Mar 28, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2015-2017 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2015-2017 [Archived Catalog]

Film Studies - MA


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Degree Title: Master of Arts

Program Name and Number: Film Studies - MA5142

Department/Unit: School of Dance, Film, and Theater

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Program Mission:  The M.A. in Film Studies is a two-year program in film history, film analysis, and film theory designed to prepare students for further study at the doctoral level or for careers in which a film studies background may be relevant.

Program Learning Objectives:

  • Scholarship: Students will be able to produce original scholarship in film, acceptable at a scholarly peer-reviewed level.
  • Critical Thinking: Students will gain a mastery of a broad range of critical, theoretical, and historical approaches to film, and be able to apply these to a range of films across different historical periods, nationalities, and modes of production.
  • Teaching: Students will gain experience in undergraduate teaching that addresses course learning outcomes, engages students, and employs different resources appropriately to produce a rich leaning environment.
  • Professional Development: Students will articulate and implement a comprehensive vision of their career paths and goals.

Program Overview: The MA in Film Studies at Ohio University takes a broad approach to film studies in the humanities, with the aim of nurturing innovative and rigorous scholars who can use their experience at OU to enter doctorate programs or find appropriate careers in the field. The program is composed of two compulsory course tracks in film history and theory as well as a range of electives covering a variety genres, movements, and critical approaches. While the compulsory courses provide a survey of the field, the electives often focus on new research in film studies. Classes integrate a presentation of the disciplinary knowledge needed in the field with the development of the skills and practices necessary to apply this knowledge to new research questions. Following a first year of intensive course-work, students may pursue either a written thesis or a comprehensive exam for graduation. Students writing a thesis work closely with a faculty advisor and other committee members to develop an original thesis topic, conduct the necessary research, and produce a manuscript of publishable quality that can be used to further their scholarly goals. Students pursuing an exam path likewise work closely with a faculty advisor to plan and execute a plan for scholarly research in one theory and one history area, preparing them for future scholarly work. Starting in their first year students gain valuable teaching experience as TAs in large lecture courses. In their second year, most students are given the opportunity to create their own stand-alone courses, under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Recognizing the changing demands of the field, the MA program strives to prepare each student individually for the challenges and rewards of scholarship, while giving them the skills to become researchers and teachers able to critically intervene in film and media studies while guiding the next generation of students to become active participants in their increasingly mediated visual worlds.

Opportunities for Graduates: Most graduates from the MA program use their degree to pursue doctoral work in film studies, American studies, cultural studies, and related disciplines. The program aims to make graduating students stand-out applicants to competitive programs. Graduates who apply for PhD programs have behind them the experience of conducting a long term research project and teaching experience that makes them particularly attractive for doctoral programs. Graduates also have a many opportunities outside of academia, including working as film and media librarians, film festival organizers, museum and program curators in film and media, and work in film criticism. There are also expanding opportunities for graduates in non-profit work that integrates film and media into its mission.

Link to Program: http://www.ohio.edu/finearts/film/academics/programs/film-studies-ma.cfm

Graduation Requirements:

  • A minimum of 26 credit hours in core courses and a minimum of 15 credit hours in elective courses must be taken.
  • The combined minimum credit hours for core courses, elective courses, and thesis hours are 50 hours.
  • Successful completion of thesis or comprehensive exam.

Admission Requirements:

  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • A sample of written work consisting of a paper or papers on any subject such as a research paper, article or critical analysis.
  • Personal statement.
  • CV

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