This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AAS/DTA degree and prepares you for a university major in film. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Scroll to the end for course suggestions.
Quarter 1 (15 credits)
FILM 101 Intro to film (5 credits) (preferred)
or FILM 130 Intro to film history (5 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
CMST& 101 Intro to communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 102 Intro to mass media (5 credits)
or another CMST "OC" course appropriate for your area of emphasis (see below)
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
- Make a connection with your film instructor. Visit office hours. Ask questions about being a film major.
- Watch movies, read movie reviews, listen to film podcasts, visit the Pickford, visit a film festival, record responses to movies on Letterboxd.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
FILM 101 Intro to film (5 credits)
or FILM 130 Intro to film history (5 credits)
If you didn't take FILM 101 in Quarter 1, take it this quarter.
FILM 264 Women in film (5 credits)
or FILM 280 International film (5 credits)
MATH& 107 Math in society (5 credits)
or another 100-level MATH course
If you're not ready for MATH& 107, start the math sequence leading to it.
Career exploration:
- Compare the different film majors at universities you're interested in.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work: class assignments, creative work, work from volunteering, clubs, or jobs.
- Meet with film instructors past and current. It makes it easier to ask for letters of recommendation later.
- Watch the Oscars.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
FILM 210 Film genres (5 credits)
or FILM 265 American LGBTQ+ cinema (5 credits)
ENVS& 100 Survey of environmental science (5 credits)
or another science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description
DRMA& 101 Intro to theatre (5 credits)
or another humanities ("H") course appropriate for your area of emphasis (see below)
Career exploration:
- Create a resume to document your activities.
- Look at the experience of professionals in your field on LinkedIn. What could you emulate? Do differently? What unique background could you leverage or bring to the field?
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
FILM 240 Documentary film (5 credits)
PSYC& 100 General psychology (5 credits)
or ANTH& 100 Survey of anthropology (5 credits)
or another social science ("SS") course appropriate for your area of emphasis (see below)
ENGL 201 Advanced composition (5 credits)
or ENGL 202 Writing about literature (5 credits)
or ENGL& 235 Technical writing (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Clarify your area of emphasis in the field of film.
- Listen to podcasts about film or the kind of career you're aiming for.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
FILM 264 Women in film (5 credits)
or FILM 280 International film (5 credits)
IDS 180 Visual media and culture (5 credits)
or another social science ("SS") course appropriate for your area of emphasis (see below)
Math/science (5 credits): a course with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description. It can be a science, an additional 100-level MATH course, or a programming course.
Career exploration:
- Build a LinkedIn profile and connect with instructors and classmates from film courses--your future work network.
- Ask for letters of recommendation.
Action items:
- Attend university transfer information sessions.
- Apply to graduate.
Quarter 6 (15 credits)
FILM 210 Film genres (5 credits)
or FILM 265 American LGBTQ+ cinema (5 credits)
GEOL 140 Natural disasters (5 credits)
or GEOL 100 Intro to earth science (5 credits)
or another lab science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS l" at the end of the course description
PSYC 211 Social psychology (5 credits)
or ANTH& 206 Cultural anthropology (5 credits)
or another social science ("SS") course appropriate for your area of emphasis (see below)
Career exploration:
- Update your resume.
- Write thank you notes to professors, mentors, or club members. This is your professional network!
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
Course Suggestions
Coming soon.