Film
Berkeley offers an innovative, interdisciplinary undergraduate program leading to a BA in Film Studies. This rich and diverse program seeks to explore the most popular art form of this century in the larger context of humanistic studies. It offers rigorous engagement with the entire culture of moving-images, teaching students to think historically, theoretically and analytically about a wide range of cinematic forms. At the same time, it encourages students to look at moving-images from the vantage point of other disciplines. To this end, the Film studies Program cooperates with a number of other departments and programs on campus offering courses from Rhetoric, Comparative Literature, English, Women's Studies, History, Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Political Science, Dramatic Arts, and the foreign languages.
The core courses for Film Studies majors include a two-semester sequence in the history of silent and sound film, a course on the documentary and the avant-garde film, a course in film theory, and a selection of courses on specific film genres, filmmakers, national cinemas and new media. Electives include introductory film and video production and a course on screenwriting. The program is especially fortunate to be affiliated with the Pacific Film Archive, an internationally known cinematheque which screens films six nights a week and often brings filmmakers to campus. Although film production is not a focus of this program, some hands-on production is possible. Students may also take advantage of internship opportunities at the Pacific Film Archive, with the journal Film Quarterly and with local film and video production companies. Many students go on to graduate school in film or the humanities, others enter Law School or Business Administration, and others find work in media. All acquire a high level of visual literacy, analytic and writing skills.
Lower Division Requirements and Prerequisites for the Film Major
(prerequisites indicated by asterisks)
- Film 25A*-25B
- Film 28A-28B
- Three college semesters in one language or two college semesters in two languages. (American Sign Language may not be used.)
Note: Students may declare major after completing either Film 25A or 25B, but both are required for graduation.
Departmental Contact
Marcus Norman
mdn@berkeley.edu
7407 Dwinelle Hall
(510) 642-1416
General Catalog Description
http://sis.berkeley.edu/catalog/gcc_view_req?p_dept_cd=FILM
Departmental Website
http://filmstudies.berkeley.edu/undergraduate.html
Other Majors to Consider
Rhetoric
English
Interdisciplinary Studies
Art History
Comparative Literature