This fall, the Department of Media Study in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences will present a new Film Studies (FST) Program to students.
The FST curriculum brings together film-related courses throughout the College of Arts and Sciences taught by 30 different faculty members.
"It is an inter-disciplinary program between several departments of the College of Arts and Sciences. There are other inter-disciplinary programs in UB but not in the film studies concentration," said Bernadette Wegenstein, assistant professor of Media Study and director of the new FST program.
According to the FST website, the FST offers students a critical approach to film, while filmmaking will be only a minor and elective component.
"It is a theoretical program, not a film production program. If you want filmmaking, you will have to take film production courses like 16mm film production," said Wegenstein.
The lack of emphasis on regular filmmaking in the Department of Media Study and subsequently in the new FST program has irked certain students.
"I think the film department is really mostly crap, because they prefer to promote avant garde than regular shot films and movie making," said Nelson Tan Wei, senior media study major. "I mean, if they want to use film and video as an art form, the course should be taught in the art department."
Others were delighted by the introduction of the inter-disciplinary program.
"I think it is kind of wonderful as I am planning to go into filming. Maybe I will take up this new film studies program," said Tan Hoi Tsui, a freshman media study major.
From the FST program, students will acquire historical, theoretical and intercultural tools to study films from around the world and become capable of reading the art of cinema as cultural critics.
"Students will learn why, at certain times, certain films are made. They will study some third-world films, Asian films and more. These films will be studied as a cultural product," said Wegenstein.
Some students are skeptical of the abilities promised to potential students of the FST program.
"Well, it'd be great if the student does manage to get all those skills they mention at the end of it all," said Wong Shun Jing, junior media study major. "But right now, what I see from the present is that they're geared more in the direction of 'Video Art,' which I feel is really more suited for the fine arts department."
The new program is offered as a BA and a MA in humanities. The MA is geared towards those who are concentrating on film; the BA is more suited for undergraduate students with broad interests in film.
"The BA is for anybody who has a strong inclination towards film and can develop critical thought about film," said Wegenstein. "Film has a prominent role in today's society. You must have an open mind and be curious about other cultures."
"Students must be open to critical cultures and passionate about films. They will be exposed to Marxist films and feminist films. The program is not for students who have already decided what to do," said Wegenstein.
The requirements for this program are not putting off students from considering the class.
"I will consider. Maybe I will join, as I like film a lot," said Hoi Tsui.
Classes will take place all across campus under the different departments of the College of Arts and Sciences. According to Wegenstein, it will be an advantage for students to interact with the different staff and surroundings involved with this course.
"You will take film studies in the anthropology, English, Asian studies, African American Studies department. You will take classes in different departments while majoring in film studies. You get to run around and get to know the different departments," said Wegenstein.
Overall, Wegenstein is optimistic for the new FST program.
"Now hopefully it is going to flow, there is a lot of anticipation," said Wegenstein.
