Film Studies

The Master of Humanities in Film Studies is designed to prepare you for either teaching at the community college level or applying for further graduate study at the doctoral level. You will learn how theory turns into practice by studying the history of film as well as a variety of film genres and techniques. Our students enjoy creative assignments that build critical thinking and analysis skills in all courses.

As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared to inspire students, continue your studies, or join the workforce as an effective communicator with a strong foundation in film studies. Our faculty will guide you through courses and help you reach your potential.

Tiffin University’s MH in Film Studies was designed for anyone who enjoys learning about film and its many facets and anyone who wants to share that knowledge with others.

Each instructor within the Master of Humanities program brings experience in their field of study. They bring this real-world knowledge to their teaching, to the building of our curriculum as subject matter experts and to their interactions with students on a daily basis.

As part of our professional program, you’ll learn career-ready skills that will prepare you for a job within the field of Film Studies. Courses are relevant, and all content is focused on practical skills. You’ll apply your knowledge as you engage in creative assignments, working both individually and in group discussions and projects.

The program will prepare you to be an effective communicator in the field, as well as an accomplished film analyst who can share their knowledge effectively with others. If you enjoy analyzing films and/or encouraging others to enjoy films, then the Master of Humanities in Film Studies is for you.

Within the Film Studies program, you’ll actively engage through discussions with your peers and instructors. Each week, you’ll engage with classmates and complete an outside assignment related to your required readings and interactive activities throughout the week. You’ll apply your learning as you analyze films and discuss ideas with others.

Within the program, you’ll continuously work on your communication and problem-solving skills as you take part in weekly discussions and assignments. These assignments, focused on textual analysis and synthesis, will require you to critically think about how texts are created and how ideas are communicated.

You’ll participate in a capstone project that allows you to pursue your own more specific interests that you may have discovered in your courses. By the end of the capstone project, you will have a polished writing sample that you can use for future graduate applications and/or seek to publish.

FORMAT

Online – Offered in 7-week courses, starting in January, May and August

SAMPLE COURSES

Film Censorship (FLM533) – This course focuses on the social and cultural aspects of film censorship while in its examination of key issues and events in the history of film censorship in the United States. Film clips and images will be available for viewing on the course site, but members of the class may be required to view several full length feature films on their own.  These films are readily available in the United States for purchase, rental on DVD, or rental through an online streaming service such as provided by Netflix.  If titles may not be available to some students, alternative titles will be offered.  If some titles are not available to some students, alternative titles will be offered.

Cult and Independent Film (FLM630) – This course is a study of independent film and the phenomenon known as “cult film.” Independent films and cult films are discrete categories, but the majority of cult films are independent films, therefore insights into their modes of production, marketing and distribution can shed light on their status. From the definition (or designation) of “cult” to the unusual yet vital role in society this nongenre fills, the cult film does not easily fit into traditional critical rhetoric. Instead, being a marginalized area of film, studying cult film and the audiences of this phenomenon can deconstruct mainstream film entertainment and analysis. The independent film portion of the course will focus on independent films that arose beginning in the 1980s “Miramax era” and their reception by audiences and influences on the Hollywood system. Independent films not considered cult will also be viewed. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of many of the most famous and popular cult films, the majority of screenings are for mature audiences only and contain material that may be considered offensive.

Teaching in the Humanities (CMA515) – This course will investigate both theoretical and practical issues related to teaching topics in the humanities, including but not limited to first-year composition, art, and film. Course topics will include developing effective syllabi, identifying and articulating learning objectives, designing effective writing assignments, assessing college writing, understanding and creating rubrics, and developing an effective critique process. Students will also develop a teaching philosophy, syllabus, and sample lesson plans.

Third Cinema (FLM620) – This course is a survey of the history and theory of what is currently understood as “Third Cinema.” This course will concentrate on films and filmmakers from Africa, Latin America (Central and South America), the Indian Subcontinent, The Middle-East, East and Southeast Asia, and Turkey. Third Cinema can be thought of in a number of ways, and the definition, like the world, is changing rapidly.  Therefore, part of the task of this course is to critically and thoughtfully negotiate the slippery terrain of what “Third Cinema” might be. Briefly, broadly, and as a starting point, Third Cinema can be thought of as cinema produced in what is sometimes referred to as the “Third World”; films that are politically or socially conscious (though not always) from these regions and countries; and/or a type of cinema from these regions or countries that is neither a Hollywood style entertainment cinema (“first cinema”) or European style Art Cinema (“second cinema”).

All MH concentrations offered:

• Art and Visual Media
• Creative Writing
• Film Studies
• Rhetoric and Composition

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030. The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $80,560 in May 2020.

careers

The online Masters in Humanities in Film Studies program prepares you for positions related to:

• Postsecondary Teacher
• Screenwriter
• Film Critic
• Independent Film Maker
• Public Relations Manager
• Customer Service Representative

what is film studies?

Film studies is an academic discipline that studies the various theoretical, historical and critical approaches to cinema as an art form and a medium.

what is a master’s in film studies?

A master’s in film studies guides students through an in-depth exploration of significant film from the early days of Hollywood to contemporary world cinema. Students will learn how theory turns into practice by studying the history of film as well as a variety of film genres and techniques. Our students enjoy creative assignments that build critical thinking and analysis skills in all courses.

what can i do with a degree in film studies?

With a degree in film studies, you will be qualified for a variety of career opportunities, including postsecondary teacher, screenwriter, film critic, independent film maker, public relations manager, customer service representative and sales representative.