MA Film Studies
Learning Outcomes
- Develop an overall understanding of the field of film studies and acquire the skill to use film language terminology to analyze films. Also to develop primary research skills at local film archives so that students are able to write an advanced level of research papers. Another expected outcome is an ability to understand cinema in the context of national and transnational perspective, especially in terms of American film history and international film history, our program’s two core focuses. Overall, students will be prepared to choose their research topics and write their MA thesis after taking these core classes.
- Differentiate significant contexts, periods, genres, and film movements within world film history and to apply stylistic film analyses to historical research of global cinemas in a final research project.
- To gain an in-depth knowledge of various theoretical approaches in film studies and then apply them in their analysis of specific films, movements, and styles in a final written project.
- Develop archival primary research skills and critical writing skills though the study of film in critical analysis and/or historical research papers on individually chosen topics that culminated in the successful completion of M.A. thesis.
Course requirements for the degree
Curricular Map
The curriculum map shows how each required course contributes to the program's learning outcomes.
Annual Learning Outcomes Assessment Report(s)
In a process called assessment, the faculty of each degree program measure student attainment of program learning outcomes goals on an annual basis. The assessment processes used by this program can be found in the link (PDF) below:
» Learning Outcomes Assessment Process (PDF)
Assessment Rubric
In assessing learning outcomes, program faculty often develop rubrics which establish criteria and expectations showing how outcomes are evaluated. The assessment processes used by this program can be found in the link (PDF) below:
» Learning Outcomes Assessment Rubric (PDF)
Program Review
Program review represents Chapman's commitment to excellence in academic programs through periodic review of educational effectiveness. Every 5 to 7 years, program faculty members prepare a self-study report, which is reviewed by external, expert reviewers, numerous Chapman faculty governance councils and committees, and the Office of the Chancellor. Program review provides an opportunity for each program to reflect on its educational effectiveness as well as its contribution to the university's mission and strategic plan. The results of program review guide institutional planning, budgeting and decision-making.
Program Review Schedule: 1995-1996, 2000-2001, 2010-2011, 2015-2016
2010-2011 review timeline below:
- Self Study: Fall 2010
- External Review/Site Visit: Spring 2011
- External Reviewers Report Submitted: Spring 2011
- Departmental Response Letters to External Report: Spring 2012
- Long Range Planning Council Response: Spring 2012
- Assessment Committee Response: Spring 2012
- Faculty Academic Response: Spring 2012
- Chancellor Response to Program Review: Spring 2013
Institutional Response and Action Items resulting from the Program Review:
- Increased capital budget to upgrade equipment and technology
- Dodge College to create a 5-year-course-offering and enrollment model
- Dodge College to redesign educational effectiveness plans and improve assessment efforts
- Curricula to be examined for increased theoretical content
- Dodge College to create a plan which addresses the issue of faculty mentorship
- Film studies curricula to be updated
Learn More
See department website for additional information about this program