This major is not accepting new admits as of Autumn 2023.
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.
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 professionals.
Film Studies minor
The Film Studies minor will prepare you to become a critical and creative consumer, critic, and practitioner of film by helping you develop a deeper understanding of film history, aesthetics, criticism, and skills-based training. You will also gain an understanding of the formation of the American film industry, and the pivotal roles that movies have played — and continue to play — in shaping American and world cultures.
Much like those who pursue the major, students who minor in Film Studies will possess a range of skills that prepares them for success in many professions, especially ones that involve critical thinking, writing, and visual literacy. The minor complements any number of majors and is also solid preparation for graduate study.
Entering and completing a Film Studies major or minor
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major or minor, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.
Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) and minor(s) by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major or minor, follow these instructions.
- If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major or minor in this department.
- Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.