12 courses for all 3 curricular areas (48 credits)
STUDIO ARTS (including photography) or
FILM/VIDEO PRODUCTION (including animation)
Introductory Studios: At least two courses should be completed by the end of the sophomore year related to the student's area of focus. Intro courses have two digits.
Intermediate/Advanced Studios: At least two courses should be completed by the end of the junior year related to the student's area of focus. Intermediate/advanced courses 3 digits, 100-299. Note: A film/video thesis will be allowed only if it represents the 5th and 6th courses in the medium of the thesis.
Historical and Theoretical Courses: At least two courses are required. These are seminar and lecture courses offered in AFVS that explore the history and theory of the moving image, the built environment, contemporary art, and critical studies. Appropriate courses offered in other departments can count toward the history and theory requirements with prior AFVS department approval. In Fall of 2024, GENED 1145 will fulfill one of the two courses required.
AFVS 97: Sophomore Tutorial: Required of all AFVS concentrators during their first full term in the concentration, ordinarily sophomore spring
Electives within the concentration: Five additional courses in AFVS, two of which may be AFVS 99A and AFVS 99B, the senior thesis or senior project tutorial. AFVS 99 is considered an elective and is not a required course.
FILM AND VISUAL STUDIES (history/theory)
Introductory Courses: Two courses comprising AFVS 70 “The Art of Film” (to be offered Spring 25) and one other lecture course in film and visual studies offered within the department or by FVS affiliate faculty; some options are AFVS 175: Introduction to Media Theories, (Fall 2024), HAA 17K: Introduction to Contemporary Art (Fall 2024) or GENED 1145: Global Japanese Cinema (Fall 2024). List of eligible courses.
AFVS 97: Sophomore Tutorial: Required of all AFVS concentrators during their first full term in the concentration, ordinarily sophomore spring. Introduces the students to different modes of thinking and making explored across the studio, film/video, and film and visual studies areas.
AFVS 98: FVS Junior Tutorial: Required of all AFVS concentrators in the Film and Visual Studies track. Prepares for a senior thesis by introducing research methods, bibliography, libraries, collections, and archives.
Advanced FVS Courses: At least three advanced (100-level or above) seminars or lectures in film and visual studies. These include the following spectrum of courses:
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Film History Seminars (topics: film noir, new waves, queer cinema, political cinema)
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Media Ecology Seminars (topics: media archaeology, visual arts, material culture, screen studies, sound studies, environmental studies)
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Curatorial Seminars (topics: curatorial practices in film and visual arts, film festivals, exhibition and experiential design, object-based arguments, curatorial writing)
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Material Research Practicums (topics: hybrid visual practice and studies courses; focus on critical insights through making and materials; engaging with archives, collections, and institutions; museum internship opportunities)
Please note that our offerings of Advanced FVS Seminars vary each year.
Electives: Three courses directly related to film and visual studies, including at least one AFVS film production or studio course of the student’s choosing. Offerings under this heading will include both film and visual studies classes offered in AFVS by regular, affiliate, and visiting faculty as well as pertinent film studies classes offered in departments outside of AFVS with prior departmental approval.
Thesis or Senior Project: Students who write a thesis or senior project essay will enroll in AFVS 99, which constitutes two courses. Students are strongly encouraged to write a thesis or senior project essay, though it is not required. Students who choose not to write a thesis will instead take two additional advanced film and visual studies courses (these choices are subject to the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies). AFVS 99 is considered an elective and is not a required course.
*Note: Students should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Manager of Academic Programs to discuss which courses in other departments may count toward AFVS film and visual studies requirements.
Joint Concentration
Joint Concentrations in film and visual studies, or in the production or making areas of AFVS and another concentration must satisfy the requirements of both concentrations. If you are interested in pursuing a joint concentration, please make an appointment to speak with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. A thesis is required for all joint concentrators.