Direct your future with a film studies minor at Randolph-Macon. Immerse yourself in the history, technique, and international reach of film, and develop a broad appreciation for the ways film expresses universal themes and gives voice to many perspectives and communities. Reflect on a wide range of cinematic works, film styles, genres, and movements, and examine the shifting role of film as a means for entertainment and social change. As visual storytelling increasingly becomes the most effective vehicle for sharing ideas and connecting people globally, the film studies minor provides you with a practical foundation, in a versatile medium, with applications in a variety of fields including education, media, communications, entertainment, business, international relations, politics and non-profits.
Minor Film Studies
Film Studies
up close In and Beyond the Classroom
hands-on learning
At RMC, we believe that learning by doing is the most effective way to develop the deep knowledge and understanding you’ll take with you well beyond the classroom. As a Filmmaking (FILM 262) student, you learn the production principles of filmmaking by diving into the personnel, equipment, and technical components involved in pre-production, production, and post-production. You’ll explore the creative role of the director by directing artistic shot selection, visual and audio synchronization, music and sound alignment, storyboard development, cinematography, and editing; all for the purpose of sharing your story, your vision.
high-impact internships
Students have tremendous opportunities to connect with a rich and growing cinema culture in the greater Richmond area. Opportunities include the annual French Film Festival, the James River Independent Film Festival, and the Richmond International Film Festival. Virginia’s active recruitment of films and TV, including Showtime’s Homeland, Apple TV’s Swagger, and Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln offer changes for internship, networking, and future job opportunities.
advising and mentorship
As a film studies minor, you’ll learn from expert Randolph-Macon faculty who represent a wide array of academic disciplines including art, American studies, Asian studies, communication studies, English, French, German, History, sociology, music, theater studies and women’s studies. This interdisciplinary approach means you explore topics about American film and world cinemas through the lens of different artistic, historical and cultural view points.
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16,320Virginia jobs are linked to film industry according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
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1923the year the original Hollywood sign was constructed
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16frames per second, the frame speed of the earliest motion picture cameras
Film Studies
in full Courses You Won’t Want to Miss
FILM 228
The Holocaust in German and European Film
Study films that deal with the history and aftermath of the Holocaust, and learn how the Holocaust affected most of Europe. Develop the skills to interpret and critique international films and compare how the history of the Holocaust has been depicted in various German and European films.
FILM 262
FILmMAKINg
Get an introduction to visualization practices and production principles of filmmaking with an in-depth examination of the professional language, personnel, equipment, and technical components involved in pre-production, production, and post-production. Explore the creative role of the director in such activities as artistic shot selection, visual and audio synchronization, music and sound alignment, storyboard development, cinematography, and editing.
FILM 345
Major Film Makers
Study nine directors/filmmakers, their backgrounds, their works and their critical film reviews. Explore directors such as Stanley Kubrick (US/UK), Ingmar Bergman (Sweden), Federico Fellini (Italy), Claire Denis (France), Alejandro Inarritu (Mexico) and others. Develop your understanding of the directors and their films in the context of cinematic history.
From Here To What you can do with a Film Studies minor from RMC.
Hannah Fay ’20
Data Analyst, Payroll Manager, and Accounts Receivable Specialist
Florida Freezer LP
“What I loved about my time at RMC was the ability to connect with my peers and my professors. I grew up in a small classroom environment, and I like bouncing ideas off other people when I need help finding a solution. Having those one-on-one capabilities provided me with the tools I needed to succeed both in the classroom and out in the real world.”
Stephanie Staples ’17
Associate Producer, Social Media
PBS NewsHour
Christopher KEndall ’23
Director of Technology, Marketing, and Media
Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church
Buzz Worthy The latest from RMC Film Studies.
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Nov. 16: Film Festival Presents “Zweig: Farewell to Europe”
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