Film Studies refers to the creative study of film as a whole. More specifically, it is a study of how different cinematic styles and genres relate to (are connected to) specific themes, characters, and subjects. It includes studies of the structure, style, genre, subject, and application of film. Film studies seek to reveal the connections between film and society, comparing and contrasting filmic and non-filmic subject matter, looking at social issues and the cultural significance of film. Finally, the field studies the effects of film on the culture, providing an interpretation of contemporary reactions to film based on past and current film styles, popular and critical responses, as well as studying the impact of contemporary film on the history of film.
The main areas of concentration in film theory include film analysis, which refers to analyzing a film from various points of view such as social, political, technological, artistic, emotional, and aesthetic. Analysis provides information about the film as a whole through archival research, literary analysis, viewer responses, as well as critiques of specific films. Film theory looks into the connections among film theory, critical analysis, storytelling, performance, aesthetics, film method, and culture. Students can expect to take courses that discuss the history of film, the mediums of film, cinema, film theory, visual culture, popular culture, advertising media, and social expectations. Furthermore, students will take courses that integrate theories about storytelling and character studies, social studies, media studies, sociology, anthropology, and history of film. Film studies may also include programs in communication, mass media, visual communications, public relations, technology, business, entrepreneurship, psychology, film analysis, digital technology, television, video production and editing, and film production, all of which provide the tools for understanding film as a cultural art form.
Film criticism refers to a range of film studies that seek to uncover the layers of meaning and significance in films. Some of these studies include film studies, film criticism, popular culture, popular movie culture, and popular culture and society Studies that touch on the social, political, and economical aspects of film are known as media studies. Film education includes courses in film theory, film analysis, digital media, storytelling, symbolism, historical perspectives, documentary studies, popular culture and film criticism.