Film Studies, BA BA
The Department of Film Studies' BA program focuses on the history, theory and criticism of film and television. Students learn how to critically analyze analyze the impact of film and television on individuals and society; make connections between media, historical themes and cultural change; and compare different formats. Film and media cross time periods and locations, languages and cultures. The courses that a well-rounded Film Studies student will take are equally as diverse. The major blends courses in Film Studies with classes from English, Art History, Comparative Literature, History, Religious Studies, French, Italian, Japanese, and other languages. UWM students have the advantage of being in the heart of the largest city in Wisconsin, home to a lively art house movie scene, a growing independent film industry, and a thriving cinematic culture.
Students who are more interested in film and video production process and who are looking to become a filmmaker or videographer may wish to also explore the majors offered through UWM's Peck School of the Arts.
Additional courses that count toward the major are offered by the following departments in the College of Letters and Science:
- Art History
- English
- Foreign Languages and Linguistics
- French, Italian, and Comparative Literature
- Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies
Lower division film production courses are offered by the Peck School of the Arts' Film Department, and may count towards a student's elective course requirements.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Consider a Double Major
The Department of English’s Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies (Track H) is designed to complement the Film Studies major. Track H focuses on the comparative study of cinema, media and digital culture—film, television, online content, ‘zines and video games.
Students who choose to combine English and Film Studies find that these majors complement each other well and provide distinct academic perspectives and experiences.
Film Studies Major Requirements
A total of 36 credits is required for the major, at least 18 in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above), with at least 15 of them taken in residence at UWM. Students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all UWM credits attempted for the major. In addition, the College requires that students attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. Students must complete the requirements specified below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| ARTHIST/FILMSTD 205 | History of Film I: Development of an Art | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 290 | Introduction to Film Studies | 3 |
| or ENGLISH/FILMSTD 291 | Introduction to Television Studies | |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 390 | Classical Film Criticism and Theory (offered fall semester only) | 3 |
| or ENGLISH/FILMSTD 391 | Television Criticism and Theory | |
| FILMSTD 690 | Seminar in Contemporary Cinema and Media: (satisfies L&S research requirement; offered spring semester only) | 3 |
| Intermediate-Level Requirement | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Entertainment Arts: Film, Television, and the Internet | ||
| History of Film II: Development of an Art | ||
| Literature and Film: | ||
| Writing about Film and Television | ||
| Introduction to Television Studies (if not selected above) | ||
| Game Culture | ||
| Women and Film | ||
| Media Workshop: 1 | ||
| 16mm Filmmaking 1 | ||
| Digital Filmmaking 1 | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Film and Television Studies: | ||
| Ad Hoc: | ||
| Italian Cinema | ||
| Advanced-Level (300 and above) Electives | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following (focusing on world/global/international cinema): | 6 | |
| World Cinema: | ||
| Feminist Media Criticism and Theory: | ||
| Global Cinema and Media: | ||
Or other appropriate courses approved by the Director | ||
| Select 12 additional credits (see below) | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
A maximum of 3 credits in Film Department courses (FILM) may count toward the intermediate-level course requirement.
Advanced-Level Electives
The following is a partial list. Other variable content courses with appropriate subtitles may be approved on a semester-by-semester basis to count toward the major. See the list published in the Schedule of Classes under affiliated Film Studies courses, the Film Studies website, or the program advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTHIST/FILMSTD 308 | Film Styles: | 3 |
| COMPLIT 360 | Seminar in Literature and Cultural Experience: (New Chinese Cinemas) | 3 |
| COMPLIT 461 | Film-Fiction Interaction: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 312 | Topics in Film, Television and Digital Studies: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 316 | World Cinema: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 320 | Studies in Film and Television Authorship: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 329 | Film and Literature | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 380 | Media and Society: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 383 | Cinema, Television, and Genre: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 391 | Television Criticism and Theory | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 393 | Entertainment Industries: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/FILMSTD 394 | Theories of Digital Culture: | 3 |
| FILMSTD/JEWISH 350 | Global Jewish Film and Television: | 3 |
| FILMSTD 412 | Global Cinema and Media: | 3 |
| FILMSTD 489 | Internship in Film Studies, Upper Division | 1-6 |
| FILMSTD 499 | Ad Hoc: | 1-6 |
| FILMSTD 669 | Screening Sexuality: | 3 |
| FILMSTD 699 | Independent Work | 1-3 |
| FRENCH 451 | Cinema of the French-Speaking World: | 3 |
| JAMS 562 | Media Studies and Culture 1 | 3 |
| JAMS 620 | Seminar in Global Media 1 | 3 |
- 1
A maximum of 3 credits in JAMS courses may count toward the advanced-level course requirement.
Current students already enrolled at UWM who wish to declare a Film Studies major may do so by completing the department’s online request form. If you are unable to complete the online request form or for any other questions, please email Zach Finch.
Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to change their major should contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
What can you do with an Film Studies major? We found out!