Critical Studies, page 2
School of Cinema-Television
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts degree in Cinema-Television with a track in Critical Studies is administered through the Graduate School. Candidates for the degree are subject to the general requirements of the Graduate School. Thirty-two units are required at the 400 level or higher, including a comprehensive examination. At least two-thirds of these units must be at the 500 level or higher.
Graduate Preparation Production Courses
Incoming graduate students without prior production experience are required to take CNTV 507x (six units) during their second semester in the program. This course provides a basic primer in production considered necessary for graduate studies in critical studies. A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in CNTV 507x. This course does not count toward the total requirements for the M.A.
CNTV 507x Production I is designed to introduce the fundamental principles of motion picture production. The course includes instructional units in directing, cinematography, editing, sound design and production management, which are linked closely to the assigned projects and readings. Each student is required to provide his or her own Super 8mm equipment which includes a Super 8 camera, projector, viewer, tripod and splicer. A tape recorder is recommended. In addition, $500 should be budgeted for film and processing.
Required Courses
| The following courses are required: | Units |
| CNTV 404 | Television Criticism | 4 |
| CNTV 500 | Seminar in Theory and Textual Analysis | 4 |
| CNTV 501 | History of the International Cinema: Silent Film | 2 |
| CNTV 502 | History of the International Cinema: Sound Film | 2 |
| CNTV 503 | Survey History of the American Sound Film | 2 |
| CNTV 588 | Bibliography | 2 |
In addition, 16 units of cinema-television electives are required. These electives should be determined in consultation with the student's designated faculty advisor.
Required Courses: Theory Track
All students whose career objectives include acquiring a Ph.D. and teaching at the college level are strongly encouraged to complete the theory track in addition to required courses. Students who hope to continue their studies toward a Ph.D. at USC are required to complete the following courses among their electives:
| Theory Track | Units |
| CNTV 510 | Case Studies in National Media | 4 |
| CNTV 511 | Seminar: Non-Fiction Film/Video, or |
| CNTV 518 | Seminar: Avant-garde Film/Video | 4 |
| CNTV 587* | Graduate Television Seminar | 4 |
| CNTV 673 | Topics in Theory | 4 |
*CNTV 587 can be taken in lieu of CNTV 404.
In addition, four units of cinema-television electives are required.
Comprehensive Examination
As the final requirement for the M.A. degree, the comprehensive examination, normally taken near the end of course work, will consist of six hours of questions in three fields. The field of theory and criticism is required for all students who hope to continue their studies toward a Ph.D. at USC. In consultation with their faculty advisor, students will choose three of the following fields:
- Theory and Criticism
- American Sound Film
- International Silent Film
- International Sound Film
- Documentary and Avant-Garde Film and Video
- Television
The comprehensive examination will be administered once each semester. If the student has completed all course work and is only taking the comprehensive examination, he or she must register in GRSC 810 Studies for Master's Examination. Note: A GPA of 3.0 is required to take the comprehensive examination.
Grade Point Average Requirements
A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained in all graduate level course work.
Practical Experience
Master of Arts candidates in their second year will be expected to gain some practical experience in one of the following ways: (1) as a teaching assistant; (2) as a reader for a critical studies course; or (3) as an intern in one of the programs sponsored by critical studies.
Time Limit
Although students are normally expected to complete the degree in two years, the degree must be completed within five years of the beginning of graduate work at USC.
Curriculum Review
At the beginning of their matriculation, and each semester thereafter, each M.A. candidate will confer with a designated faculty advisor who will monitor the student's progress.
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Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
univpub@stuaff.usc.edu