B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Film Studies
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Film Studies at Queens College is designed for students passionate about cinema, offering a deep dive into its history, theory, criticism, and aesthetics. The program fosters analytical, critical, and historical engagement with film, exploring its cultural, sociological, political, philosophical, and psychological dimensions. While primarily focused on critical analysis, the program also incorporates practical learning through select courses in areas like screenwriting and film production, providing a well-rounded foundation for various career paths in the film industry, arts, journalism, or for further graduate studies.
Curriculum The curriculum for the Film Studies major at Queens College is structured to provide a thorough understanding of cinematic forms and contexts. It typically includes core required courses such as "History of Cinema I (1880-1930)," "History of Cinema II (1930-1970)," "Principles of Sound and Image," "Styles of Cinema," and "Film Theory." Beyond these foundational courses, students select from a wide range of electives that delve into specific genres, national cinemas, significant directors, and specialized topics. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is evident as electives are drawn from various departments, including Media Studies, English, Sociology, Comparative Literature, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Art History, and various language departments (Italian, French, Spanish, German, Russian). A strong emphasis is placed on developing robust writing skills through academic film analysis and research projects, as well as professional approaches like screenwriting and film criticism.
Research Focus The Film Studies program at Queens College primarily emphasizes film history, theory, and criticism. Faculty and student research often revolves around analytical and interpretive studies of cinema. While the program offers a limited number of production courses, the overarching aim is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, recognizing that the best filmmakers understand film history and theory, and the best film scholars comprehend the filmmaking process. Research topics can span a wide range, from the evolution of cinematic movements and technological advancements to the cultural and political impact of specific films or genres. The broader Media Studies Department, which houses many film-related courses, also engages in research concerning the global social, cultural, economic, and political impact of various media, including film, television, and digital platforms.
Industry Engagement Queens College's strategic location in New York City provides unparalleled opportunities for industry engagement. While the Film Studies program itself is primarily academic, it encourages students to leverage the city's vibrant media landscape. Students can pursue internships in the film industry, at film festivals, grants and awards organizations, arts institutions, journalism, and other film-related organizations. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships likely assists students in securing such opportunities. Furthermore, being part of the CUNY system offers access to broader film resources and events, such as the City University Film Festival (CUFF) and CUNY TV's "City Cinematheque," which showcases world cinema and hosts discussions with film professionals. These connections allow students to gain practical exposure and build professional networks.
Global Perspective Queens College inherently boasts a strong global perspective, largely due to its incredibly diverse student body representing numerous nationalities and languages. This multicultural environment naturally enriches discussions and understandings of global cinema. The Film Studies curriculum itself reflects this global outlook by offering electives on various national cinemas (e.g., European, French, German, Italian, Russian, Hispanic, and African-American cinema), encouraging students to analyze films from diverse cultural and political contexts. The program aims to expose students to the evolution of major movements in global cinema and both mainstream and alternative filmic traditions worldwide. The college's broader initiatives, such as QC Global, further support international exchange and understanding, ensuring that graduates are prepared to engage with the global nature of the film industry and its diverse audiences.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, with its B.A. in Film Studies, offers a unique blend of critical analysis and practical understanding, preparing graduates for diverse roles within the dynamic film and media industries. The program's location in New York City provides an invaluable advantage, connecting students to a global hub of film production, distribution, and critical discourse.
Film Critic/Journalist: With a strong emphasis on film history, theory, and critical writing, graduates are well-equipped to analyze and review films for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or even specialize in film festival coverage.
Film Archivist/Curator: For those passionate about preserving cinematic heritage, this role involves cataloging, restoring, and managing film collections for archives, museums, or film libraries. Graduates can also work as curators, selecting and presenting film programs for cultural institutions or film festivals.
Production Assistant (PA): An entry-level role in film and television production, PAs gain hands-on experience by assisting with various tasks on set or in the production office, learning the intricacies of filmmaking from the ground up. This is a common starting point for many in the industry, particularly in a robust production hub like New York City.
Assistant Editor/Post-Production Assistant: Graduates with an understanding of film aesthetics and narrative structure can work in post-production, assisting editors with organizing footage, creating rough cuts, and preparing projects for final editing.
Screenwriter's Assistant/Story Editor: Leveraging their strong analytical and writing skills honed in the program, graduates can assist screenwriters with research, script development, and administrative tasks, or work as story editors, providing feedback and shaping narratives for production companies.
Film Festival Staff/Programmer: Graduates can contribute to the vibrant world of film festivals by assisting with operations, marketing, guest relations, or even programming films, utilizing their knowledge of diverse cinematic traditions.
Marketing/Public Relations in Film: With an understanding of how films engage audiences, graduates can work in marketing or PR departments for film studios, independent production companies, or distribution houses, promoting films through various media channels.
Media Researcher: Graduates can apply their research and analytical skills to roles in media research firms, helping to analyze audience trends, market data, and the impact of film and television content.
Arts Administrator (Film Focus): This role involves managing the operations of film-related arts organizations, non-profits, or cultural centers, including grant writing, event planning, and community outreach.
Educational Media Specialist/Instructor: Graduates can utilize their film knowledge in educational settings, developing and delivering media literacy programs, or, with further graduate study, teaching film studies at community colleges or universities.
