What You’ll Study in the Bachelor's Degree in Film and Media Studies
Cross the boundaries of traditional fields to discover the dynamic relationship between media and society with the film and media studies major at Reed College. Study the history, theory, and criticism of communications media, including cinema, from various historical periods and cultures, and learn from faculty with a range of disciplinary interests, from literature to Chinese. Develop an individual plan of coursework in consultation with a member of the faculty committee overseeing the program.
Roadmap to the BA in Film and Media Studies
Explore the opportunity to pursue courses in many areas, including film analysis and interpretation from various historical periods, national cinemas, directors, and genres; histories of media and mediation; the relationship between race, gender, and media; the role and power of media in shaping social values, political beliefs, identities and behaviors; and the study of computers and computing, particularly in the context of art, communication, and culture.
Year One
Discover Film and Media Studies
Take the first of Reed's three core introductory courses, Introduction to Film Studies, which introduces you to film aesthetics through analysis of form and style as it emerged technologically, historically, and generically. You will explore the specificity of the language of cinema and its development in the twentieth century, paying special attention to how the big screen responded to and represented major events and historical shifts.
Along with other first-year students, participate in Humanities 110, Reed’s distinctive yearlong course that provides all first-year students with the opportunity to study a range of topics and experience a variety of academic approaches.
Why Study Film and Media Studies at Reed College?
Cross Academic Borders
Studying film and media studies at Reed goes beyond traditional departmental boundaries. Begin your journey with an introductory film analysis and interpretation class, then explore courses from various departments: art, Chinese, English, German, literature, Russian, and Spanish. In your classes, immerse yourself in the intersections between cinema and culture, history, politics, and more.
Film and media classes include these subjects:
- Art 374 - New Media/Old Media—Experiments in Optical Media and Computation
- Chinese 346 - From Allegories to Documentaries: Screening Postsocialist China
- English 381 - The City in Film
- French 390 - Postwar French Cinema (1945–1975)
- German 349 - Cinema and Politics
- Literature 309 - Introduction to Film Theory
- Russian 362 - Red Sci-Fi: Science Fiction in Soviet Literature and Film
- Spanish 372 - Documentary Resistance in Latin America and Spain
Enhance Your Learning and Career Prospects
Gain essential skills in critical analysis and media literacy through film and media courses. Develop the ability to navigate the complexities of today’s media landscape, understanding different narratives and comprehending their societal impact.
In addition, master diverse storytelling techniques and visual communication—skills that transcend industries and allow you to engage audiences and communicate ideas effectively. Finally, find yourself exploring diverse cultures, historical events, and human emotions through films and related media. Cultivate empathy and cultural awareness—highly valued qualities in our interconnected world.
Whether you aspire to work in the film industry, marketing, education, or another field, your profound understanding of narratives and visual media is an asset that enhances your career prospects.
Watch More Movies
Just a 20-minute bike ride away from Reed’s campus is Movie Madness, a legendary resource for film lovers. This iconic Portland institution has more than 90,000 titles on hand, as well as membership options and a private screening room. Check out their free screenings and learn about Movie Madness University, their film appreciation program.
