About
The skills most in demand for today’s job market are those in which English majors excel – oral and written communication, critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension and analysis.
Appalachian State University’s English (BA) - Film Studies degree develops these fundamentals as well as other skills necessary for working in the film industry. Students from the program have found success in broadcasting, marketing, education, administration, law, business, and politics, as well as in film production and script writing.
Under the guidance of award-winning faculty who are distinguished in their field, Film Studies majors engage in critical examination of the production process and social implications of the film industry. They cultivate a framework for analyzing storytelling components of filmmaking and for understanding how the medium shapes perceptions and culture.
After Graduation
Employment: Students who graduate from this program have gone on to work for Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Rock Creek Productions, NBC Universal, Bohemia Group, Social Construct Films, CNN, Power and Light Studios and others.
Graduate School: Students who choose to continue their education have gone on to graduate programs at the following schools:
- Emory University
- North Carolina State University
- Northeastern University
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- University of Glasgow
- University of Kansas
People
Courses
Students take courses in writing, literature and film, plus a language. Core courses include:
- Introduction to Film
- Film Theory & Criticism
- Survey of World Cinema 1895 to 1950s
- Survey of World Cinema 1950s to Present
- Topics in Global Cinema
- Law & Justice in Film
- Advanced Studies in Film
Minors
A minor is required for this major. Popular choices include:
- Philosophy
- Theatre Arts
- Psychology
- General Business
- Marketing
- Communication
- LGBT Studies
- Art History
- History
- Anthropology
Engagement Outside the Classroom
The English Club is a student-run organization that supports camaraderie among English majors through a variety of activities and special events on campus.
Sigma Tau Delta is an international honor society for English undergraduates.
The Film Club is the Department of English’s undergraduate club devoted to film production and appreciation.
APPS Society Film Series is sponsored by the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS).
Sustainability Film Series screens films that help viewers better understand the challenges facing human culture and our planet.
The Queer Film Series seeks to increase campus and community awareness of the histories, lives, and cultures of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex) persons.
Lyric is Appalachian’s Spoken Word Poetry Club.
The Peel is an award-winning student-run literary publication that features Appalachian students’ stories, poetry, essays and artwork.
Cold Mountain Review is Appalachian’s professional literary review published out of the Department of English.
The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series brings eight authors to campus for readings and craft talks throughout the school year.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- North Carolina is one of the top 10 U.S. location destinations for film and television productions, so graduates can find work they are passionate about close to home.
- Students can view films in the beautiful Greenbrier Theatre, a mini-museum of American cinema in Plemmons Student Union.
- Film series on campus include the Global Film Series, Sustainability Film Series, Queer Film Series and more.
- Research shows that English majors who choose to pursue a graduate or professional degree consistently perform at the highest levels on the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT and the GRE.
- Qualifying students can participate in Appalachian’s accelerated master’s program – often called 4+1 – and complete a master’s degree in English in one additional year.
Number of Students
39
Careers
Appalachian graduates with English degrees excel wherever employers value cultural literacy and the ability to read carefully, think critically and write effectively.
Contacts
Dr. Tammy Wahpeconiah
Professor and Interim Chair
wahpeconiaht@appstate.edu
828-262-3098