2014-2015 University Catalog
Film and Video Studies, BA
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Banner Code: AR-BA-FAVS
Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-5158
Web: favs.gmu.edu
Faculty
Giovanna Chesler, Director
Associate Professor: Chesler
Assistant Professors: Britt, Cha, Steger
Adjunct Faculty: Constantine, Fuchs, Hinton, Kehoe, Kraus, McDonald, Miller, Wood
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, film theory and criticism, emerging technologies in film, ethics, screenwriting, and business practices in the film industry.
The vocabulary of film (broadly defined) pervades the intellectual, cultural, political, and social landscape. The craft of filmmaking includes fictional storytelling through genre, documentary and nonfiction, collaborative production with community organizations, the application of academic research, engagement with sound theory and design, and personal and poetic expression. Emerging technologies and mobile viewing change both the means of production and reception. This combination of factors makes film an important area for academic inquiry and professional and artistic 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. The portfolio must include the following:
- 250-300 word essay describing the student’s interest in film and video
- One of the following:
- 500 word treatment for an original fictional film
- 500 word proposal for a potential documentary film (i.e. a story involving participants and that represents real life)
- 500 word analysis of the business aspects of a film, or the film and video industry
- (OPTIONAL): a video, demo reel, or evidence of business-related work in film and video as a web link
Detailed information about the above requirements and the portfolio process, including dates and submission guidelines, can be found on the FAVS web site, favs.gmu.edu.
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.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts for college academic policies. |