Promoting the critical study of film and cinema arts
The Department of Cinematic Arts offers a balanced program of study of cinema, including modes of filmmaking, film analysis, screenwriting, history and theory.
Our goals are: (1) to develop international, interdisciplinary and intermedia perspectives on film as an art form; (2) to provide hands-on experience in film and video creation using state of the art equipment and cutting-edge techniques; (3) to promote the critical study of film and cinema arts, including expanded documentary, installation and other screen arts; (4) to develop each student's practical and conceptual understanding of cinema as a constantly evolving medium with important connections to the domains of art, science, and communication, and (5) to prepare students for careers in—or in areas related to—filmmaking and film studies and for careers that value a demanding liberal arts undergraduate major.
In addition, we encourage students to pursue interdisciplinary interest in related departments, such as American Studies, Art and Art History, Asian Languages and Literatures (ASLL), Communication Studies, English, French and Italian, Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies (GWSS), German, Spanish and Portuguese, and Theatre Arts.
257
Cinema Majors
77
Screenwriting Majors
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Bachelor of Arts in Cinema
The Bachelor of Arts in Cinema offers students a balanced program of the study of cinema, including modes of filmmaking, film analysis, screenwriting, genre, history, and theory.
Learning Outcomes
- develop a broad proficiency in cinematic creativity and professional skills for a range of 21st-Century careers involving media production;
- speak confidently, read critically, and research and write persuasively about the history and theory of cinema as a multifaceted medium with artistic, educational, and cultural implications; and
- explore one's expressive vision while learning how to use cinema as a powerful tool for creating positive change in the world as an engaged global citizen.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting Arts
The Screenwriting Major draws on the long and historic creative writing tradition at the University of Iowa by expanding undergraduate offerings to include a program in screenwriting that offers students practical skills and knowledge to become successful members of the screenwriting industry.
Learning Outcomes
- obtain foundational comprehension and skills relating to the creative process of writing, including editing, workshopping, developing, and completing screenplay projects;
- speak confidently, read critically, and research and write persuasively about different narrative genres, forms, and styles; and
- practice key business skills related to communication, the filmmaking process, industry knowledge, networking, and community building.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Minor in Cinema
The Department of Cinematic Arts offers students a balanced program of study of cinema, including modes of filmmaking, film analysis, screenwriting, genre, history, and theory.
Learning Outcomes
- recognize and critically evaluate a variety of film styles and practices from historical and contemporary, as well as international perspectives;
- speak confidently, read critically, and research and write persuasively about the history and theory of cinema as a multifaceted medium with artistic, educational, and cultural implications; and
- explore one's expressive vision while learning how to use cinema as a powerful tool for creating positive change in the world as an engaged global citizen.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Certificate in Public Digital Arts*
The goal of the Public Digital Arts Certificate Program is to provide students with the skills they need to apply cutting edge technologies and multiple media platforms to new forms of artistic expression. The program offers courses and personal guidance so students can make use of campus resources to meet their educational needs. Artists, engineers, computer scientists and students from many fields collaborate on projects they design together.
Learning Outcomes
- analysis of audio-visual interactive art and put it in an historical perspective;
- application of electronic components to get information about the physical world and create interactive works of art;
- use of emerging software and hardware, in order to explore the practical and technical challenges of creating digital art; and
- exploration of the social, ethical, and cultural implications of technology-dependent artistic practice.
Want to get started?
The Certificate Program is open to any student, either non-traditional or undergraduate, with a minimum 2.0 g.p.a. who is not concurrently enrolled in a UI graduate or professional degree program at the University of Iowa.