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 Contact Information

Chairperson: Mathew Spano
Dept. Assistant: Tracey Esser
Phone: 732-906-2591
Fax: 732-906-4183
Email: english_department@middlesexcc.edu
Location: Raritan Hall, Rm 237

English Department
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 Contact Information

Chairperson: Mathew Spano
Dept. Assistant: Tracey Esser
Phone: 732-906-2591
Fax: 732-906-4183
Email: english_department@middlesexcc.edu
Location: Raritan Hall, Rm 237

Liberal Arts - Cinema Studies A.A. Degree

Everyone loves a great movie, but few understand how these miracles of the silver screen came into existence or how they continue to impact audiences. If you would like to examine a range of perspectives from the director’s chair to your seat in the theater, consider the Cinema Studies major. In this program, students develop the ability to:

  • Analyze and evaluate great films throughout history
  • Examine and explain the use of cinematic elements and genres in a film
  • Identify and explain the correlation between films and the cultural milieu in which they were created
  • Identify and explain the ability of great films to raise awareness of important issues
  • Critique films from various perspectives, such as aesthetic, technological, historical, social, and economic.

Cinema Studies majors receive a broad general education background that prepares them for transfer to four-year colleges, where they can continue your studies in film, media, communication, writing or literature. Completing a BA in Cinema Studies, students can explore many career opportunities in and around the film industry:

• Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialists
• Film Curators
• Film and Video Editors
• Archivists
• Film Critics
• Educators
• Film Directors
• Screenwriters

 

SEMESTER I

3

Take PSY-123 or SOC-121

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

3

Take MAT-123 or another 3-credit Math course designated in the College Catalog course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).

OR

SEMESTER 2

3

Take one of the following courses - PSY-123 or SOC-121 or SOC-122 or SOC-131

3

Choose one 3-credit Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).  Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).

SEMESTER 3

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM). Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

3

Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).  Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.

 

 

 

 

SEMESTER 4

OR

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM). Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).

Total Credits: 60

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Program will be able to:

  • Comprehend, recognize & analyze the basic elements that contribute to film production (Narrative patterns and structure, mise-enscene, editing, soundtrack, cinematography, camera angles, costume, makeup, etc.).
  • Recognize and utilize the basic technology and artistic language of motion pictures and cinema studies to write and speak insightfully & with disciplinary authority about film and culture.
  • Differentiate and discuss major historical trends and influences in cinema development from the pre-silent era to the present.
  • Outline stages in development in the fields of cinematography and sound recording and discuss their impact on the creative process in film.
  • Distinguish and describe characteristics of national cinemas, international film movements, major and minor filmmakers in various traditions, the economic, legal, and political forces governing film industry practice and theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study the Liberal Arts?

A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology.  The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace.  A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives.  The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success. 

Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?

Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.

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Transfer Information

Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.

The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.

Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.