2014-2015 University Catalog 
  
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2014-2015 University Catalog

■ Film and Video Studies

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 film-making 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.  Information about the portfolio process, including dates and portfolio requirements, 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.

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)