Cinema Major
The Department of Cinema develops both artists and creative thinkers in cinema. It fosters critical appreciation of both innovative and traditional cinematic expression. Students learn how to view works of cinema in their social, economic and historical contexts, as well as in general historical and aesthetic terms. The production program in film and electronic media emphasizes the importance of artistic discovery and self expression while also supporting technical proficiency. Both production and studies courses are valuable to a wide range of students, not only because cinema is a major art and entertainment medium of our time, but also because, increasingly, our experience and exploration of all areas of knowledge is transmitted through the moving image.
Qualified students are encouraged to conclude their work in the department by choosing the senior thesis option. The department encourages studies in the theories and techniques of other artistic disciplines such as music, theater, painting and literature.
Honors Program and Senior Thesis
Senior Thesis is a path to honors. It is a capstone course taken after advanced-level work completed through the regular curriculum.
For Production
Students must have completed a 400-level production course prior to taking Senior Thesis. CINE 451 Advanced Film and Videomaking, is the prerequisite, but exceptions can be made allowing for other 400-level production courses to count as prerequisites on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions need approval of all faculty participating in the senior thesis process.
For Film Studies
Students must have completed CINE 321 Film Theory, prior to enrolling in a Senior Thesis. Exceptions need the approval of all faculty participating in the senior thesis process.
Honors
Honors can be awarded as a result of the successful completion of a senior thesis project. This includes a consistent and productive work schedule pursued with faculty advisors where discussions lead to progress. It also includes persuasive presentations to full faculty at mid-term and final critiques. Students must show sufficient growth and self-realization about the direction of the work resulting from the mid-term meeting. This project must be considered a fulfillment of the initial proposal and mid-term discussions by final critique. Students must submit in writing a self-evaluation of their progress and completion of the senior thesis project to all faculty before final critique
Alternate Path to Honors
There are situations where a student is unable to take Senior Thesis, but their work is considered exceptional and worthy of departmental recognition. Students in this situation first need to notify their intention to take this path to the chair or undergraduate director by the fifth week of classes, then submit a portfolio to the chair or undergraduate director by the 10th week of classes for review by the full faculty for consideration for honors. A list of graduating students in this situation will be provided to faculty who may also encourage promising students to apply.
The portfolio must include the following:
- A written self-evaluation of the work being considered that addresses ideas surrounding process and conceptual development
- Descriptions of individual works for consideration
- Links online to work for viewing
- Or writing samples, if the Senior Thesis primarily engages with Film Studies.
- A short paragraph that explains why you have decided to not take Senior Thesis
Harpur College Requirements
Harpur College students must complete the following requirements in addition to those listed for the major:
- 126 credits
- 94 liberal arts and sciences credits
- Minimum of 46 upper-level credits
- Completion of the Harpur College writing requirement (four to five courses as described in the All-College Writing section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin. Maximum of one C/J course and two W courses may be transferred).
- Minimum of 44 credits in residence in Harpur College
- 2.0 or higher GPA
Harpur College requirements are described in detail in the Requirements for Graduation section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin.
Cinema Requirements
The cinema major consists of six core courses and five electives. The core courses give students experience in the analysis of film and video and the creation of personal works in both media. A set of elective courses is chosen to reflect the student’s dominant interests. Those who wish to stress filmmaking or video making should begin the major early enough in their academic careers to allow for the completion of the sequence of courses in those areas.
- CINE 121 Experience, History and Analysis of Cinema
- CINE 122 Expression and Innovation in Film and Video
- CINE 252 Video and Filmmaking I
- CINE 321 Film Theory
- CINE 353 Digital Video Making II
- One upper-level production course (list available on the cinema website)
- Five additional cinema courses:
- Two courses at the 200-level or higher
- Three upper-level courses (numbered between 300 and 499)
- One of the upper-level courses must be a 400-level course. CINE 491 does not satisfy major requirements.
Residency requirement: A minimum of six courses in cinema must be taken in Harpur College in order to qualify for the BA degree.
The department requires a grade of C or better in cinema courses counted toward the major and minor. No courses for the major may be taken Pass/Fail.
Cinema Minor
The cinema minor consists of three core courses and three electives, for a total of 24 credit hours. Students should be advised that CINE 122 is a prerequisite to all studio courses and may be taken concurrently with CINE 252.
- CINE 121 Experience, History and Analysis of Cinema
- CINE 122 Expression and Innovation in Film and Video
- CINE 252 Video and Filmmaking I
- Cinema elective (200-level or higher)
- Cinema elective (300-level or higher)
- Cinema elective (300-level or higher)
- CINE 491 does not satisfy minor requirements
Residency requirement: A minimum of three courses in cinema must be taken in Harpur College in order to qualify for the BA degree.
Grade Requirement: The Cinema Department requires a grade of C or better in cinema courses counted toward the minor. No courses for the minor may be Pass/Fail.