Key Takeaways:
- Introduction courses offer foundational knowledge, helping students decide if film studies is their passion.
- History and analysis courses deepen the understanding of film’s evolution and critical aspects, which are essential for industry insights.
- Technical and genre-specific courses enhance practical skills and explore various film types, preparing students for diverse careers in the film industry.
Courses in film studies are genuinely fascinating. These classes teach students all aspects of what goes into making films and prepare them for a career in the film industry. These are five of the most common types of courses taught in film studies degree programs.
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1. Introduction to Film Studies
Most film programs start with an introductory course on film studies. The purpose of these courses is to provide students with an introduction to film and a taste of what the rest of the program has to offer. Students often take these classes to explore whether film studies might be of interest to them, and if they enjoy the classes, they will typically go on to take other film studies classes. The basic information students learn in an intro class equips them to move on in their studies.
2. History of Film
History of film classes are sometimes broken up into eras, such as classical and modern films. Film history is essential for students to understand, as it enables them to comprehend how film has evolved over its relatively short history and where it may be headed in the future. Pupils need to know the directors and other professionals who have come before and contributed their creative ideas to the film industry. Once students understand this, they can push the boundaries and continue to evolve the medium of film into the future.
3. Film Analysis and Criticism
A huge aspect of a film career is being able to analyze film and understand film criticism. Students need to analyze existing films to gain inspiration and identify what works and what doesn’t in both filmmaking and storytelling. Some film students will likely go on to be film critics in some regard, so it is critical that they receive education of this nature. Students who go on to make movies need to understand and be able to take criticism of their films so they can improve and not get discouraged.
4. Film Techniques
The technical aspects of film and the techniques involved in filmmaking are also heavily taught in film school. Often, individual classes are dedicated to certain technical aspects of film, such as sound, special effects, art design, and more. Technical courses teach the differences of various film techniques. When they are instrumental, such as long shots, tracking shots, Dutch angles, and other methods, filmmakers have at their disposal to bring movies to life. Empire Magazine outlines these various camera angles and techniques. Editing techniques are also taught, such as cutaways, dissolves, and wipes.
5. Film Genres
Many courses in film studies programs focus on a specific genre or type of film. For example, courses in American film are standard, as are Chinese, French, German, and Japanese cinema. Courses dedicated to specific film genres, such as science fiction, horror, animation, and comedy, are also common electives within a film studies program. Most students have a particular interest in a specific type of film. These courses are designed to provide students with a more in-depth understanding of the elements that make various film genres unique and special.
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A solid education on the subject provides a strong foundation for launching a career in film. This is why it is essential for students to know the courses they will be taking once enrolled in a program. Students can expect to encounter these courses in film studies during their time in a college-level film studies program.