Coursework Requirements and Timetable To Degree
The program is designed to provide in depth knowledge of the field of film and media while allowing students to develop and design interdisciplinary research by taking coursework and attending events in other programs across the humanities and social sciences.
Students are required to take eight required Screen Cultures courses as part of their overall number of coursework units designated by the Graduate School. In addition to these 8 units, students may take PhD courses (with permission of instructor) offered by participating faculty in other departments. With permission of the steering committee, students may take courses by non-participating faculty. Students coming in with a BA only may be advised to take up to three undergraduate RTVF courses, depending on levels of preparedness. Students are expected to spend the summers (on stipend) working with, or under the supervision of, one or more faculty members to pursue research and/or directed reading.
Core 400 level graduate seminars are offered every year. In addition to core seminars, research seminars in RTVF on more specific topics vary throughout the year, and students enroll in graduate seminars held by participating faculty. Students are also expected to participate in Screen Cultures colloquia and events.
Required Core Courses
Four of six 400 level core courses are required (we recommend all nine). They can be taken anytime during coursework, with the consent of the instructor.
- RTVF 402 Television and Media Theory
- RTVF 403 Media and Cultural Theory
- RTVF 410 Historiography
- RTVF 420 Film Theory and Criticism
- RTVF 422 Textual Analysis
- RTVF 426 Global Media
In addition, two of three cultural history courses are required:
- RTVF 411 Cultural History of Television
- RTVF 412 Cultural History of Film
- RTVF 413 Cultural History of New Media
Additional Required Graduate Seminars in Screen Cultures
- At least three additional Screen Cultures/RTVF seminars at the 400 or 500 level. We recommend 6-8.
- RTVF 502 Writing Practicum
All other coursework is elected by the student in accordance with Screen Cultures policy.
Exams
Master’s Exam: While the goal of our doctoral program is the awarding of a PhD degree, students who enter with a BA only will be expected to take a qualifying exam in the last quarter of the first year of coursework. Students may continue toward the PhD if they pass the exam and maintain at least an overall "B" average.
PhD Exam: To advance to candidacy for the PhD, students will take a qualifying exam given at the end of their coursework in the second year of the PhD. (In consultation with the advisor, students can choose to take the exam either in June or September). The qualifying exam is a take home, open book exam taken over three days. The students will work with one chair and two other faculty members on the reading lists, and will convene with all three members for an oral defense of the exam questions and the dissertation prospectus.
Dissertation: The Main activity after passing the Phd exam is research and writing for the Dissertation.
Professional Experience and Teaching: Students normally work as teaching and research assistants during the course of their graduate education.
