Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies (BA Film Studies)
BA Film Studies Syllabus
The BA in Film Studies is a three-year undergraduate program that explores the history, theory, and practice of cinema and other visual media. It provides students with the critical tools to analyze films and their impact on society while equipping them with hands-on skills in filmmaking, screenwriting, and editing.
For academic standards and program guidelines, visit the University Grants Commission (UGC).
1st Year (Foundation Courses)
The first year introduces students to the fundamentals of film, media, and cultural studies.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Film Studies | Overview of cinema's evolution, including early silent films, talkies, and global film movements. |
| History of Cinema | Study of significant historical developments in Indian and world cinema. |
| Visual Culture | Examination of visual storytelling and its influence on cultural perception. |
| Basics of Screenwriting | Foundations of crafting compelling stories and writing for screen. |
| Introduction to Cinematography | Understanding camera work, framing, and lighting in filmmaking. |
For more on cinema history and cultural heritage, refer to the National Film Archive of India (NFAI).
2nd Year (Intermediate Courses)
The second year focuses on specialized techniques in film production and theoretical perspectives.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Film Genres and Narratives | Analysis of popular film genres like noir, romance, thrillers, and their narrative structures. |
| Editing and Post-Production | Techniques of film editing and the use of software for visual effects and sound design. |
| Indian Cinema | Study of regional films, Bollywood, and their sociocultural significance. |
| Film Theory and Criticism | In-depth exploration of auteur theory, feminist film theory, and other critical frameworks. |
| Documentary Filmmaking | Principles and practices of creating impactful documentaries. |
For guidelines on film production, visit the Films Division of India.
3rd Year (Advanced Courses and Projects)
The final year includes advanced topics, projects, and internships to prepare students for careers in the film industry.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Cinematography | Mastering advanced techniques in camera work and lighting for storytelling. |
| Global Cinema | Comparative study of international films and their influence on Indian cinema. |
| Digital Media and Animation | Introduction to animation techniques, motion graphics, and digital filmmaking. |
| Film Production Project | A capstone project where students produce, direct, and edit their own short films. |
| Internship/Industry Training | Hands-on experience in the media industry, working with production houses or studios. |
For resources on internships and skill development, refer to the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Specialization Areas
In the final year, students may choose to specialize in one of the following areas:
| Specialization | Description |
|---|---|
| Screenwriting | Advanced training in creating feature-length scripts and storyboarding. |
| Direction and Filmmaking | Techniques for directing actors, managing film sets, and conceptualizing projects. |
| Cinematography | Mastery of camera operations, lighting setups, and visual composition. |
| Editing and Post-Production | In-depth skills in editing, color grading, and sound mixing. |
| Film Criticism and Research | Academic research and critique of cinematic works. |
