Bachelor of Arts+Master of Arts in Film Studies (BA+MA Film Studies)
Bachelor of Arts & Masters of Arts in Film Studies Syllabus
The BA & MA in Film Studies Integrated Course is a five-year undergraduate and postgraduate program that offers a comprehensive education in cinema. It combines foundational film studies with advanced exploration into film theory, history, production, and critique. This integrated course aims to develop both the practical and theoretical aspects of film studies, preparing students for careers in various segments of the film industry, including filmmaking, media analysis, and academic roles.
For detailed course guidelines, refer to the University Grants Commission (UGC).
1st Year (Foundational Courses - BA)
The first year establishes the basic concepts of cinema and introduces students to the world of film studies.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Cinema | Overview of the global history of cinema and key movements in film. |
| Film Analysis and Criticism | Introduction to film criticism, analyzing movies based on narrative structure, visual style, and themes. |
| Film Genres and Styles | Study of various film genres (e.g., drama, thriller, comedy) and their conventions. |
| History of Indian Cinema | Exploration of the evolution of Indian cinema, from early films to contemporary cinema. |
| Basic Cinematography | Introduction to visual techniques, camera angles, lighting, and framing. |
For more information on Indian cinema, visit the National Film Archive of India (NFAI).
2nd Year (Advanced Film Studies - BA)
The second year dives deeper into film history, theory, and the technical aspects of filmmaking.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Film Theory | Study of key film theories including realism, formalism, and auteur theory. |
| Cinema as Cultural Expression | Analysis of the relationship between cinema and cultural, social, and political contexts. |
| Documentary Film | Study of documentary as a medium, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects. |
| Sound and Music in Film | Exploration of how sound design and music contribute to storytelling in cinema. |
| Film Production Techniques | Introduction to film production, including script development, storyboarding, and pre-production. |
For film education resources, visit the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
3rd Year (Practical Skills - BA)
The third year provides practical experience in filmmaking, screenwriting, and production techniques.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Screenwriting and Scriptwriting | Introduction to writing scripts for films, including structure, dialogue, and character development. |
| Film Direction | Techniques for directing films, including working with actors and crew, and managing the set. |
| Cinematography and Editing | In-depth study of camera techniques, lighting, editing software, and post-production. |
| Film Genres and Global Cinema | Comparative study of film genres across different cultures and countries. |
| Practical Filmmaking | Hands-on experience creating short films and working on a full production cycle. |
4th Year (Advanced Courses - MA)
In the fourth year, students transition into more advanced, postgraduate-level coursework with a focus on specialized topics.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Film Theory | Exploration of advanced film theories and critical approaches, including postmodern and feminist cinema theory. |
| Film Criticism and Review | Techniques of writing professional film reviews and critiquing films in a scholarly context. |
| Advanced Cinematography | Study of advanced camera techniques, visual storytelling, and the role of cinematography in film art. |
| International Cinema | Comparative study of world cinema, including Hollywood, European, and Asian film industries. |
| Dissertation/Research Project | Independent research project on a film-related topic, supported by faculty mentors. |
5th Year (Final Year - MA)
The final year of the integrated program focuses on specialization, final projects, and preparing students for careers in academia or the film industry.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Film Production (Advanced) | Advanced techniques in film production, including working with actors, camera work, and editing in a professional setting. |
| Film and Media Industries | Overview of the business side of cinema, including distribution, marketing, and film festivals. |
| Documentary Filmmaking | Advanced study of creating and producing impactful documentaries. |
| Film Directing (Advanced) | Mastery of directing techniques, focusing on creative leadership in film production. |
| Final Project (Film/Thesis) | Independent film project or thesis exploring a film studies-related topic in-depth. |
