Introduction
The Film and Media Studies minor brings together film and media courses in many of Dickinson's departments. One of its distinctive features is the wide range of films from different countries and cultures taught across the curriculum. Films of Germany, England, France, Russia, Italy, the Middle East, Africa, China and Japan are all regularly screened. In addition, the American Studies, English, Sociology, History, Religion, and Political Science departments offer courses that take a critical perspective on issues of contemporary culture and the media. Dickinson’s foreign language programs all sponsor weekly film screenings and the downtown Carlisle Theatre regularly screens first-run foreign and independent films in its “Hollywood on High” series.
Recommended Courses and Requirements for Minors and Programs
Courses appropriate for prospective minors
Six Course Minor:
- 1 introductory course: 101 Intro. to Film or 103 Intro. to Media Studies
- 5 elective courses: two with different cultural perspectives, and one advanced 300-level course
1. FMST 101 Introduction to Film OR FMST 103 Introduction to Media Studies
- These intro. courses are appropriate for first-year students.
2. Two Courses with Different Cultural Perspectives in Film and Media Studies:
Two courses with two different cultural perspectives, to be taken in English or in a foreign language. While four courses that you take may be from the same cultural perspective, one must be from a different cultural perspective. Five courses in the same national tradition are acceptable provided that the courses offer truly different cultural perspectives. This means that a student can take, for example, a Hollywood cinema class (coded FMUS) and either a course coded differently, such as a course focused on film and/or media from Europe (FMEU), Asia (FMAS), Latin America or the Caribbean (FMLA), the Middle East (FMME), Africa (FMAF) OR another FMUS course with a different cultural perspective such as Black Visual Aesthetics. The program Director will work with students and advisor to determine whether a proposed course fulfills this requirement.
3. One 300-level Course on Film and Media Studies.
For course descriptions and requirements for the minor, refer to the Academic Bulletin: Film and Media Studies.
Courses that fulfill distribution requirements
FMST 101, Introduction to Film Studies: Arts
FMST 102, Fundamentals of Digital Film Production: Arts
FMST 103, Introduction to Media Studies: Arts & Humanities
FMST 201, The History of Film: Social Sciences (Division II)
FMST 211, Screenwriting: Arts
FMST 210, 220, 310, 320 depending on topic
Suggested four-year plan:
First year: 101 or 103; a 200-level course
Sophomore: one or more 200-level courses; a course from a different cultural perspective than that of prior courses.
Junior: one or more 200-level or 300-level courses; a course from a different cultural perspective than that of prior courses; students who focus on film are encouraged to take at least one media course and vice versa.
Senior: one or more 300-level topics courses; a course from a different cultural perspective than that of prior courses; students who focus on film are encouraged to take at least one media course and vice versa.
Recommended sequence: There is no required sequence, but students are encouraged to take either FMST 101 or FMST 103 before the electives. Also, students who focus on film are encouraged to take at least one media course and vice versa.
Additional Remarks
Advice: Students may declare the minor after completing FMST 101 or FMST 103 and at least one other FMST course.
Students are responsible for completing the form for the minor. The form should be printed out, completed, signed by the Program Chair and returned to the Registrar’s Office by the student.
Opportunities for off-campus study
A number of Dickinson College study abroad programs offer courses in film and media studies. Students who are thinking about taking courses for credit in these areas while abroad should contact the Film and Media Studies Chair for advice and guidance.
