic standing (2.0 or higher SPU cumulative GPA). Consult the undergraduate catalog for complete information on how and when to enter and what you must do to complete the program.   


Faculty contact

Todd Rendleman

Professor of Communication
PhD, University of Illinois

Email: trendleman@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2095
Office: Marston 206

Check out the horror film that a group of music and film studies students created in 48 hours last fall for Seattle’s 48-Hour Horror Film Project.