Film

Graduate Co-ordinator:  Philippe Mather, PhD

Faculty Listing

Handbook

Master of Fine Arts in Media Production

Program Description

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Media Production is a 42 credit hour program designed for advanced studies in Media Arts Production. Students can work in dramatic, documentary, animation and experimental cinema and media, through a range of artistic, aesthetic, technical, and theoretical approaches. Courses offer a combination of general and specialized study in Film and Media Arts production. An intensive investigation of critical issues in Film and Media Arts theory will develop the student’s abilities in cultural and artistic discourse at an advanced level and will contribute to the shaping of sophisticated and versatile graduates from this program.

Admission Criteria

Candidates for the MFA program must hold a BFA degree in Film/Media Production or a related field. The applicant must submit a proposal (three to five pages) stating clearly the degree to be obtained and describing the intended focus of study. The proposal should provide a synopsis of the primary MFA Research Project, (a film/media project of any genre) and the critical context for its undertaking. The applicant must provide a portfolio of their previous creative work in film/media via a secure online link. The online application form is available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) website.

The following will be taken into consideration:

• Quality of the intended focus of study
• Artistic merit of the support material - details must be provided about the applicant's role in the support material (writer, director, producer, editor, etc)
• Undergraduate academic record of achievement (minimum GPA of 75%)
• Professional/Independent production experience
• Ability of the student to succeed at an advanced level
• Reference letters
• Willingness of the faculty to supervise

Applicants must meet all the requirements listed under Application Procedures on the FGSR website.

Application deadline here.

For English Language Requirements please click here.

Degree Requirements

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Media Production Program (research and exhibition)

*In exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Supervisor(s) and the Department Head, a maximum of three credit hours of senior undergraduate courses (300-400 level) in a discipline of direct relevance to the student's proposed program of study may be taken.

Master of Arts in Media Studies

Program Description

The Master of Arts (MA) in Media Studies is a 30 credit hour program designed for advanced studies in cinema and media history, theory, and methods, emphasizing current concepts, issues, and trends. Avenues of exploration could include national and transnational cinemas, directors, genres, or other contemporary approaches (feminist, post-colonial, Indigenous, queer) across the full range of media such as dramatic, documentary, animation and experimental cinema; broadcast media; new media and interactive media. The program aims to develop broad expertise and critical thinking while enabling students to focus their interests through core courses in theory and methods, seminars, and specialized directed readings.

Admission Criteria

Candidates for the MA must hold a BA Honours degree in Film or Media Studies, or the equivalent, and must submit a proposal (three to five pages) stating clearly the degree to be obtained and describing the intended focus of their thesis. The proposal should provide a synopsis of the thesis topic and provide the background, rationale, and a review of the relevant literature. Applicants must provide scholarly writing samples, such as an essay from an undergraduate course, an honours thesis, a blog, etc. The online application form is available from the FGSR website.

The following will be taken into consideration:

• Quality of the intended focus of study
• Undergraduate academic record of achievement (minimum GPA of 75%)
• Ability of the student to succeed at an advanced level
• Reference letters
• Willingness of the faculty to supervise

Applicants must fulfill all the requirements listed under Application Procedures on the FGSR website.

Application deadline here.

For English Language Requirements please click here.

Master of Arts (MA) in Media Studies Program (thesis)

*In exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Supervisor(s) and the Department Head, a maximum of 3 credit hours of senior undergraduate courses (300-400 level) in a discipline of direct relevance to the student’s proposed program of study may be taken.

Courses

MAP 800 Seminar in Theory and Methods I (3)
Seminar exploring and questioning the history, theory and aesthetics of Media, Art, and Performance, and the diverse and shifting conceptions of Media, Art, and Performance disciplines in relation to other social and cultural forms.
Note: Previously FA 800

MAP 803 Seminar in Theory and Methods II (3)
Seminar exploring diverse approaches to research in the Media, Art, and Performance, including studies-based and practice-based methods.
Note: Previously FA 803

MAP 804 Studies in Media, Art, and Performance (3)
This seminar course addresses thematic research strengths in the Faculty in order to provide students with a deeper exploration into topics within media, art and performance. Thematic seminar topics will relate to Popular & Visual Culture; Gender, Sexuality, and Culture; Social and Community Engagement; Indigenous Arts and Culture; or Curatorial Studies and Cultures of Display.
Note: Previously FA 804

MAP 870AA-ZZ Special Topics in Practice and Theory (3)
This set of special topics courses explores both practice and theory in Media, Art and Performance.
Note: Previsouly FA 870AA-ZZ

MAP 899: Grad Level Professional Placement (3)
The Professional placement course offers a practical opportunity for experiential research or case study investigation.
Note: Previously FA 899

MAP 903 Project Report (0)
The student submits the final project or critical engagement paper.
Note: Previously FA 903

FILM 804 Critical Investigations in Film (3)
This courses focuses on theoretical approaches to cinema and new media from aesthetic, cultural, anthropological, psychological and sociological viewpoints.  It provides an understanding of the interrelationship between film/film-making and reality, other media arts, and the audience.  Topics include Post-Colonialism, Art/Film Installation, Expanded Cinema, Narrative Theory, Arab/African Cinema, Censorship, Propaganda/Surveillance, Psychoanalysis. 

FILM 810AA-ZZ Topics in Film Studies (3 - 6)
Selected topics in Film Studies. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

FILM 820AA-ZZ Topics in Film Production (3 - 6)
Selected topics in Film Production. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

FILM 830 Production Studio (3)
This course brings together all students in the MFA Media Production program to work independently and collaboratively on creative aspects of media production.

FILM 831 Production Studio (3)
This course brings together all students in the MFA Media Production program to work independently and collaboratively on creative aspects of media production.

FILM 832 Production Studio (3)
This course brings together all students in the MFA Media Production program to work independently and collaboratively on creative aspects of media production.

FILM 833 Production Studio (3)
This course brings together all students in the MFA Media Production program to work independently and collaboratively on creative aspects of media production.

FILM 890AA-ZZ Directed Readings in Film (3 - 6)
Directed individual reading courses in Film under the supervision of a faculty member.

FILM 901 - Thesis Research (3 - 15)
Research supporting media studies resulting in the writing and defence of a graduating thesis of 60-100 pages.

FILM 902 - Research Project (3 - 12)
Research supporting media production resulting in the writing of the comprehensive critical engagement paper of 25-30 pages, preparation and public presentation of graduating media production project.