Film Studies
- Mission Statement
Film Studies at Weber State University offers an interdisciplinary approach to filmmaking and the critical analysis of film and media. The program provides opportunities for students to experiment, collaborate, and develop a comprehensive understanding of all facets of filmmaking and cultivate a deep knowledge of film, television, and new media forms.
- Student Learning Outcomes
- Certificate (Not Applicable)
- Associate Degree (Not Applicable)
- Bachelor Degree
At the end of their study at WSU, students completing the Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies will:
- Writing, Editing and Speaking: Students will demonstrate writing, speaking, and editing skills appropriate for careers in film, television and digital media. Students will be assessed through exams, quizzes, presentations, productions and writing assignments.
- Filmmaking Techniques: Students will demonstrate the principles and practices of filmmaking techniques. Students will be assessed through exams, quizzes, presentations, productions, multimedia and digital projects, and writing assignments.
- Internships: Students will apply workplace skills by completing an internship with a professional organization. Students will be assessed through meta-analysis papers and reflections on their professionalizing experience.
- Certificate (Not Applicable)
- Curriculum Grid
- Assessment Plan
The following assessment plan is the is the first submitted by the Film Studies Program since its inception as a major Fall 2019. It reflects the
Student Learning Outcomes and Mission statement adopted Spring 2024.
Overall Assessment Strategy:- Standardized rubrics for each Learning Outcome for each Required Course
- Assessments
- Final Projects
- Essays (Analytical and Video)
- Peer Evaluations
- Reflections
- Portfolios/Capstone Projects
- Adopted Student Learning Outcomes Spring 2024
- Create: Students will apply their technical and theoretical skills in the production of films and creative works.
- Film projects will be assessed using rubrics that evaluate technical skills, storytelling, and application of theoretical knowledge.
- Screenplay projects will be assessed using rubrics that evaluate structure, character development, dialogue, and proper formatting.
- Student portfolios showcase work completed throughout the program, with rubrics highlighting growth.
- Analyze: Students will apply interpretive methodologies to explore the social, ideological, and ethical values presented in media works.
- Analytical essays will evaluate interpretive methodologies, argument clarity, analysis depth, and film theory application.
- Student class presentations will present and discuss film analysis using methodologies discussed in class, explaining how the film reflects or challenges specific values allowing for assessment of analytical depth and communication skills.
- Collaborate: Students will work constructively to solve problems and collaborate in diverse teams to create impactful films.
- Group projects are evaluated through rubrics that assess teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
- Students are evaluated on how well they divide tasks, resolve conflicts, and contribute to the project’s success.
- Student Surveys/focus groups
- Faculty and Affiliate Faculty involvement in assessment
- Alumni feedback & industry trends
- Create: Students will apply their technical and theoretical skills in the production of films and creative works.
Data Collection and Review Process:- Use rubrics to collect data across courses
- Collect and analyze data from student/course surveys and self-reflections for insights on perceived learning
- Periodically survey alumni to assess long-term program impact and adapt to meet industry trends
Faculty engagement:- Faculty and affiliate faculty yearly review and identify areas of improvement in teaching and curriculum alignment.
- Review courses across departments and that they meet the learning outcomes for program
Proposed Assessment Timeline:- Every Semester
- Collect data (Final projects/papers, group work, reflections) Annually
- Collect data and analyze data from introductory courses
- Alumni and employer surveys - program impact and relevance
- Biennially
- Collect data and analyze data from advanced production and writing courses
- Student focus groups
- Capstone Projects
- Assess student portfolios in their final semester for cumulative proficiency across all learning outcomes
- Three Years - Comprehensive review
- Standardized rubrics for each Learning Outcome for each Required Course
- Program and Contact Information
Through extensive experiential learning opportunities, students acquire essential skills in directing, producing, editing, and cinematography. Film majors have access to state-of-the-art production and post-production facilities and, a dedicated sound stage, a green screen studio. Our students gain hands-on experience working with high-end cameras such as Red Camera, Black Magic Cinema and equipment, and industry-standard post-production software such as Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and Pro Tools.
Utah has a thriving film scene. Over 1,000 movies, television productions, and advertisements were produced in the region. Our students have the opportunity to take advantage of the film scene in Utah. Many of our students find employment as crew on the set on numerous film and tv sets.
Contact Information:Andrea Baltazar, MFA
Film Studies Program Director & Academic Advisor
Associate Professor of Digital Media
Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities -
- Assessment Report Submissions
2023-24
- Program Review
This information is part of the cyclical program review process. Details such as mission statements, learning outcomes, etc., are updated as part of the biennial assessment reporting process, an integral component of program review.