Critical Studies Concentration The Critical Studies Concentration provides a more
rigorous pathway through the film and digital media major
and offers classes specifically reserved for seniors who have
exceptional abilities. Students are eligible to apply for
the Critical Studies Concentration in spring quarter of their
junior year, provided they have completed FILM 120 and at
least three other upper-division critical studies classes.
Applicants must already be declared Film and Digital Media
majors in good standing.
Students will be asked to submit the following application
materials:
• a completed application form
• a 1-page statement of purpose
• a sample essay
• copies of narrative evaluations for all
courses taken in Film and Digital Media
Application materials and instructions are available at the
Film and Digital Media Department office. Student application
materials are reviewed by a committee of F&DM critical
studies faculty. Admission to the Critical Studies Concentration
will be granted to students who have overwhelmingly excellent
evaluations, an outstanding writing sample, and a clear statement
of purpose. Students may reapply a second time if not accepted,
but not later than the first quarter of their senior year.
Production
Concentration Students in the general Film and Digital Media major
may be interested in the Production Concentration within the
major. After completing FILM 170B,
students may apply to the Production Concentration by submitting
works completed in 170B to a portfolio review which is conducted
at the end of each quarter. Committees of F&DM production
faculty review the applications and works submitted and select
the students who will be admitted to the Production Concentration.
This pathway is not reflected on the degree awarded but students
who are accepted to the production concentration have priority
in the application selection process for future studio classes.
Applying to Studio Classes
Admission to upper-division production courses is generally
restricted to third and fourth year F&DM students. FILM
170A, Fundamentals of Digital Media Production, or 170B, Fundamentals
of Film/Video Production, are the prerequisites to all other
production courses. An application process that includes a
review of courses taken and a written essay determines admission
to FILM 170B.
Personal Computer Purchases
The department recognizes that students often purchase a new
computer before or during their first year at UCSC. It is
strongly suggested that students who plan to apply for the
production concentration wait until they have completed some
upper division F&DM courses before making this investment.
The department has negotiated prices with Apple and the Bay
Tree Bookstore offers these discounted prices exclusively
to F&DM students. Students are encouraged to consult with
the department office, the web site, or Bay
Tree Bookstore 831-459-2082, for a list of recommended
computers, software packages, range of options, and prices.
