Courses in Film

For course descriptions and major requirements, please check Vassar’s Online Course Catalogue. Check the “Ask Banner” site for an up-to-date Schedule of Classes organized by department and semester.

Information for Majors

Requirements

Requirements for Concentration in Film:

1) 11 units required.

2) Film 210, Film 211, Film 392 required. Film 392 must be taken senior year.

3) 2 additional Film Department units in cinema studies at the 200-level or above. These units must be completed before enrolling in Film 392.

4) 1 film history unit in a national cinema that is not American. This course, which must be at the 200-level or above, may be taken within the Department of Film or another Vassar Department. With prior approval, a film history course taken while a student is attending a JYA or Exchange Program may satisfy this requirement.

5) 5 additional Film Department units in film. These may be any combination of courses at the 200-level or above in cinema studies, film, and video production, dramatic writing and screenwriting. With prior approval from the department, two units of Junior Year Away coursework may be used to satisfy a portion of this requirement.

Declaring the Major
Students normally declare their major during the spring of their sophomore year. In consultation with a department advisor, students fill out a series of forms, planning their future course of study.

Curriculum Advice for Pre-Majors
If you are considering majoring in film, the department suggests that you complete all general college requirements—language, quantitative, freshman course—during the freshman year. Seek out courses that will refine your ability to write logically and gracefully. Film majors need to be strong writers. Film 175, The Art of Film is a recommended course but not required for the major. This course may be taken during Freshman year.

Second semester freshman year, when you pre-register for the fall, sign up for World Cinema Film (Courses 210/211). These are the “gateway” courses to the major.

Classes in international cinemas are offered by language departments at Vassar. Majors are allowed to count one such course towards their requirements.

Criteria for Honors
The criteria for departmental honors in film are re-evaluated by the department every year, so these may change. Currently the criteria are:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better.
• A GPA of 3.7 or better in courses offered by the Department of Film.
• As determined by the voting faculty members of the department, work of exceptional merit in one of the following senior-level courses:
  • Film 300 (Research Thesis).
  • Film 301 (Screenplay Thesis).
  • Film 326 (Documentary Workshop).
  • Film 327 (Narrative Workshop).

Note: An “A” grade does not necessarily represent work of exceptional merit.

If you have any questions, please consult your advisor.

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