The Film Studies minor promotes the interdisciplinary examination of film as a unique media form with its own particular history, narrative elements, industrial structure, and profound political and cultural importance in contemporary society. The goal of this program is to enable students to think critically about the usual modes of consumption through which film is typically received as popular entertainment.

The cornerstone of the program is a required lower-division course introducing the study and discussion of film through recognition and awareness of its various compositional elements and the specific terminology used in film studies. Through a variety of interdisciplinary courses in film, students will acquire an understanding of film theory and the ability to read film as primary material for analysis through such disciplines as film theory, literary theory, philosophy, political science, history, foreign languages, cultural studies and others.

Students completing a Film Studies minor will complement their majors with a basic understanding of film as an art form and a powerful medium of social provocation. They will understand the social, historic, and economic contexts for  film, as well as the nature of mainstream film production and distribution, and issues surrounding the burgeoning growth of alternative film, international film, documentary film, art film, video art, and Internet distribution. Along with canonical and top-grossing film, curriculum will include smaller movies made by and for specific interest groups, such as ethnic, sexual, religious, or political minorities.

Perhaps most importantly, the Film Studies minor will provide students with the tools to analyze and reconsider film from a number of critical and creative perspectives, broadening their ability to appreciate, interrogate, and comprehend the most popular art from of the last century.