Academic Requirements
NOTE: ALL WRITTEN MATERIAL MUST BE TYPED
A. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
An honours degree or equivalent with a minimum 'B' average in film/video or a related discipline.
B. SUPPLEMENTARY ADMISSIONS DATA FORM:
Professional/amateur work and non-degree and/or non-diploma courses/workshops/seminars are also considered, and should be noted on the Supplementary Admissions Data form included in the application package. All sections of this supplementary form must be completed.
C. THESIS PROPOSAL:
The thesis proposal is important and will be considered very carefully by the Admissions Committee. The topic submitted does not necessarily constitute a commitment to working on this topic if admitted; however, it must demonstrate a conceptualization of a research or creative project clearly and in as much detail as possible. The working-title of the Thesis/MRP. This will probably be subject to revision or more exact specification, but even at this stage it should describe the project as accurately as possible. Please see specific proposal requirements for each stream of study listed below.
In the case of MA students in our Cinema and Media Studies stream, a subject should be defined and agreed upon by both the student and the Supervisor. This should include a statement of the problem of the Thesis/MRP, and an account of what its investigation will involve in the way of methodology, the ground to be covered, the specific issue or "thesis" of the investigation.
In the case of MFAs in Production and Screenwriting, students should provide a brief statement outlining the subject matter, the creative approach and the overall length. Indicate the way in which their thesis will relate to the existing state of creative work in their field (i.e., films or screenplays).
Although it is not required, a selective bibliography/filmography will enhance your proposal.
D. PORTFOLIO:
All applicants must submit a sample of written work with their application regardless of which stream they wish to enter. This sample may be a paper submitted in an upper-level undergraduate course or a piece prepared specifically for the application. A minimum length of 10 pages is expected.
Do NOT send the portfolio portion of the application to Graduate Admissions. The portfolio is sent directly to the Department of Film Graduate Program Office.
The contents of the portfolio depend on the stream to which the candidate is applying. The materials submitted in the portfolio are a crucial element of the application. Entry to the program is highly competitive and the strength of the portfolio will be a major consideration for the Admissions Committee. Portfolios may be sent via mail or courier or delivered in person to the program office. Original pieces of work should not be submitted as the program and York University cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage.
Portfolios can be returned if self-addressed packaging and sufficient Canadian postage to cover the expense of mailing is included. Portfolios may be picked up in person after May 1st of the year of application. Any unclaimed portfolios will be discarded as of September 1st of the application year.
Portfolio: Cinema and Media Studies
Two typed essays (3,000-5,000 words each) on a film/video or related topic. These may be papers submitted originally for upper-level course work in an undergraduate degree. A selection of shorter works may also be included, e.g., articles or film reviews written for a newspaper or other publication.
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts program
The principal goal of our program is to immerse students in a program of study that best meets their overall academic and professional goals. The required courses are intended to enhance the range and depth of a student’s skills and knowledge. The program is committed to providing the opportunity for students to enhance their experience by choosing from a selection of elective courses.
All first-year students are required to attend the graduate seminar (FILM 5400.03) which includes our premier series, “The Independents.” Second-year students are warmly encouraged to attend. The graduate seminar will consist of an integrated series of guest lectures, intensive workshops and screenings. All second-year students will present a detailed and developed synopsis of their Thesis/MRP project at a Graduate Symposium to be held during the fall term of their second year of study.
MA Degree
The MA degree may be earned in one of two ways:
1. By completion of 8 half courses and a Major Research Paper (MRP). The majority of students in the Cinema and Media Studies Stream of the MA will be expected to elect this option.
2. By completion of 7 half courses and a Thesis. MA Students will be granted permission by the Graduate Studies Executive to pursue a thesis option only in exceptional circumstances and on the basis of a rigorous and well structured thesis proposal.
Students should consult with the Program Director in order to determine which model best suits their interests and abilities. Students wishing to complete the degree under option 2 must make certain that they have the supervision in place as well as the research tools to complete a thesis.
CINEMA AND MEDIA STUDIES STUDENTS
Required Courses:
| Film 5220 3.0 |
|
Methods and Research in Film Studies |
| Film 5400 3.0 |
|
Contemporary Film Theory |
| Film 6000B OR |
|
Major Research Paper |
| Film 6000 |
|
Thesis |
Elective Courses: 2005-2006
| Film 5010 3.0 |
|
Production (MA Students may not take any additional production courses ) |
| Film 5110 3.0 |
|
Screenwriting |
| Film 5123 3.0 |
|
Television: Screenwriting and Philosophy |
| Film 5231 3.0 |
|
Contemporary Documentary |
| Film 5232 3.0 |
|
Canadian Film Distribution, Exhibition & Marketing |
| Film 5320B 3.0 |
|
Selected Topics in History & Criticism: Narratology and Luis Buñuel |
| Film 5320L 3.0 |
|
Discourse of Race/Racist Discourses |
| Film 5245 3.0 |
|
Future Cinema |
| Film 5700 3.0 |
|
Student Initiated Collaborative Inquiry |
| Film 5800 3.0 |
|
Directed Reading |
Directed Reading: Students may design a particular course of study with a faculty member provided it is not available in the current curriculum and does not overlap significantly with a course previously taken. Students are normally allowed two half reading courses during their Master’s tenure in the Film and Video Program. All directed reading courses must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.
MA students may take up to a total of two half courses from outside the Department of Film. Students should consult the graduate handbooks for cognate departments such as Social and Political Thought, English, Visual Arts, Anthropology, Communication and Culture. Permission of the instructor and Graduate Program Director is required.
