English — Film and Media Studies Emphasis, BA

Department of English, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

55-60 Credits

Introduction

In the Film and Media Studies major students will engage with significant artistic, technological, commercial, cultural and political developments throughout cinema and media history. They will learn a language of analysis that will equip them to communicate about and with moving images.

Why Consider a Film and Media Studies Emphasis in the English Major?

The study of film is one of the fastest growing disciplines at American colleges and universities. While the Film and Media Studies major provides a solid foundation for further professional development in the fields of filmmaking, curating, or media publishing, it also fosters a broad base of abilities sought by employers in a variety of employment sectors. At Western we encourage students to combine critical writing with hands-on moving image projects because we value the multimedia communication skills that are becoming increasingly important, not only in the job market, but for all informed citizens. The Film and Media Studies major at Western also emphasizes that film is a global medium and welcomes students with interests in global studies.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Schedule an online appointment with the English Department’s Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Elle Starr, to declare this major. You can visit chss.wwu.edu/english-department/advising to schedule your meeting. The prerequisites for declaring the major are 60 credits completed.

Though the English Department cannot guarantee immediate enrollment in the major or access to any specific class, we matriculate students into the major on a rolling basis as space is available and offer a wide variety of topics each term.

Advising Tips: Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Elle Starr, early in their careers at Western. Students should declare their major by the start of their junior year.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.