Frequently Asked Questions from Prospective Film Studies Majors
Should I declare a PFST major before declaring an FST major?
Yes. Students intending to major in Film Studies should declare a PFST major once they have completed 24 credit hours. Declaring a PFST major enables students to obtain mentoring through the Film Studies Department and to enroll in courses restricted to PFST or FST majors, such as FST 201 Introduction to Film Production. PFST majors are also included in the Film Studies email listserv.
Should I take FST 110 Concepts in Film before taking FST 200 Introduction to Film Study?
No. FST 110 is designed for non-majors and serves no major requirement.
When is a good time to take FST 200 Introduction to Film Study?
We recommend students take FST 200 in their sophomore year. Since the course is difficult and determines admission to the major, freshmen should not take it in their first semester at college. Freshmen who feel themselves ready for the course might take it in their second semester, however.
When should I take FST 201 Introduction to Film Production?
We recommend that prospective majors take FST 201 either while taking or immediately after taking FST 200. However, students cannot take FST 201 until they have enough credit hours to declare the PFST major, which is a prerequisite for the course.
I am currently taking FST 200. Should I enroll in FST 205 Introduction to World Cinema during preregistration, before I have been admitted to the FST major?
Yes. FST 205 is a pre-requisite for almost every other critical studies course in the major, so we recommend that students take it immediately after taking FST 200. Students will be allowed to pre-register for FST 205 while they are taking FST 200; however, those students who are not admitted to the major will be removed from FST 205 since it is restricted to FST majors.
When should I declare the FST major?
You may declare the FST major as soon as you have completed FST 200 and earned a grade of “C” or better. You should not try to declare the FST major until your grade in FST 200 has posted.
How and when will students be notified of application decisions?
Once a student declares the FST major through mySeaport, the Film Studies Academic Coordinator will either “approve” or “deny” the request, depending on whether the student has earned the requisite grade in FST 200. Students will receive an email informing them of the decision.
If I am already another major and admitted to the FST major, do I become a double major?
Yes. If you want to major only in Film Studies, you must drop your other major.
What happens to students whose applications to the major have been rejected?
Students whose applications have been rejected will be removed from courses restricted to majors, including FST 205 and any courses that have FST 205 as a co-requisite.
Can I appeal a rejection of admission to the FST major? And can I apply again to the FST major if my first application is rejected?
Admission decisions are final and may not be appealed. However, students may retake FST 200 once and, if they earn a “C” or better, they may reapply when the new grade has posted.
Can transfer grades be used for admission to the FST major if a student has completed a course similar to FST 200 at another institution?
No. Students must complete film studies core courses (FST 200, 201, and 205) at UNCW.
