Film Studies

Discover the history, theory and criticism of film and television

What is Film Studies?

Think of your favorite film. What did you like about it? The story? The characters? The action? The overall look? If audiovisual culture means more to you than just entertainment, this may be the right major for you.

Students in UWM’s Film Studies program learn about the history, theory and criticism of film and television. We discuss and write about these areas critically; make connections between these media, historical themes and cultural change; analyze the impact of film and television on individuals and society; and compare different media formats.

UWM’s Film Studies program offers a cross-department major and minor that blends courses in Film Studies with classes from English, Art History, Comparative Literature, French, Italian, and Japanese. The program promotes the study of cinema and television in their aesthetic, social, cultural, political and technological contexts and expands students’ understanding of cinema and television as essential components of our global culture.

Professor Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece interviewed

Professor Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece was interviewed in Film Quarterly to discuss her latest book, Movies Under the Influence. Read the full interview at Film Quarterly. Read more →

Professor Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece featured on WPR’s “Central Time” and Yahoo! News

Film Studies Director Professor Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece was recently interviewed for WPR’s “Central Time” and Yahoo! News on the topics of music at the movies and the joy of massive box office failures. Listen to the interview or read about the... Read more →

Samantha Peetz interviewed by the Shepherd Express

Current Film Studies major and SEEN organizer, Samantha Peetz, was interviewed by the Shepherd Express regarding the collective’s screenings, art installations, and the upcoming Hallo-SEEN event. The full article and information on Hallo-SEEN can be found here: SEEN Centers Queer Filmmakers... Read more →