Major Overview

A film studies degree at AUP explores how the moving image shapes and reflects our contemporary world. As a student, you will be part of a major that is analytical, interdisciplinary and international in scope. Through your courses you will use film as a lens to study history, culture, politics, theory and aesthetics and our hands-on screenwriting and filmmaking classes give you the chance to put your understanding into action. With our combined approach, you will graduate as a ‘technically savvy’ liberal arts student, able to process and engage the contemporary world.

 

Featured Course

Women and Film

This course will explore masterpieces of cinema directed by women from all over the world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The educational goals for this major are as follows:

  • You should be able to analyse and differentiate filmic discourses on subjects in terms of narrative structure, cinematic techniques, and cultural contexts.
  • You should be able to trace the rise and development of contemporary cinema as an art form, industry and cultural product.
  • You should be able to distinguish individual styles and techniques of select directors and place the work in context with cinema history and aesthetics.
  • You should gain a basic understanding and ability to produce film language, either mastering of video production or the techniques of screenwriting.

Learning Environment

In an intimate, multicultural setting, you will be encouraged to think critically about the aesthetics and theories of film and will learn the basics of production, direction, writing, and editing, which will ensure your ability to manage small productions. Outside of the classroom, you will have many networking opportunities through our master classes, visits with directors and our trips to festivals and screenings. Additionally, Paris’s broad cinematic selection, as well as its unique resources, including La Cinémathèque, will perfectly complement your education.

Film Studies in Action

Students travel to the Rotterdam Film Festival

French filmmaking legend Agnès Varda welcomes students in her studio

Current student Iman Bengana directs her short in "Making a Fiction Film"

Hannah

Alumna '12

I can honestly say that studying cinema in Paris is an unforgettable...

Elise

Alumna '03

I still keep in touch with professors and classmates...

Major Components
Build Your Degree

With every single one of our majors, you’ll find a carefully curated medley of core courses and electives, which will provide you with the tools you need to establish an unshakeable foundation in the principles and concepts fundamental to your growth within your disciplines of choice. Many majors also enable you to specialize further within the broader area of study.

Core Courses

Core Courses

We aim to help you develop a range of skills, capacities, and modes of inquiry that will be crucial for your future since employers and graduate schools are looking for the critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills that are associated with a liberal arts education, including sophisticated writing abilities, willingness to pose difficult questions, and an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts surrounding a topic or decision.

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Electives

Electives

Each elective provides you with entry to a variety of subject areas which you can choose among to further focus your studies. With the help of your academic advisor, you’ll be able to tailor your major so that it most effectively prepares you for the next step in your academic and professional journey. The Film Studies major offers three main subject areas for your electives: 

  • Film Pragmatics and the Art of Directing
  • Film Genres and Topics
  • International Cinema.

See all Major Electives

BROWSE ALL MAJORS AND REQUIREMENTS

Core Courses

The Film Studies core courses, which you must take as part of the major requirements, will provide you with the tools you’ll need to ground your present and future studies. Your introduction to the fundamentals of Filmmaking will help pave the way for your successful completion of other Film Studies courses.

 
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