The Tutorial Program

There are five elements to the tutorial program in Film:

1. Twelve individual tutorials on topics in film studies and film production are required. Possible topics in production include all aspects of film and video pre-production, production, and post-production; screenwriting; producing; directing; and special topics in film/video production. Possible tutorial topics in film studies include film theory, criticism, history (including history of experimental, documentary, and narrative film and video), historiography, film and society, research methods, and international cinemas. The honors thesis is also taken as a tutorial.
2. Liberal Arts education. The nature of the film medium requires a broad background in liberal arts and a multidisciplinary approach to learning. Students are expected to select 15 to 18 elective courses in film, history, English, telecommunications, comparative arts, foreign languages, and other disciplines.
3. Production and scholarship courses in film. Breadth of understanding can often best be achieved through practical courses in film and video production and courses in film scholarship. Because film is a collaborative art, you will join other students in the appropriate courses. By the second year, each tutorial student will select her/his area of specialization within one of two overall areas: (1) film studies or (2) film/video production. In the junior year, each student choosing a film/video production option is to complete a junior year creative project.
4. Minor area of specialization. The student will plan a cognate minor consisting of four courses or sixteen credit hours outside the School of Film. These courses will be chosen according to an individual plan that you develop with the Director of Studies. Students wishing, for example, to enter a career in producing or arts administration should complete a cognate minor such as management, accounting, or business.
5. The Honors Thesis in Film. Each student is required to complete an Honors Thesis. This may take the form of a completed film, video, feature-length screenplay, or a major research thesis.

In addition, students are encouraged to seek internship opportunities in film and related fields.

The School of Film Committee (Director of Studies, Director of the School and two tutors) oversees the program. The Director of Studies assigns tutors in accordance with the student’s interests and, in consultation with the student, develops an individual plan of study leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film.

Evaluation

Papers and creative work developed as part of each tutorial are discussed and evaluated by the tutor. The Director of Studies also consults with tutors about your progress, and the strengths and weaknesses of individual students so that subsequent tutorials can address problems and build on existing strengths. A description of each tutorial as well as an informal evaluation is filed by the tutor in the college office and School of Film office at the close of the quarter.

Honors Thesis

Tutorial Students prepare and defend an original thesis during the fourth year. This may be either a written thesis or a studio thesis resulting in a film, video, or screenplay. The topic and scope of the thesis is approved by the tutorial committee no later than the end of Fall Quarter in the third year of the student’s program. The thesis should reflect the student’s interest in her/his chosen area of concentration.

Application

The deadline to apply for admission is December 15. Please submit all artwork on labeled slides, videotape, and DVD’s; the School cannot accept original artwork.