2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
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2011-2012 University Catalog

Film and Video Studies, BA

Banner Code: AR-BA-FAVS

Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-5158
Web: www.gmu.edu/cvpa/favs

Faculty

Cynthia Lont, Program Director

Clayton Austin, Theater; Thomas Britt, Film and Video Studies; Julie Christensen, Modern and Classical Languages; Mark Cooley, Art and Visual Technology; Lynne  Constantine, Art and Visual Technology; Edgar Endress, Art and Visual Technology; Peggy Feerick, Art and Visual Technology; Cynthia Fuchs, English; Edward Gero, Theater; Timothy Gibson, Communication; Carma Hinton, Robinson Professor; Richard Kamenitzer, Arts Management; Howard Kurtz, Theater; Alison Landsberg, History and Art History; Heather McDonald, Theater; Scott Martin, Computer Game Design; David Miller, Communication; Kristina Olsen, Modern and Classical Languages; Paula Petrik, History and Art History; Janine Ricouart, Modern and Classical Languages; Mark Sample, English; Jessica Scarlata, English; Benjamin Steger, Film and Video Studies; Gail Scott White, Art and Visual Technology; Martin Winkler, Modern and Classical Languages; Sue Wrbican, Art and Visual Technology

Course Work

The Film and Video Studies Program offers all course work designated FAVS in the Courses  chapter of this catalog.

Program

The Film and Video Studies Program offers a 120-credit multidisciplinary BA degree, which spans many units including Art and Visual Technology, Communication, English, History and Art History, Modern and Classical Languages, New Century College, and Theater. Students study film and video production, theory, criticism, ethics, screenwriting, and business.

The vocabulary of film (broadly defined) now pervades the intellectual, cultural, political, and social landscape. The tools the filmmaker wields apply to an ever-widening range of tasks across the fields of human endeavor, from traditional narrative and documentary productions to academic research and pedagogical applications to projects of personal expression. Emerging technology makes the means of production available to anyone with access to a moderate level of computing power. This combination of factors makes film an important subject for academic inquiry and training.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students seeking a BA in film and video studies fulfill this requirement by completing THR 482.

Academic Policies

Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts  for college academic policies.

Degree Requirements

General Education (40 credits)

Foundation Requirements

  • Oral communication Credits: 3
  • Information technology Credits: 3
  • Quantitative reasoning Credits: 3
  • ENGH 101 - Composition Credits: 3
  • ENGH 302 - Advanced Composition Credits: 3

  • Nonnative speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGH 100 for ENGH 101.  Students must attain a minimum grade of C in ENGH 100 or 101, as well as 302, to fulfill degree requirements.

Core Requirements

  • Literature Credits: 3
  • Arts Credits: 3
  • Natural science (including one laboratory science) Credits: 7
  • Western civilization Credits: 3
  • Global understanding Credits: 3
  • Social and behavioral sciences Credits: 3
  • Synthesis requirement Credits: 3
  • Foreign language, minor, double major or double degree (see College of Visual and Performing Arts  for foreign language requirements)

Notes:

FAVS majors may not double-count courses toward both the FAVS major and university general education requirements.

Major (48 credits)

Film and Video Studies Core Requirements (30 credits)

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all core courses (AVT 204; COMM 355, 454; ENGH 370, 372; FAVS 100, 352, 355, 450, 499; THR 482).

Analysis, History, Theory (6 credits)

Take 6 credits from the following:

Video Production (6 credits)

Take 6 credits from the following:

Electives in Area of Specialization (6 credits)

Students are required to take two courses demonstrating a focus in subject matter, possibly from the following departments:

  • English
  • History
  • Music
  • Psychology
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Theater

General Electives (32)

Students must use general electives to complete a minor, double major or second degree outside the major field of study, or demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language.

Total: 120 credits