Feb 17, 2025
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Film Studies, BA
The major in film studies major requires the completion of 36 credits distributed as follows.
Two Critical Studies Courses, Normally Taken First
One Advanced Seminar, Normally Taken in the Senior Year
One Production Course, Chosen from the Following
At Least Two Courses in Category 1: National Cinemas, Filmmakers
A current Category 1 list from which students can choose their courses is available through the Film Studies Advising office.
At Least Two Courses in Category 2: Themes, Genres, Theory
A current Category 2 list from which students can choose their courses is available through the Film Studies Advising office.
Four Additional Elective Courses to Complete the Major
Additional Rules and Requirements
- ENGFLM 0530 and ENGFLM 0540 or their equivalents should be completed prior to taking any production courses, any 1000-level film courses, and before declaring the major.
- At least five courses that count toward the major must be taken at the 1000 level.
- No more than five production courses may be counted toward the major, although additional production courses can be taken as electives toward graduation.
- Only one three-credit internship can be counted in the production category toward the major.
- For those students taking three or fewer production courses, two courses within the major may be taken in approved related courses in other departments within Arts and Sciences.
- At least 50% of the major courses must be taken at the University of Pittsburgh.
- A minimum GPA of 2.0 in departmental courses is required for graduation.
- No more than three courses that count toward the major can be taken on an S/NC basis.
- Students must complete at least one W-course in the major.
- Common related areas of study completed by film studies majors to fulfill the Arts and Sciences (12-credit) related area requirement are English writing, English or second language literature, history of art and architecture, and history.
Film studies courses fall into three categories. A current list of courses falling into each category is available through the film studies advising office.
- Category 1: National Cinemas, Filmmakers
- Category 2: Themes, Genres, Theory
- Category 3: Film, Photography, Video Production
Note: All courses in Category 3 are offered by special arrangement through Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Enrollment in these classes will be limited to those whose tuition is covered by Arts and Sciences. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, first to full-time Arts and Sciences students, all of whom must be in good academic standing. To apply for a seat in a Pittsburgh Filmmakers course, students must preregister with the film studies office in room 624 of the Cathedral of Learning two weeks before the first day of Arts and Sciences registration. Failure to attend the first class of the term will mean automatic loss of the seat. Students will not be permitted to take more than one course per term.