Film Studies - Wesleyan University

Elia Kazan Centennial NOW PLAYING!!!

For more information, please click on the "Special Events" link above.

The Common Ground Middletown International Film Festival is now running.
For more information, please click on the "Center for Film Studies" link above

Getting into the Film Major

Film Studies is a much sought-after major, and our limited resources require us to place restrictions on admission. On average, Film Studies admits approximately 32 sophomores into the major each year, out of more than 70 who express interest and 45 who actually apply. Students who are considering a Film Studies major should consult with the department chair as soon as possible in order to receive advising regarding the major.

To be accepted into the Film Studies major, students are required to have completed two prerequisites, Film 304: History of World Cinema to the 1960s, and Film 310: Introduction to Film Analysis, with a grade of B+ or better in both. These courses introduce students to the film history canon and provide them with a foundation in narrative and stylistic analysis. In addition, students applying for the major must have an overall grade average of B (85.0) or better at Wesleyan, and must complete a written application at the end of January their sophomore year. Students applying for the major who have met these requirements are automatically accepted into the major.

Students applying for the major who have not received a B+ or better in either Film 304 or Film 310 are eligible to have their admission cases arbitrated. If they are still interested in the major, they can submit materials for review and discussion by the Film Studies faculty, who may grant admission to the major if space is available. In general, less than 30 percent of arbitration cases are admitted to the major.

Because of the prerequisites and major requirements, students transferring to Wesleyan beginning their junior year are not able to declare the Film Studies major.