School for Studies in Art and Culture
423 St. Patrick’s Building
613-520-2342
http://carleton.ca/filmstudies
This section presents the requirements for programs in:
- M.A. Film Studies
- M.A. Film Studies with Specialization in African Studies
- M.A. Film Studies with Specialization in Digital Humanities
Program Requirements
Students admitted to the Film Studies M.A. will initially be enrolled in the Coursework Stream. By November 1 of their first term, students may apply to be transferred to either the Research Essay Stream or the Thesis Stream.
M.A. Film Studies (4.0 credits)
| Requirements - Thesis Stream (4.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 2. 1.5 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, excluding FILM 5801 | 1.5 | |
| 3. 1.5 credits in: | 1.5 | |
FILM 5909 [1.5] | M.A. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 4.0 | |
Note: for Item 2 above, students may take 0.5 credit of coursework outside the Film Studies program subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor. This 0.5 credit may be a 4000-level Film Studies course.
| Requirements - Research Essay Stream (4.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 2. 2.0 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, 0.5 credit of which can include: | 2.0 | |
FILM 5801 [0.5] | Graduate Internship | |
(see Note, below) | ||
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5908 [1.0] | Research Essay | |
| Total Credits | 4.0 | |
Note: for Item 2 above, students may take 0.5 credit of coursework outside the Film Studies M.A. program subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor. This 0.5 credit may be a 4000-level Film Studies course.
| Requirements - Coursework Stream (4.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 2. 3.0 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, 0.5 credit of which can include: | 3.0 | |
FILM 5801 [0.5] | Graduate Internship | |
| Total Credits | 4.0 | |
Note: for Item 2 above, students may take up to 1.0 credit of graduate coursework outside the Film Studies M.A. program subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor. Students may request departmental approval for 0.5 of this 1.0 credit to be a 4000-level Film Studies course.
M.A. Film Studies
with Specialization in African Studies (4.0 credits)
| Requirements - Thesis Stream (4.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 4. 1.0 credit in Film Studies graduate course work, excluding FILM 5801 | 1.0 | |
| 5. 1.5 credits in: | 1.5 | |
FILM 5909 [1.5] | M.A. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 4.0 | |
| Requirements - Research Essay Stream (4.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | ||
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 4. 1.5 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, 0.5 credit of which can include: | 1.5 | |
FILM 5801 [0.5] | Graduate Internship | |
| 5. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5908 [1.0] | Research Essay | |
| Total Credits | 4.0 | |
| Requirements - Coursework Stream (4.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 4. 1.5 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, 0.5 credit of which can include: | 1.5 | |
FILM 5801 [0.5] | Graduate Internship | |
| 5. 1.0 credit from: | 1.0 | |
AFRI 5050 [0.5] | Selected Topics in African Studies | |
AFRI 5100 [0.5] | African Studies Abroad | |
AFRI 5700 [0.5] | Directed Readings in African Studies | |
Students may also take courses designated as having sufficient African Studies content, as approved by both the Graduate Supervisor in Film Studies and the Graduate Coordinator of the Institute of African Studies. | ||
| Total Credits | 4.0 | |
Note: for Item 4 above, students may take a 0.5 credit Film Studies course at the 4000-level subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor
M.A. Film Studies
with Specialization in Digital Humanities (5.0 credits)
| Requirements - Thesis Stream (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 2. 1.5 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, excluding FILM 5801 | 1.5 | |
| 3. 1.5 credits in: | 1.5 | |
FILM 5909 [1.5] | M.A. Thesis | |
| 4. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
DIGH 5000 [0.5] | Issues in the Digital Humanities | |
| 5. 0.5 credit in DIGH (DIGH 5011, DIGH 5012, or annually-listed DIGH course) | 0.5 | |
| 6. 0.0 credit in DIGH 5800 | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| Requirements - Research Essay Stream (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 2. 2.0 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, 0.5 credit of which can include: | 2.0 | |
FILM 5801 [0.5] | Graduate Internship | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5908 [1.0] | Research Essay | |
| 4. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
DIGH 5000 [0.5] | Issues in the Digital Humanities | |
| 5. 0.5 credit in DIGH (DIGH 5011, DIGH 5012, or annually listed DIGH course) | 0.5 | |
| 6. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
DIGH 5800 [0.0] | Digital Humanities: Professional Development | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
Note: for Item 2 above, students may take 0.5 credit of coursework outside the Film Studies program subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor. This credit may be a 4000-level Film Studies course.
| Requirements - Coursework Stream (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
FILM 5010 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I | |
FILM 5020 [0.5] | Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II | |
| 2. 2.5 credits in Film Studies graduate course work, 0.5 credit of which can include: | 2.5 | |
FILM 5801 [0.5] | Graduate Internship | |
| 3. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
DIGH 5000 [0.5] | Issues in the Digital Humanities | |
| 4. 1.0 credit in DIGH (DIGH 5011, DIGH 5012, or annually listed DIGH course) | 1.0 | |
| 5. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
DIGH 5800 [0.0] | Digital Humanities: Professional Development | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
Note: for Item 2 above, students may take a 0.5 credit Film Studies course at the 4000-level subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor.
Guidelines for Completion of M.A. Film Studies
- Full-time students in the thesis stream are expected to finish all requirements for the degree, with the exception of FILM 5909, during their first two terms of study, and part-time students by the end of the fifth term. The thesis requirement is designed to take two or three additional terms.
- Full-time students in the research essay stream are expected to finish all requirements for the degree, with the exception of FILM 5908 during their first two terms of study, and part-time students by the end of the fifth term. Full-time students are expected to complete the research essay by the end of the third term and part time students during the sixth term.
Thesis/Research Essay Proposal
- Students who wish to be admitted into the thesis stream will submit a thesis proposal to the Film Studies Graduate committee no later than November 1 of the first year of registration for students enrolled full time, and no later than the middle of the third term of registration for students enrolled part time.
- Students who wish to be admitted into the research essay stream will submit a research proposal to the Film Studies Graduate committee no later than November 1 of the first year of registration for students enrolled full time, and no later than the middle of the third term of registration for students enrolled part time. The topic should concern research undertaken after admission into the program.
Language Requirements
A reading knowledge of French (or another language approved by the Film Studies Graduate Supervisor) is required.
Film Studies (FILM) Courses
FILM 5001 [0.5 credit]
Directed Readings and Research
Tutorials designed to permit students to pursue research on topics in film studies which have been chosen in consultation with members of faculty.
Directed Readings and Research
Tutorials designed to permit students to pursue research on topics in film studies which have been chosen in consultation with members of faculty.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
FILM 5002 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics
Selected topics in film studies not available in the regular course program.
Special Topics
Selected topics in film studies not available in the regular course program.
FILM 5010 [0.5 credit]
Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I
Recent developments in film theory and history, with emphasis on the themes and concepts informing the development of the discipline of film studies, and training in methodologies for critical, theoretical and historical research in film studies.
Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies I
Recent developments in film theory and history, with emphasis on the themes and concepts informing the development of the discipline of film studies, and training in methodologies for critical, theoretical and historical research in film studies.
Precludes additional credit for FILM 5000 (no longer offered).
FILM 5020 [0.5 credit]
Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II
Building on the skills and knowledge developed in FILM 5010, the course examines recent developments in film theory and history. Emphasis on themes and concepts informing the discipline of film studies, and methodologies for critical, theoretical and historical research in film studies.
Film Theory, History, and Critical Methodologies II
Building on the skills and knowledge developed in FILM 5010, the course examines recent developments in film theory and history. Emphasis on themes and concepts informing the discipline of film studies, and methodologies for critical, theoretical and historical research in film studies.
Precludes additional credit for FILM 5000 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): FILM 5010 or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): FILM 5010 or permission of the instructor.
FILM 5106 [0.5 credit]
Cinema and Technology
Selected aspects of the technological development of cinema, with emphasis on the impact of technological advances on film historiography and critical analysis.
Cinema and Technology
Selected aspects of the technological development of cinema, with emphasis on the impact of technological advances on film historiography and critical analysis.
FILM 5107 [0.5 credit]
Topics in Film History
Aspects of the history of cinema, with emphasis on periods, film movements, styles, genres and comparative approaches to national, regional and/or world-wide trends.
Topics in Film History
Aspects of the history of cinema, with emphasis on periods, film movements, styles, genres and comparative approaches to national, regional and/or world-wide trends.
FILM 5109 [0.5 credit]
Topics in Film and Philosophy
Selected topics in philosophical approaches to the study of film, and an examination of the relations between film theory and philosophical aesthetics.
Topics in Film and Philosophy
Selected topics in philosophical approaches to the study of film, and an examination of the relations between film theory and philosophical aesthetics.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as FILM 4301, for which additional credit is precluded.
FILM 5203 [0.5 credit]
Issues in World Cinema
Study of the theoretical and methodological issues raised by the concept of world cinema. Topics may include nationalism, transnationalism, translation, cosmopolitanism, local and regional vernaculars, co-productions, film festivals, multinational corporations and other phenomena associated to globalization.
Issues in World Cinema
Study of the theoretical and methodological issues raised by the concept of world cinema. Topics may include nationalism, transnationalism, translation, cosmopolitanism, local and regional vernaculars, co-productions, film festivals, multinational corporations and other phenomena associated to globalization.
FILM 5205 [0.5 credit]
Topics in Hollywood Cinema
Examination of Hollywood cinema relative to recent research into Hollywood's impact on film aesthetics, technology, economics and culture.
Topics in Hollywood Cinema
Examination of Hollywood cinema relative to recent research into Hollywood's impact on film aesthetics, technology, economics and culture.
FILM 5209 [0.5 credit]
Critical Perspectives on Canadian Cinema
Current critical and historical approaches to Canadian film, with emphasis on institutions, aesthetic traditions and cultural practices.
Critical Perspectives on Canadian Cinema
Current critical and historical approaches to Canadian film, with emphasis on institutions, aesthetic traditions and cultural practices.
FILM 5401 [0.5 credit]
Studies in Authorship
Examination of the work of one or two filmmakers, with a concern for recent ideas about the concept of authorship and the formation of artistic and critical reputations.
Studies in Authorship
Examination of the work of one or two filmmakers, with a concern for recent ideas about the concept of authorship and the formation of artistic and critical reputations.
FILM 5500 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Film Analysis
Issues and approaches to the detailed analysis of particular film texts. Work in narratology, hermeneutics, discourse analysis, psychoanalysis, deconstruction and semiotics will provide the methodological background to the study of individual films.
Advanced Film Analysis
Issues and approaches to the detailed analysis of particular film texts. Work in narratology, hermeneutics, discourse analysis, psychoanalysis, deconstruction and semiotics will provide the methodological background to the study of individual films.
FILM 5506 [0.5 credit]
Topics in Culture, Identity and Representation
Current critical approaches to the study of identity in cinema. Topics will vary from year to year, and may include race, ethnicity and sexuality, and the geopolitical implications of colonialism and post-colonialism.
Topics in Culture, Identity and Representation
Current critical approaches to the study of identity in cinema. Topics will vary from year to year, and may include race, ethnicity and sexuality, and the geopolitical implications of colonialism and post-colonialism.
FILM 5601 [0.5 credit]
Studies in Genre
The theory and practice of film genres will be the object of study in this course.
Studies in Genre
The theory and practice of film genres will be the object of study in this course.
FILM 5701 [0.5 credit]
Topics in Animation
Institutional histories, the work of individual animators, modes of production, and the social function of animation represent topics to be covered by this course.
Topics in Animation
Institutional histories, the work of individual animators, modes of production, and the social function of animation represent topics to be covered by this course.
FILM 5801 [0.5 credit]
Graduate Internship
This course provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience by working on film-related projects under the supervision of staff at a museum, gallery, archive, exhibition venue or government agency. Graded SAT/UNS.
Graduate Internship
This course provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience by working on film-related projects under the supervision of staff at a museum, gallery, archive, exhibition venue or government agency. Graded SAT/UNS.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
FILM 5908 [1.0 credit]
Research Essay
Individual project on a topic of the student's choice involving research undertaken after admission into the program and supervised by a faculty member.
Research Essay
Individual project on a topic of the student's choice involving research undertaken after admission into the program and supervised by a faculty member.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
FILM 5909 [1.5 credit]
M.A. Thesis
M.A. Thesis
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
A standing of B- or better must be obtained in each course counted towards the master's degree.
Admission
The minimum requirement for admission to the master's program is a B.A. Honours or the equivalent in film studies or a related discipline with, normally, B+ in the honours subject and B- or higher overall. Related disciplines might include mass communication, art history, literature, Canadian studies, women's studies, and history. Successful applicants will be admitted to the Coursework stream, with the option of applying to be transferred to either the Research Essay stream or the Thesis stream at the beginning of the second term. Applicants without a background in film studies may be required to take a maximum of two full credits from designated courses in the undergraduate Film Studies program in addition to their normal M.A. program requirements.
Applicants who lack an honours degree, but who have a three-year degree in film studies or a related discipline with a minimum standing of B+, may be admitted to a Post-Baccalaureate in Film Studies. Students who complete the Post-Baccalaureate in Film Studies requirements with a CGPA of 10.4 or higher will be considered for admission to the master's program. The regulations governing the Post-Baccalaureate are outlined in the General Regulations section of this calendar.