Since 1926, when our first film course, The Motion Picture, was taught, The New School has been at the forefront of the study of media and film. Today our curriculum aims to provide a balance of theory and practice so that students can fully engage with the most current developments in Media and Film studies.
Students have the opportunity to study media and film and to create their own, from documentaries, fiction film, digital and web videos, digital design, to multimedia projects. Our courses allow students to integrate studies in media and film history, theory, and research with production work, so they can advance in almost any area of these wide-ranging fields.
Media Studies and Production
Our students have the opportunity to study a range of topics and practices or delve deeper into one area. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and inquiry and the balance of theory and practice. Based on their specific interests, students create their own courses of study with their advisors. All students are encouraged to take Introduction to Media Studies, a foundational theory course, and Integrated Media Production, an introduction to the various forms of media production, first, or take them concurrently with a more specialized class.
Film Studies and Production
Students have the opportunity to study and create film. While we offer traditional film courses, we have also integrated new digital technologies into our classes and update our courses to reflect the constantly changing fields of film studies and production. Our mission is to help students to understand and analyze film, as well as to create and realize their unique visions onto big and small screens using fiction, documentary, experimental, and interdisciplinary forms. All film courses may be taken individually for undergraduate credit, or students can earn a Certificate in Film Production.
Certificate in Film Production
The New School awards a Certificate in Film Production for the successful completion of a sequence of eight courses that guide the student through the contemporary art and craft of filmmaking using traditional 16mm film and digital technologies. Taught by our faculty of experienced teachers and working professionals, the courses explore all creative aspects of filmmaking and professional development in the film industry.
The certificate program is directed toward the committed student at any level of experience and can be completed in four academic terms. Students have the opportunity to submit their finished films for the annual New School Invitational Film Show.
The following 6 courses must be taken either sequentially or concurrently as indicated.
- The Art of Film (or concurrently with Filmmaking Studio 1)
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Filmmaking Studio 1
- Cinematography and Lighting: Film and Digital OR Filmmaking Lab: Art Technology, and Tools (or concurrently with Film 2: Advanced Pre-production and Development)
- Film 2: Advanced Pre-production and Development (or concurrently with Editing with Final Cut Pro)
- Film 3: Advanced Film Production
- The Art of Film Editing or Editing with Final Cut Pro
- Two elective courses complete the certificate curriculum.
Electives can be taken at any time during course of study. The following elective courses are recommended; however, students can choose from other film courses offered each semester.
- Script Analysis
- Developing Ideas for Film
- The Aesthetics of Directing
- Audio Production
- Independent Filmmaking A-Z
Grade of B or better is required to earn certificate approval for any course.
Students interested primarily in the study of film as an art form are strongly encouraged to take Introduction to Cinema Studies and The Art of Film prior to taking other film studies classes.
Media and Film Business
New technologies and changes in production and distribution models have profoundly affected the film and media businesses. Our courses provide knowledge and tools to understand and navigate these constantly shifting areas. Students focusing in film and media production are strongly encouraged to take these classes, as are aspiring producers and students who plan to pursue or develop careers within the field of Media Management.
Screenwriting
The Screenwriting curriculum is designed as a cohesive program for the serious student. Upon completing the core sequence of screenwriting courses, students have a comprehensive grounding in story, character, theme, action, visuals, and dialogue, as they have been carefully guided through the entire screenplay writing process. All screenwriting courses may be taken individually for undergraduate credit, or students can earn a Certificate in Screenwriting.
Certificate in Screenwriting
Bachelor's Program students who want to concentrate in screenwriting can also complete the screenwriting certificate as part of their program of study. The New School awards a Certificate in Screenwriting for successful completion of six approved courses. Four required courses must be taken sequentially:
Two elective courses from the Film Studies and Production curriculum complete the certificate program. Grade of B or better is required to earn certificate approval for any course.
For more information on earning the certificates in Film Production or Screenwriting, consult with your advisor or contact the Media Studies and Film Department: 212.229.8903 media@newschool.edu.
Anne Balsamo, Dean
Melissa Friedling, Director of Undergraduate Studies