Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• build requisite skills for PhD-level study, including academic research and writing, public presentations, publishing, and grant applications;
• identify and apply concepts of film and media theory in scholarship as well as pedagogical practice;
• identify and apply methods of film historiography, including evaluating and working with archival materials;
• develop a broad understanding of the discipline’s history, current status, and potential future;
• acquire knowledge of cinema’s historical periods, global variations, and diverse forms; and
• acquire a diverse set of professionalization skills in order to explore film- and media-related career possibilities within and beyond academia.

The Master of Arts program in film studies requires a minimum of 36 s.h. of graduate credit, of which 24 s.h. must be earned at the University of Iowa. Students must earn a minimum program grade-point average of 3.25.

The 36 s.h. are typically acquired by taking 12 graduate-level courses that span two years. The program's focus is on advanced film theory and film history in an international context.

Students meet formal degree requirements through coursework and a written MA thesis essay produced in the second year, followed by an oral examination.

The MA with a major in film studies requires the following.

Core Requirements

Language Study

Up to 6 s.h. in languages and literatures courses numbered 3000 or above in an area other than English may be counted toward the degree.

Electives

Students are required to enroll in the two graduate courses offered by the Department of Cinematic Arts each semester. This requirement of two per semester does not include the required CINE:5500 Success in Graduate Studies (first semester) or CINE:5900 MA Thesis in Film Studies (third and fourth semesters). Remaining elective hours may be taken in courses selected from other departments; students should consult their advisor.

More information on the program is available on the Department of Cinematic Arts website.

A faculty committee chaired by the head of film studies evaluates applications to the MA program. Application materials should include undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts, a personal statement, a writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and samples of creative work when relevant. Admission decisions are based on the full range of an applicant's accomplishments and evidence that the applicant will fit the elements of the program and will thrive in the department.

Minimum admission requirements: Applicants should have a BA in film studies or a related discipline.

All applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website. Information about the application process is available on the Department of Cinematic Arts website and the Graduate Admissions website.

The Master of Arts degree typically prepares students for continued, advanced graduate work in film studies at the University of Iowa or elsewhere. However, students also have used their MA training in film theory and history to seek careers in other areas, including film criticism or positions at film archives or film festivals, or within various facets of the film industry.

The Graduate College is prepared to help graduates explore careers related to or that build upon their training. In conjunction with the Graduate College, the Department of Cinematic Arts also is committed to helping graduate students explore a range of alternative careers that take advantage of their specific training. In addition, the Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Film Studies, MA

a

Given the program's emphasis upon the study of film in an international context, foreign language acquisition is considered to be highly advantageous. Up to 6 s.h. in languages and literatures courses numbered 3000 or above in an area other than English may be counted toward the degree.

b

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

c

Graduate College program GPA is comprised of all courses that are approved degree requirements. If a student takes more than the minimum required number of semester hours to complete the degree, but all courses taken are eligible to count toward the degree, those courses will be included in the Graduate College program GPA.

d

Must be taken during first year fall semester.

e

Does not count as one of the two Film Studies courses required each semester.

f

MA thesis must be submitted to the committee at least two weeks prior to the Graduate College defense deadline for spring.