Film Studies

A minor in film studies allows students in the English major or any other major at the university to explore the history and theory of filmmaking across genres, cultures and periods.

Our required Introduction to Film course offers a primer on the language of film analysis as well as the critical tools to analyze and interpret the meanings and effects of films. Other courses focus on various genres in the history of film (such as Horror Film and Film Noir), cinematic movements (such as French New Wave, British Cinema and Asian American Cinema), important directors (Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick) as well as thematically oriented courses (such as Film and War, Film and Empire, Austen and Film, Shakespeare in Film).

Building on basi elements such as the history of cinema and film form—including cinematography, editing, sound, as well as narrative structure—you’ll expand your knowledge by going further, studying the major theoretical approaches to film, conventions of film genres, as well as the cultural, social and political contexts in which films were produced and consumed. 

It's the perfect introduction for English majors, or any Duquesne student, interested in exploring film as either a subject for artistic and intellectual pursuit or as a possible career path. 

Program Information

Our minor in Film Studies allows you to explore the history and theory of filmmaking across genres, cultures, and periods in addition to your major course of study.

Program Type

Minor

Academic Department

English

Required Credit Hours

15

Minor Requirements

The film studies minor is open to all students at Duquesne.

English majors (with a concentration in literature or writing) may opt for the film minor, since English and film are distinct disciplines.

  • ENGL 200: Intro to Film (3 credits)
  • 9 credits of film electives (100, 200 or 300 level)
  • 3 credits of film electives at the 400 level

Please note: Six credits can be taken outside of the English department (with approval of the director of undergraduate studies), up to 3 of which can be transferred in from another institution (courses transferred in should be production based).