Film and Media, B.A.

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:

  1. Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
  2. Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.

Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, Cardiovascular Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.

Degree Requirements (120 hours)

Program of Study

Requirements Credit Hours
1. Carolina Core 32-44
2. College Requirements 15-18
3. Program Requirements 28-43
4. Major Requirements 30

Founding Documents Requirement

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers.  This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective.  Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.

1. Carolina Core Requirements (32-44 hours)

CMW – Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written (6 hours)

must be passed with a grade of C or higher​

ARP – Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving (6-8 hours) 

SCI – Scientific Literacy (8 hours)

  • two 4-credit hour CC-SCI laboratory science courses

GFL – Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language  (0-6 hours)

Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.

It is strongly recommended that students continuing the study of a foreign language begin college-level study of that language in their first semester and continue in that language until their particular foreign language requirement is completed.

GHS – ​Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking (3 hours) 

GSS – Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences (3 hours) 

AIU – Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding (3 hours)

CMS – Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component1 (0-3 hours)

INF – Information Literacy1 (0-3 hours)

VSR – Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility1 (0-3 hours)

1

Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.

2. College Requirements (15-18 hours)

Foreign Language (0-3 hours) 

  • only if needed to meet 122-level proficiency

History (3 hours) 

The College of Arts and Sciences requires one additional GHS course beyond the Carolina Core GHS requirement. 

  • If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course.
  • If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a U.S. history course. 

Please select the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement from the approved list of U.S. and non-U.S. history courses.

Social Science and Fine Arts or Humanities (12 hours)

3. Program Requirements (28-43 hours)

Cognate or Minor (12-18 hours)

Students must complete a cognate (12 hours) or a minor as part of this program.  In lieu of a cognate or minor, an additional major may be added to a student’s program of study. Additional majors must include all major courses as well as any prescribed courses noted (*) in the bulletin.  Prescribed courses noted in the bulletin may be shared with Carolina Core, College requirements, and Program requirements in the primary program. 

Cognate (12 hours)

The cognate must consist of twelve (12) hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of but related to the major. The cognate may be taken in one or more departments or programs.

Courses offered by departments and programs that are acceptable for cognate credit are outlined in the section titled Courses Acceptable for Cognate Credit in Degree Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. Some major programs have specific cognate requirements. It should be emphasized that the cognate is not a second set of elective courses to be chosen at random by the student. Students are urged to consult their major advisors for specific requirements in their major.

For Bachelor of Arts degrees, all cognate courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

Minor (18 hours)

In place of the cognate a student in the College of Arts and Sciences may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of prescribed courses.

The minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. It differs from the cognate inasmuch as the courses must follow a structured sequence.

Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher. At least half of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at the University.

A list of minor programs of study can be found at Programs A-Z.

Electives (10-31 hours)

120 (or 128) degree applicable credits are required to complete any degree at USC. After the cognate, minor or second major is complete, any additional credits needed to reach 120 (or 128) total credits can be fulfilled by electives. No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.

4. Major Requirements (30 hours)

must be passed with a grade of C or higher

Core Major Courses (9 hours)

Course Title Credits
FAME 201Foundations of Media Arts Production3
FAME 210Digital Media Arts Fundamentals3
FAME 240Film and Media Analysis3
Total Credit Hours9

Major Concentration Requirements (21 hours)

Students will select one concentration from Media Production or Media Studies.

Media Production Concentration (21 hours)

At least one course must be a Film and Media Carolina Core Integrative (CC-INT) course.

Course Title Credits
Intermediate Courses (9 hours):9
FAME 310
Special Topics In Popular Media
FAME 311
Classical Hollywood Cinema
FAME 312
Stardom, Celebrity and Performance
FAME 315
African American Cinema
FAME 316
Music and the Hollywood Film
FAME 321
Media Writing
FAME 325
Superheroes across Media
FAME 328
The Blockbuster
FAME 330
Special Topics in Non-Film Media
FAME 332
American Television
FAME 335
African American Television
FAME 336
Critical Studies in Digital & Emerging Media
FAME 338
Contemporary British Television Industry
FAME 341
Sound Design
FAME 350
Introduction to Comics Studies
FAME 351
History of the American Comic Book Industry
FAME 355
Special Topics in Comics Studies
FAME 360
Special Topics in Global Media
FAME 361
Middle East on Screen
FAME 362
Digital Compositing
FAME 363
Hong Kong Action Cinema
FAME 365
Screening China
FAME 371
The Moving Image
FAME 375
Special Topics in Alternative Media
FAME 380
New Media Art
FAME 381
History of Experimental Film
FAME 383
Documentary Studies
JAPA 350
Japanese Culture and Society through Film
Advanced Courses 9
FAME 521
Screenwriting 1
FAME 522
Feature Film 1
FAME 523
The Art and Business of Manga and Anime 1
FAME 524
Television Writing 1
FAME 571
Narrative Film 1
FAME 572
Documentary Filmmaking 1
FAME 573
3D Animation 1
FAME 574
Experimental Film 1
FAME 575
Cinematography 1
FAME 576
Site-based and Installation Art 1
FAME 577
Mobile Platforms 1
FAME 578
Media Performance 1
FAME 579
Game Design 1
FAME 580
Sound Art 1
FAME 590
Special Topics in Media Arts
FAME 591
Special Topics in Film and Media Studies
FAME 592
Special Topics in Film and Media Histories
FAME 593
Special Topics in U.S. Film and Media
FAME 594
Special Topics in Global Film and Media 1
or FORL 598
 Special Topics in Global Film and Media
FAME 599
Media Management and Distribution
Requirement (3 hours)3
SVAD 499
School of Visual Art and Design Internship
Total Credit Hours21
1

These courses are Carolina Core Integrative Courses.

Media Studies Concentration (21 hours) 

At least one course must be a Film and Media Carolina Core Integrative (CC-INT) course.

Course Title Credits
Required Courses6
FAME 300
Film and Media History
FAME 308
Global Media Industries
Concentration Electives15
In choosing their electives, students are expected to individualize their programs of study while becoming broadly knowledgeable about the diverse and increasingly interconnected global media landscape. Students are encouraged to pursue internships, study abroad opportunities, and graduation with leadership distinction. Select any five courses from the following list.
FAME 310
Special Topics In Popular Media
FAME 311
Classical Hollywood Cinema
FAME 312
Stardom, Celebrity and Performance
FAME 315
African American Cinema
FAME 316
Music and the Hollywood Film
FAME 325
Superheroes across Media
FAME 328
The Blockbuster
FAME 330
Special Topics in Non-Film Media
FAME 332
American Television
FAME 335
African American Television
FAME 336
Critical Studies in Digital & Emerging Media
FAME 338
Contemporary British Television Industry
FAME 350
Introduction to Comics Studies
FAME 351
History of the American Comic Book Industry
FAME 355
Special Topics in Comics Studies
FAME 360
Special Topics in Global Media
FAME 361
Middle East on Screen
FAME 363
Hong Kong Action Cinema
FAME 365
Screening China
FAME 399
Independent Study
FAME 470
Genre Studies Film & Media
FAME 581
Critical Interactives
FAME 591
Special Topics in Film and Media Studies
FAME 592
Special Topics in Film and Media Histories
FAME 593
Special Topics in U.S. Film and Media
FAME 594
Special Topics in Global Film and Media 1
SVAD 499
School of Visual Art and Design Internship
Total Credit Hours21
1

These courses are Carolina Core integrative courses.

Major Map

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.

Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.

Film and Media, B.A. Media Production Concentration

Film and Media, B.A. Media Studies Concentration

Film and Media, B.A. Media Production Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
ENGL 101 Critical Reading and Composition 3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement 3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 3,4 3-4
FAME 210 Digital Media Arts Fundamentals 3
FAME 201 Foundations of Media Arts Production 3
 Credit Hours15-17
Spring
ENGL 102 Rhetoric and Composition 3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement 3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 3,4 3
FAME 240 Film and Media Analysis 3
Intermediate FAME Course 5 3
 Credit Hours15-16
Second Year
Fall
Intermediate Fame Course 5 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3-4
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3
Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 3,4 3
 Credit Hours15-16
Spring
Intermediate FAME course 5 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
History 7 3
Humanities or Fine Arts 3
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3-4
 Credit Hours15-16
Third Year
Fall
Advanced FAME course 8 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
Social Science 3
Humanities or Fine Arts 3
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Advanced FAME Course 8 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
Humanities or Fine Arts 3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Advanced FAME Course 8 3
Minor Course or Elective 6,9 3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 3
Elective 9 3
Elective 9 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SVAD 499 School of Visual Art and Design Internship 10 3
Minor Course or Elective 6,9 3
Elective 9 3
Elective 9 3
Elective 9 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120-125
1

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

2

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

3

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

4

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

5

Intermediate FAME Course (9 hours): FAME 310, 311, 312, 315, 316, 321, 325, 328, 330, 332, 335, 336, 338, 341, 350, 351, 355, 360, 361, 362, 363, 365, 371, 375, 380, 381, 383; JAPA 350. 

6

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major.  The cognate must consist of twelve hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of, but related to the major.  In place of a cognate, a student may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of courses concentrated in one area that follow a structured sequence.  A second major eliminates the minor/cognate requirement. 

7

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

8

Advanced FAME Course (9 hours): Students must select at least one from FAME 521-580 or 594 to meet the CC-INT requirement: FAME 521, 522, 523, 524, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594 or FORL 598*, or 599. *Special topics course (FAME 590) may be repeated for credit, if the topic is different each time. 

9

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

10

SVAD 499 Internship requires 160 hours of work for 3 credits and 320 hours for 6 credits. 

Program Notes:

  • All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
  • The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Film and Media, B.A. Media Studies Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
ENGL 101 Critical Reading and Composition 3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement 3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 3,4 3-4
FAME 210 Digital Media Arts Fundamentals 3
FAME 201 Foundations of Media Arts Production 3
 Credit Hours15-17
Spring
ENGL 102 Rhetoric and Composition 3
Carolina Core ARP Requirement 3-4
Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 3,4 3
FAME 240 Film and Media Analysis 3
FAME 300 Film and Media History 3
 Credit Hours15-16
Second Year
Fall
FAME 308 Global Media Industries 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3-4
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3
Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 3,4 3
 Credit Hours15-16
Spring
Concentration Elective 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
History 7 3
Humanities or Fine Arts 3
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3-4
 Credit Hours15-16
Third Year
Fall
Concentration Elective 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
Social Science 3
Humanities or Fine Arts 3
Carolina Core Requirement 4 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Concentration Elective 3
Cognate or Minor Course 6 3
Humanities or Fine Arts 3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Concentration Elective 3
Minor Course or Elective 6,9 3
Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,9 3
Elective 9 3
Elective 9 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Concentration Elective 3
Minor Course or Elective 6,9 3
Elective 9 3
Elective 9 3
Elective 9 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120-125
1

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

2

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

3

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

4

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

5

Concentration Electives (15 hours): Student must choose FAME 594 to meet the CC-INT requirement: FAME 310, 311, 312, 315, 316, 325, 328, 330, 332, 335, 336, 338, 350, 351, 355, 360, 361, 363, 365, 399, 470, 581, 591, 592, 593, 594; SVAD 499. 

6

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major.  The cognate must consist of twelve hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of, but related to the major.  In place of a cognate, a student may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of courses concentrated in one area that follow a structured sequence.  A second major eliminates the minor/cognate requirement. 

7

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.  

8

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

Program Notes:

  •  All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
  • The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.