The Major
The FAMS major is dedicated to the critical study and production of moving image media. Over the course of their work in the major students learn the art of an integrated, critical and creative practice.
Learn MoreOften referred to as “FAMS,” the Film and Media Studies program is open to students at all levels of experience. In both critical studies and production courses, students explore how audio-visual media enables us to have a rich understanding of the histories and contemporary cultures that shape us and the world we live in.
Program Highlights
Student Work
Each semester, our students create original films, videos and research projects.
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Black Box Studio
Our Black Box Studio classroom is designed to provide students with space for film and video production, as well as moving-image installations.
Screenings & Events
Our events feature established and burgeoning filmmakers, critical historians and theorists, and writers and producers in film, television, video and new media.
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Arts at Amherst
Together, Amherst’s arts programs foster a lively environment for the multidisciplinary study, creation and presentation of the arts.
Learn MoreFilm & Media Studies Courses
Current Courses
FAMS 211
Introduction to Film Histories
Description
This course is designed to introduce students to historical research methods that take into account film’s aspects as an aesthetic, technological, and industrial form.
FAMS 221
Foundations in Video Production
Description
This introductory course begins with the literal foundation of the moving image—the frame—before moving through shot and scene construction, lighting, sound-image concepts, and final edit.
FAMS 321
Gender and Bollywood Cinema
Description
What beauty standards are imposed on women in Bollywood? Do women directors make more feminist films? This course focuses on Bollywood cinema and its local and global offshoots to think about questions of gender, sexuality and agency.
Featured Article
Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project
Meghan McDonough is currently directing and editing a documentary short about the Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project (OLOHP), an archive of over 800 oral histories recorded over 25 years by Houston native Arden Eversmeyer. The OLOHP, which is now housed within Smith College’s Sophia Smith Collection, features life stories of lesbians born in the early part of the 20th century, a mostly invisible population that is also rapidly disappearing.
Read MoreScenes from Film & Media Studies
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and Amherst community members attended screening and reception for "The Hunting Ground," produced by Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Amy Ziering '83, at Amherst Cinema in downtown Amherst, Ma.
Prof. Adam Levine reviews notes with a student in his video production course.
Foundations in Video Production
Students work in all areas of production on the set of their class. Prof. Adam Levine led the charge to acquire all of the equipment necessary to carry out the lighting, design and cinematic shooting of a few recreated scenes from the American noir classic "Double Indemnity." Students in the intro-level class fulfill all roles in the production, and also have post-production duties.
In this Interterm course students learn audio production techniques to create podcasts, songs, audio collages, and/or multimedia projects. The course will explore topics of soundscaping, aural storytelling, audio archives, and sound art.
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The FAMS program enables students to create an individualized program of study allowing for breadth and depth in the major. Our learning goals outline what students can expect to learn.
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Our student have a variety of opportunities to write, produces, attend conferences, and so much more.
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