# Film & Media Studies Major/Minor

**Source**: https://art.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/film-media-studies-majorminor
**Parent**: https://art.stanford.edu

## Film & Media Studies Major

### Suggested Preparation

Students considering a major in film & media studies should take [FILMEDIA 4: Introduction to Film Study](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/1107111) and are encouraged to take either [ARTHIST 1A: Experiencing Global Art and Architecture](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2156641), [ARTHIST 1B: How to Look at Art and Why: An Introduction to the History of Western Painting](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/1106021), or [ARTHIST 5: Art and Power](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2236901) during their frosh or sophomore year. These courses anchor the major through exposure to film language, genre, and visual and narrative structures. Majors are required to take one course in the fundamentals of film and video production.

### Field of Study and Degree Options

Students who wish to major in film & media studies must meet with the Student Services Specialist. At that time, the student selects a faculty advisor and declares the major on Axess. Concentratrations within the major are approved by the faculty advisor and declared on Axess. Students must submit their Concentration Declaration Form to the Student Services Specialist by the end of Winter Quarter of their junior year. See concentration options below:

- Culture & Criticism
- Screenwriting

### Degree Requirements

Students must complete at least 61 units of coursework. For the most up-to-date information about the Film & Media Studies major requirements, please visit the [Stanford Bulletin](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/programs/FILM-BA).

All majors are required to attend an orientation session presented by the professional staff of the Art and Architecture Library, which introduces the tools of research and reference available on campus and through the internet. Contact Katie Keller (kkeller [at] stanford.edu (kkeller[at]stanford[dot]edu)) to schedule an orientation session.

Foundation Courses

Students must complete all of the following courses:

- [ARTHIST 1A: Experiencing Early Global Art and Architecture](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2156641) OR [ARTHIST 1B: How to Look at Art and Why: An Introduction to the History of Western Painting](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/1106021) OR any Art History (ARTHIST) elective
- [FILMEDIA 4: Introduction to Film Study](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/1107111)
- [FILMEDIA 6: Media and Mediums](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2101161)

Both FILMEDIA 4 and FILMEDIA 6 must be taken for five units.

Core Courses

Film History

Students must complete at least **two** of the following courses:

- [FILMEDIA 100A: History of World Cinema I: Silent Film](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2055001)
- [FILMEDIA 100B: History of World Cinema II: Film as Industrial Art](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2054981)
- [FILMEDIA 100C: History of World Cinema III: Queer Cinemas around the World](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2054971)

All core courses must be taken for at least four units.

Core Courses

Students must complete both of the following courses:

- [FILMEDIA 101: Close Cinematic Analysis](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2065751)
- [FILMEDIA 102: Theories of the Moving Image](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2027001)

FILMEDIA 101 and FILMEDIA 102 serve as the designated Film & Media Studies WIM course. The specific course offered as WIM varies by year. Please contact the Student Services Specialist to inquire about the current year's WIM offering.

All core courses must be taken for at least four units.

Studio Courses

Student must complete any of the following studio courses:

- [FILMPROD 114: Introduction to Film and Video Production](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2051351)
- FILMPROD 116: Script to Screen
- [FILMPROD 118: Remixing the Moving Image](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2234961)

Subplan Courses

Students select between two concentration options, **Culture and Criticism** or **Screenwriting**, and must complete at least **five** elective courses. Students must submit their concentration form, signed and approved by their faculty advisor, no later than the Winter Quarter of their junior year. Students can pick between the two subplans:

**Culture and Criticism**:

- Only one of the five electives may be a production course (FILMPROD). All other concentration courses must be FILMEDIA.

**Screenwriting**:

- At least one of the five electives must be a FILMEDIA course. All other concentration courses may be FILMPROD.

All subplan courses must be taken for at least four units.

See the [Film & Media Studies Bulletin](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/programs/FILM-BA) for a list of approved subplan courses.

Capstone Experience

Students must complete the capstone course in their senior year:

- [FILMEDIA 290: Movies and Method](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2055101)

Honors (optional)

Students interested in honors must submit a thesis proposal and study plan in the Winter Quarter of their junior year.

Application Prerequisites:

- Meet the GPA requirement of 3.5 cumulative and 3.5 in Film & Media Studies coursework.
- Complete at least 5 Film & Media Studies courses at Stanford by the end of their junior year.
- Choose a thesis advisor and develop a research project in coordination with advisor.

Honors Program Requirements:

- Enroll in 10 units of [FILMEDIA 297: Honors Thesis Writing](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2088301) during their senior year.
- Submit bibliography, chapters, and finals thesis to their advisor, the second faculty reader, and department administration.
- (optional) Apply for a research grant to help finance trips or expenses related to thesis research.

Visit the [Honors in Art History and Film & Media Studies](https://art.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/honors-programs/honors-art-history-film-and-media-studies) page for more details.

## Film & Media Studies Minor

### Minor Requirements

Students must complete at least 29 units, 7 courses total. For the most up-to-date information about the Film & Media Studies minor, please visit the [Stanford Bulletin](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/programs/FILM-MIN).

All minors are required to attend an orientation session presented by the professional staff of the Art and Architecture Library, which introduces the tools of research and reference available on campus and through the internet. Contact Katie Keller (kkeller [at] stanford.edu (kkeller[at]stanford[dot]edu)) to schedule an orientation session.

Core Courses

Students must complete all of the following courses:

- [FILMEDIA 4: Introduction to Film Study](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/1107111)
- [FILMEDIA 6: Media and Mediums](https://art.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/: Media and Mediums)
- [FILMEDIA 102: Theories of the Moving Image](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2027001)
- [FILMEDIA 100A: History of World Cinema I: Silent Film](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2055001) OR [FILMEDIA 100B: History of World Cinema II: Film as Industrial Art](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2054981) OR [FILMEDIA 100C: History of World Cinema III: Queer Cinemas around the World](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/courses/2054971)

Elective Courses

Students must complete three elective courses. Up to two Film Production (FILMPROD) courses may count toward the minor. Art Practice courses may not be used.

See the [Film & Media Studies Minor Bulletin](https://bulletin.stanford.edu/programs/FILM-MIN) for a list of approved elective courses.