Film Studies

The Film Studies program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the history, theory, and practice of cinema from around the world. Designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking, this program provides a multidisciplinary approach that combines coursework in film history, film theory, and film production. Students will examine a diverse range of genres, movements, and filmmakers, gaining an understanding of how films reflect and influence cultural, social, and political contexts. The curriculum encourages active engagement through screenings, discussions, and hands-on projects, enabling students to develop their analytical abilities as well as practical skills in areas such as screenwriting, editing, and cinematography. Faculty members are experienced scholars and industry professionals committed to mentoring students and fostering an environment of academic excellence and creative innovation. The program prepares graduates for careers in film production, criticism, journalism, archiving, and education, or for further study at the graduate level. Students also have opportunities to participate in film festivals, internships, and collaborative projects that enhance their professional portfolio. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, a vibrant campus community, and a network of industry contacts, the Film Studies program at Nebraska offers an ideal setting for aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts to pursue their passion, develop their expertise, and contribute to the dynamic world of cinema.

The major requires 30 hours of approved courses, with four courses serving as core courses for the major: ENGL 213E Introduction to Film History, ENGL 219 Film Genre, ENGL 239 Film Directors, and ENGL 373 Film Theory and Criticism. Students must also take ENGL 487 (English Capstone Experience) to complete their course work for the major.

In addition to these required 15 hours of course work, 6 additional hours must be taken from Group A (see below); and 9 hours must be taken from Group B (see below).

The general education core and electives will be those standard for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Group A

Broadcasting

• BRDC 226 Introduction to Broadcasting (COMM 226) (3 cr)
• BRDC 497 Independent Study in Broadcasting (3 cr)

English

• ENGL 212 Introduction to Lesbian & Gay Literature (WMNS 212) (3 cr)
• ENGL 213E Introduction to Film History (3 cr)
• ENGL 219 Film Genre (3 cr)
• ENGL 230A Shakespeare (3 cr)
• ENGL 239 Film Directors (3 cr)
• ENGL 269 Film Period (3 cr)
• ENGL 270 Literary/Critical Theory (3 cr)
• ENGL 282 Literature & the Other Arts (3 cr)
• ENGL 315B Women in Popular Culture (WMNS 315B) (3 cr)
• ENGL 330A Shakespeare on Screen (3 cr)
• ENGL 349 National Cinemas (3 cr)
• ENGL 373 Film Theory & Criticism (3 cr)
• ENGL 413/813 Film (3 cr)
• ENGL 439/839 Film Directors (3 cr)
• ENGL 459/859 Writing for Film (3 cr)
• ENGL 487 English Capstone Experience (3 cr)

Music

• MUNM 275 Music in Film (3 cr)
• MUNM 387 History of American Jazz (3 cr)

Theatre Arts

• THEA 112G Introduction to Theatre (3 cr)

Group B

Art and Art History

• AHIS 246 Modern Art (3 cr)
• AHIS 252 American Art 1865-1945 (3 cr)
• AHIS 346 European Art of the Twentieth Century (3 cr)
• AHIS 441/841 Impressionism & Post-Impressionism (3 cr)
• AHIS 446/846 Art since 1945 (3 cr)
• AHIS 448/848 Post-Modernism (3 cr)
• AHIS 452/852 American Art 1893-1939 (3 cr)
• AHIS 471/871 History of Photography (3 cr)
• AHIS 472/872 Photography Since 1960 (3 cr)
• CERM 131 Ceramics for Non-Majors (3 cr)
• DRAW 101 Beginning Drawing (3 cr)
• MUNM 201 Contemporary Issues in Music & the Arts (3 cr)
• PHOT 161 Photography for Non-Majors (3 cr)
• PRNT 141 Printmaking for Non-Majors (3 cr)
• SCLP 111 Sculpture for Non-Majors (3 cr)

Communication Studies

• COMM 198 Special Topics in Communication Studies (3 cr)
• COMM 211 Intercultural Communication (ETHN 211) (3 cr)
• COMM 215 Visual Communication (3 cr)
• COMM 220 Public Advocacy & Civic Engagement (3 cr)
• COMM 280 Communication & Popular Culture (3 cr)
• COMM 283 Interpersonal Communication (3 cr)
• COMM 312 Argumentation (3 cr)
• COMM 371 Communication in Negotiation & Conflict Resolution (3 cr)
• COMM 375 Theories of Persuasion (3 cr)
• COMM 380 Gender & Communication (3 cr)
• COMM 398 Special Topics in Communication Studies (3 cr)
• COMM 400 Rhetorical Theory (3 cr)
• COMM 452 Media & Culture (3 cr)
• COMM 486 Communicating Organizational Culture & Power (3 cr)
• COMM 498 Special Topics in Communication Studies (3 cr)

English

• ENGL 245N Introduction to Native American Literature (ETHN 245N) (3)
• ENGL 275 Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (3 cr)
• ENGL 344 Ethnicity & Film (ETHN 344) (3 cr)
• ENGL 344B Black Women Authors (ETHN 344B/WMNS 344B) (3 cr)
• ENGL 345D Chicana &/or Chicano Literature (ETHN 345D)
• ENGL 406/806 Genre (3 cr)
• ENGL 445/845 Ethnic Literature (ETHN 445/845) (3 cr)
• ENGL 471/871 Advanced Theory (3 cr)
• ENGL 475/875 Rhetoric (3 cr)
• ENGL 475A/875A Rhetorical Theory: Rhetoric of Women Writers (WMNS 475A/875A)
• ENGL 478/878 Digital Archives & Editions (3 cr)

Philosophy

• PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy (3 cr)
• PHIL 106 Philosophy & Current Issues (3 cr)
• PHIL 218 Philosophy of Feminism (WMNS 218) (3 cr)
• PHIL 327 Aesthetics (3 cr)

Sociology

• SOCI 373 Sociology of Mass Media (3 cr)

• There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.
• Secondary school transcript
• Secondary school certificate/diploma
• Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS or TOEFL score demonstrating proficiency in English.
• In order to be issued an I-20, you must submit a bank statement showing sufficient support for the first year of study.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• GLOBAL LAUREATE SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL EXCELLENCY SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL DIPLOMAT SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL DELEGATE SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL CONSUL SCHOLARSHIP

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers a comprehensive Film Studies program designed for students interested in exploring the history, theory, and practice of film and media. The program aims to develop students' critical understanding of cinema as an art form, cultural artifact, and means of communication. It provides a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines courses in film theory, history, analysis, and production. Students have opportunities to study the evolution of cinema from its origins to contemporary digital media, gaining insights into various national cinemas, genres, and influential filmmakers. The program emphasizes analytical skills, aesthetic appreciation, and technical competence, preparing graduates for careers in film criticism, academia, production, distribution, and related fields. It also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating aspects of literature, communication, anthropology, and visual culture. Students are encouraged to participate in film festivals, internships, and extracurricular projects to enhance practical experience. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and industry professionals dedicated to mentoring students and advancing research in film studies. The program culminates in a capstone project or thesis, where students can demonstrate their understanding and scholarly or creative achievements. The university's resources, including film archives, screening facilities, and collaboration with local arts organizations, enrich the learning experience. Overall, Nebraska’s Film Studies program strives to cultivate informed, analytical, and innovative film scholars and practitioners who can contribute thoughtfully to the evolving media landscape.