2013-2014 University Catalog 
  
2013-2014 University Catalog

■ Film and Video Studies


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

Faculty

Clayton Austin, Theater; Thomas Britt, Film and Video Studies; Jiyoung Cha, Film and Video Studies; Julie Christensen, Modern and Classical Languages; Mark Cooley, Art and Visual Technology; Lynne  Constantine, Art and Visual Technology; Ken Elston, Theater; 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; Seth Hudson, Computer Game Design; Richard Kamenitzer, Arts Management; Howard Kurtz, Theater; Alison Landsberg, History and Art History; Carla Marcantonio, English; Scott Martin, Computer Game Design; Heather McDonald, Theater; 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  section of this catalog.

Undergraduate Program

The Film and Video Studies Program offers a 120-credit multidisciplinary BA degree, which spans many units including Art and Visual Technology, Communication, Computer Game Design, 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) 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.

Portfolio Requirement

All students are admitted to the Film and Video Studies (FAVS) program of study separately from their admission to the university and only by portfolio review.  Admission to the university is determined by the Admissions Office.

New students at Mason may apply to the BA program upon admission to the university through a portfolio review.  Information about the portfolio process, including dates and portfolio requirements, can be found on the FAVS web page, http://cvpa.gmu.edu/favs or by calling 703-993-5158.  The portfolio must be submitted to favs@gmu.edu for assessment prior to scheduling an appointment for the portfolio review.

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 FAVS 470  or THR 482 .

Upper-Level Credits

All undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses at the 300-499 level.

Graduate Program affiliated with Film and Video Studies

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in Film and Video Studies (MAIS in Film and Video Studies) in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is designed for students who seek a degree that integrates knowledge from several disciplines in the area of film and video.  This MAIS program addresses a rapidly evolving demand for specialized and individualized graduate study.

The degree requires course work with FAVS program and faculty and selected courses from other disciplines including Art and Visual Technology, Communication, Educational Instructional Technology, English, and History.  Students complete their degree with a project or thesis.  For additional information, please refer to the MAIS in Film and Video Studies  in the catalog.

Academic Policies

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

Programs

    Undergraduate Degree(s)