Major Profile: Film & Media Studies
by Ronnie Choi, Senior, Film & Media Studies Major
During my freshmen and sophomore years at UCSB, I had no idea what my major was going to be. I kept taking GEs in order to find a class I thoroughly enjoyed, so when I finally took Film and Media Studies classes, everything fell into place. I knew that this had to be my major. The films that the professors screen are wonderfully imaginative, profound, thought-provoking, and varied. I was introduced to some of my favorite films, such as Northfork and Joyeux Noel. Both of these showed me the artistic side of films.
An interesting facet of the Film and Media Studies’ requirements are that the necessary lower-division requirements force you to take a wide range of classes. Personally, I prefer classes like Music and Dance to classes like Asian American Studies and French Literature. Once you start taking the major courses, you view films differently. In the film history series, the professors present film as a social and economic technological device that constructs cultural and political values during given time periods. You will bond with your classmates when you take tough and rigorous courses, such as advanced film analysis and film theory. At the time, you may feel like you are giving up your life to these classes, but in retrospect, you will realize that these are some of the most rewarding classes you will ever take.
The Film and Media Studies’ Department is constantly growing, yet still manages to offer students different opportunities to hone in on their specific interests including organizations and clubs. Writers might want to join Focus Media Journal or the Screenwriting Co-Op. Focus Media Journal offers students a chance to organize and develop their own scholarly film journal. I have been a member of this organization for some time, and it is one of the most engaging projects at UCSB. A completely undergrad, student-produced scholarly journal is a rarity, and the department makes it available to all majors. For budding film makers, Reel Loud is a major event where students display their short, silent films with the accompaniment of live bands. For those with in an interest in production and distribution, the Production Co-Op or Magic Lantern allows members to acquire and develop the critical knowledge and skills.
The faculty members in the Film and Media Studies Department are all very helpful, informative, and knowledgeable, but they also have quirky, interesting, and colorful personalities. Some examples include the warm and bubbly Brusutti, the modest and well-groomed Professor Bloom, the pragmatic and no-nonsense Professor Siegel, the worldly and deadpan Professor Sarkar, and then my personal favorite, the fabulously challenging yet kindly compassionate Professor Felando. By divulging their favorite films and stressing the importance of films, you really attain a better understanding of these faculty.
After I graduate in the spring, I hope to attend graduate school to further my education in the field of media. I feel more than confident that the UCSB Film and Media Studies Department has prepared me to pursue higher education in this field.
