Capstone Projects

Students majoring in Film and Media Studies are required to complete a two-credit capstone project.  This capstone project is conducted in the Fall or Spring semester of the student’s senior year before graduation.  There are three types of capstone projects to choose from.

1. Writing and Analysis Project:
The student writes a critical, theoretical, or research paper in Film Studies on a topic of their choice. Requirements for this capstone include:

  • Project length should be approximately 15-18 pages (250 words a page)
  • Written in consultation with an advising professor in Film Studies
  • Regular meetings with advising professor (schedule determined by professor in consultation with students) on progress of study throughout the semester in which the capstone is taken
  • Please see advising professor in film studies for additional requirements.

2. Filmmaking Project:
For this capstone project, the student directs a new film. This new creative work must build upon and demonstrate what students have learned as filmmakers and creative artists during their classes in both filmmaking and film studies.

Requirements for this capstone include:

  • Film length should be approximately 3-5 minutes
  • Produced in consultation with an advising professor in Film Studies
  • Regular meetings with advising professor (schedule determined by professor in consultation with students) on progress of study throughout the semester in which the capstone is taken
  • Please see advising professor in film studies for additional requirements.

3. Internship in Film:
For this capstone project, students work for one semester at an internship that gives them substantial, hands-on experience in a career field related to Film. See your film advisor for internship assignments. The student is free to research internships on their own but should keep in mind that all internships must be approved by one of the co-directors of the Film and Media Studies program before they may serve as capstone internships.

The student has to work around 10-15 hours a week (2 credits).

Internships must be secured and approved prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student wishes to complete the internship capstone. All Film Studies internships are assigned to students by advising professors. All students planning on this option for their capstone should be registered for internship credit by the first week of classes. Please see advising professor for additional requirements.

For more information about film capstones and internships, contact Matt Connolly. If you are interested in a broad-based Media Studies capstone or internship, please contact Heahter McIntosh.