Minor in Cinema Studies Curriculum
The City College of New York boasts the oldest continuous curriculum in the study of motion pictures of any university in the USA. Founded by avant-garde filmmaker and film theorist Hans Richter in 1940, the study of film at City College has always been a dynamic part of its academic life. In recent decades, the curriculum has been centered in the Department of Media & Communication Arts. However, the Minor draws from a broad range of film related courses across the disciplines taught by expert faculty.
Course Plan
The MCA Minor in Cinema Studies consists of 15 credits. This includes two required courses within the MCA Department: MCA 121: Introduction to Film Studies and MCA 221: Film History I. In addition, students must take three additional elective critical studies courses in MCA or other departments. Each term the Program Director will establish a list of accepted electives. These courses may include selections from Anthropology, Art, Asian Studies, Black Studies, Comparative Literature, English, Foreign Languages & Literature, History, Jewish Studies, Latin American & Latino Studies, Media & Communication Arts, Philosophy, and other disciplines.
Past courses have included, among many others: Documentary Film, Feminist Literature & Film, Film History II, Film Noir, Indian Cinema & Popular Culture, Japanese Film, Philosophy & Film, Post War Italian Cinema, Science Fiction, Shakespeare on Film, The Holocaust & Film, and Visual Anthropology.
Suggested Course Sequence
MCA 12100: Introduction to Film Studies (1st semester)
REQUIRED
This course examines the artistic and social power of film medium. The course emphasizes the analysis of narrative feature films, but also examines non-fiction and experimental forms. The course offers a systematic view of how cinema tells stories, organizes information, patterns, light and sound, and creates unique aesthetic and social experiences. Aspects treated by the course include sound, editing, cinematography, film style, narrative and non-narrative forms, the organization of film production, and the relations of film to broader artistic, social, and historical contexts. Attention is given to the ways film is now related to television, video, and new computer technologies.
Prereq.: ENGL 11000 or FIQWS. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.
MCA22100: History and Theory of Film I (2nd semester)
REQUIRED
A chronological survey of the history and theory of cinema from its origins to World War II. Topics include the work of major directors, aesthetic theories, movements, technical innovations, methods of production and distribution, the influences on cinema from the other arts and contemporary ideologies.
Prereq.: MCA 12100, ENGL 21000 or MCA 20200. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.
MCA22200: History and Theory of Film II (3rd semester)
SUGGESTED
A chronological survey of the history and theory of cinema from World War II to present. Topics include the work of major directors, aesthetic theories, movements, technical innovations, methods of production and distribution, the influences on cinema from the other arts and contemporary ideologies.
Prereq.: MCA 12100, MCA 22100. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.
(2x) ELECTIVES (4th semeste)
ELECTIVES
From the Media and Communication Arts Department or other departments.
Media & Communication Arts Department
The MCA Department
Shepard Hall, Room 472
160 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031
e:
mca@ccny.cuny.edu
p: 212-650-7167
Prof. Jerry W. Carlson
Cinema Studies Program Director
Shepard Hall, Room 470
160 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031
e:
jcarlson@ccny.cuny.edu
p: 212-650-5357
Appointments should be arranged by email.
Last Updated: 02/16/2023 11:45