Programs in film studies focus on the analysis of films. Students learn about different genres of film as well as specific filmmakers. They also study the history and theory of film. They study traditional movies and films as well as digitally-produced films.
In 2004, the movie "Open Water" became a sleeper hit. It was a film about a couple who was stranded in the ocean when their snorkeling guide boat accidentally left without them. What happens next was frightening (let's just say "sharks" and leave it at that), and also highly entertaining. However, "Open Water" wasn't a big Hollywood production. Nor did it feature well-known actors. It wasn't even shot using film! Instead, it was shot using digital cameras.
Digital films are becoming an intense focus of interest for aspiring filmmakers and directors. They are also subject to study by film studies students. As film is the most popular art form in America, any change is exciting and worthy of analysis. Film studies professors and students ask, how will the subject of films change when shot digitally? Since it costs so much less to make digital films, can we expect more interesting and varied pictures?
Film studies programs also analyze the historically important movies, made by filmmakers such as Italy's Fellini, Sweden's Ingmar Bergman, and America's Francis Ford Coppola. As a student of film studies, you study genres of films, including documentaries, avant-garde movies, and film noir. You consider different theories and themes of films, and how they affect the viewer.
You may look at film studies from a variety of perspectives. You might analyze it as you would literature. You may look at it from a craft perspective, as in, how did the director put the movie together? You may even look at it psychologically. Therefore, film studies is often an interdisciplinary program. Your course work may come from a variety of fields. In addition, film studies may be housed in its own department, or may be part of English, Communication, or Arts departments.
In general, film studies programs do not emphasize production. This means that even though you learn how movies are made, your emphasis is on film analysis. However, many programs offer courses in screenwriting.
Many four-year schools and universities offer programs in film studies. Typically, you receive a bachelor's degree in film studies. It is also possible to concentrate in film studies while majoring in another field. In general, a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete. Several two-year schools offer associate degrees and certificates in film studies. Most of the time, these degrees are transferable to four-year schools.