We are inundated on a daily basis with mass culture, especially as it is purveyed through the mass media. The effects of this inundation are enormous and often unconscious, and the Film and Media Studies minor aims to develop in students a more informed awareness of the nature of this culture, its ideological tendencies, its relation to traditional "high" culture, and its effects on daily life in our society.
The film medium itself is studied both as a part of this mass culture and as unique art form, perhaps the quintessential art form of the twentieth century. The film and media studies faculty believe that such a juxtaposition of perspectives will be more productive than any single approach, and it is for this reason that we have, from the first, sought to make the minor interdisciplinary. The requirements for the minor give students a solid grounding in both film and other media, and allow them to concentrate on the area that most appeals to them. A minimum of 18 hours of related course work is required for the minor. It is also possible to major in English with a concentration in Film and Media Studies. Please see the English Department for details.
Send comments or questions to cfuchs@gmu.edu.