Do you love film? Are you interested in the intersection of media, culture, and the Christian faith? Do you want a blended field of study with theory and criticism as well as practice and production?
The Film Studies Minor at Westmont provides an integrated liberal arts foundation that emphasizes the intersection of film with many disciplines and aspects of culture. The minor examines film as an art form that persuades and inspires, evoking religious, aesthetic, ethical, and epistemological questions that are foundational to humane learning. Combining coursework from the departments of Applied Studies, Art, Communication Studies, English, History, Modern Languages, Political Science, Theater Arts, and Religious Studies, Film Studies minors explore film as a powerful national and transnational force.
Students to Shine at Film Fest
In its third year, the Montecito Student Film Festival will showcase a diverse selection drawn from nearly 900 submissions submitted by local, national and international student filmmakers on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Porter Theatre and surrounding venues on campus.
Requirements for a Film Studies Minor (24 Units)
Film Theory & Criticism: 4 units
ENG 101 Film Studies (4)
OR
COM 107 Focus on Film (1 unit each, 4 total units required)
Film in Context: 4 units
One of the following:
- COM 148 Postmodern Narratives (4)
- HIS 082 History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Film (4)
- POL 142 The Politics of Film (4)
- RS 132 Theology in Film (4)
- SP 130 Hispanic Film and Literature (4)
Film Practice: 4 units
One of the following:
- FLM 030 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking (4)
- APP 190 Internship (1-4) as approved by the minor advisor
- ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
- RS 162 Religion and Filmmaking (4)
- TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
- Portfolio or Capstone Project (up to 2 units)
This project will be completed in the context of an internship or existing course as approved by the minor advisor.
Electives: 8 units Two of the following, not taken above:
APP 060/160 Film Production (1-2)
APP 190 Internship (1-4) as approved by minor advisor
ART 065 Digital Tools (4)
ART 131 Theory & Criticism in the Arts (4)
COM 107 Focus on Film (1 unit, may be repeated for up to 4 units as topics change)
COM 125 Media and Mass Communication (4)
COM 129 Persuasion & Propaganda (4)
COM 140 Communication Ethics (4)
COM 148 Postmodern Narratives (4)
ENG 101 Film Studies (4)
ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
ENG 112 Screenwriting II (4)
ENG 113 Screenwriting III (4)
FLM 030 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking (4)
FLM 130 Documentary Filmmaking (4)
HIS 082 History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Film (4)
POL 142 The Politics of Film (4)
RS 132 Theology in Film (4)
RS 162 Religion and Filmmaking (4)
SP 130 Hispanic Film and Literature (4)
TA 010 Acting I: Foundations (4)
TA 036 Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
Film courses from off-campus programs, as approved by the Registrar and minor advisor (Los Angeles Film Studies Semester, etc.)
No more than 10 units may come from a single department, and no more than 6 units may overlap with a major.
Title
"Westmont prepared me..."
Producing the MSFF provided valuable industry experience and a clear path for me after graduation. Building relationships with industry professionals and international filmmakers gave me insight into various aspects of the film world, helping me identify my strengths, interests, and niche.
Faculty Highlights
Acts professionally on the local, national and international stage
Studying world religions and Christian mission takes him to Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Studies peacemaking organizations and leads study abroad programs on conflict and reconciliation
Westmont College Launches First Ever Montecito Student Film Festival
Student Wins Santa Barbara International Film Festival Award
Theater major Lyndall Stephenson ’20 planned to premiere her senior project, “Nomad (a film),” this spring at Porter Theatre until COVID-19 ended such events.
Eyeing Filmmaking as a Lens for Storytelling
Three Westmont students gained extraordinary inside access to the film industry as part of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), which in 35 years has become one of the leading film festivals in the country.
Film Students Go Behind the Scenes
Two Westmont students gained exclusive access to Hollywood’s top actors, directors, writers and filmmakers through the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Rosebud program.