Film and Digital Storytelling Major Learning Outcomes 

Students who successfully complete a major in Film and Digital Storytelling are expected to: 

• Situate works and ideas in historical, cultural, and political contexts: students should learn to connect concepts and texts (written and performative, oral and visual, live and mediated) to the contexts in which they are embedded; 
• Analyze critically multiple forms of human expression: students should be able to critique texts and performances by conducting close textual analyses, comparing and contrasting works, applying relevant theoretical lenses, and offering evaluative judgments; 
• Create meaningful original work: students should learn, apply, explain, and critically reflect upon methodologies used in creating their own works, including film production, digital media, theatrical performance, speeches and written essays; 
• Participate productively in the public sphere: students should cultivate an awareness of their civic roles and responsibilities to various communities. They should critically engage with media and popular culture; they should appreciate and patronize the fine and performing arts; and they should practice engagement in a range of communication-related activities on campus, in Meadville, and in their future communities. 

The Film and Digital Storytelling major at Allegheny teaches students to engage critically and creatively with the wider culture that surrounds them. Working from filmmaking, digital media production, rhetorical, and theatre traditions, students are asked to analyze, evaluate, and produce myriad communication texts across media and genres. 

Majors are required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in department courses at graduation. All FDS, COMM, and THTR courses taken at Allegheny on a letter grade basis are included in the GPA calculation with the exception of repeated courses for which only the most recent grade counts. Declared majors must take FDS, COMM, and THTR courses on a letter grade basis. A maximum of eight transfer credits may be counted towards the major. Please note: most courses at the 100-level must be taken before a student’s senior year. 

Requirements for the Film and Digital Storytelling Major 

The major in Film and Digital Storytelling leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree and requires the successful completion of a minimum of 57 credits. The major includes a Core Sequence and two of four Modules of Inquiry. Most majors should begin their Modules after completing their Core “Introductory” courses and should complete at least one Module before beginning the Core “Synthesis” courses. All majors must complete 3 courses in each of the two Subject Modules (24 credits total). Across the modules, 2 courses must be completed at the 200-level and 2 courses must be completed at the 300-level. No course counted as part of the Core Sequence may be counted as part of a Module and no course may be counted toward more than one Module. 

Film and Digital Storytelling majors should consult with an adviser from the Department of Communication Arts and Theatre to design a Core of Study and Modules of Inquiry combination that intentionally and effectively meets their interests and goals. 

Students who major in Film and Digital Storytelling may not double-major or minor in Communication and Cultural Studies or Theatre.