Cinema, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) < Virginia Commonwealth University

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The Bachelor of Arts in Cinema is focused on narrative movie production. Consequently, the program is designed to advance conceptual understanding of visual storytelling and to teach and practice the technical methodologies foundational to movie-making.

Cinema majors collaborate on student productions under the supervision of faculty with professional production experience. Each summer session, students and faculty work collectively on a series of films funded by the School of the Arts.

Course work explores the proper use of motion picture cameras, lights, sound recording equipment and editorial software. Students also learn the history and theory of film, and develop skills in screenwriting, producing, directing and the business of movie-making.

The B.A. in Cinema requires a minimum of 120 credits, including 48 in the major. At least 45 of the 120 credits must be taken as 300- and 400-level courses. Students are admitted directly into the cinema program and are not required to complete the Art Foundation Program.

Many full-time students enrolled in the cinema program graduate with their B.A. degree after the successful completion of the summer session following their third year.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate safe, effective and responsible technical practices used in operating motion-picture cameras, grip/lighting, sound and editing equipment employed in all stages of production
Write, revise and critique original screenplays that include fundamental narrative elements appropriate to creative guidelines
Express a rich understanding of the history and influences of cinema by communicating adeptly about references with professionals in the film universe
Produce narrative films by competently, collaboratively and professionally participating with a team in their assigned production role.

Special requirements

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the program.

Majors in the Cinema Program may choose to complete a second major or minor in any other department or program that supports their educational and artistic goals. Alternatively, students may create a customized plan of study for a second major by requesting admission to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Degree requirements for Cinema, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Course	Title	Hours
General education
Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser.		30
Major requirements
• Major core requirements
CINE 100	Visual Storytelling I	3
CINE 101	Visual Storytelling II	3
CINE 110	Writing for Cinema I	3
CINE 111	Writing for Cinema II	3
CINE 200	Cinema Form and Concept I	3
CINE 201	Cinema Form and Concept II	3
CINE 300	Cinema Form and Concept III	3
CINE 301	Cinema Form and Concept IV	3
CINE 390	Digital Cinema Production Intensive I	12
CINE 490	Digital Cinema Production Intensive II	12
Ancillary requirements
ARTH 270 & ARTH 271	History of the Motion Picture I and History of the Motion Picture II	6
Open electives
Select any courses toward a minor, second major or electives.		36
Total Hours		120

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.

What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.

Freshman year
Fall semester		Hours
ARTH 270	History of the Motion Picture I	3
CINE 100	Visual Storytelling I	3
CINE 110	Writing for Cinema I	3
UNIV 111 Play course video for Focused Inquiry I	Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations)	3
General education course		3
	Term Hours:	15
Spring semester
ARTH 271	History of the Motion Picture II	3
CINE 101	Visual Storytelling II	3
CINE 111	Writing for Cinema II	3
UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II	Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations)	3
General education course		3
	Term Hours:	15
Summer semester
CINE 390	Digital Cinema Production Intensive I	12
	Term Hours:	12
Sophomore year
Fall semester
CINE 200	Cinema Form and Concept I	3
UNIV 200	Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations)	3
Courses toward a minor, second major or electives		5
General education courses		6
	Term Hours:	17
Spring semester
CINE 201	Cinema Form and Concept II	3
Courses toward a minor, second major or electives		7
General education courses		6
	Term Hours:	16
Summer semester
CINE 490	Digital Cinema Production Intensive II	12
	Term Hours:	12
Junior year
Fall semester
CINE 300	Cinema Form and Concept III	3
Courses toward a minor, second major or electives		11-12
General education course		3
	Term Hours:	17
Spring semester
CINE 301	Cinema Form and Concept IV	3
Courses toward a minor, second major or electives		13
	Term Hours:	16
	Total Hours:	120

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.