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B-SC-GENERAL in Film Studies at Calcutta Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Film Studies at Calcutta Girls' College Kolkata?
This B.Sc. (General) Film Studies program at Calcutta Girls'''' College focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of cinema as an art form, industry, and social phenomenon. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Kolkata and India''''s vibrant film landscape, the program delves into film history, theory, aesthetics, and practical aspects of filmmaking, preparing students for diverse roles in the Indian media and entertainment sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates and aspiring film enthusiasts with a 10+2 science background who wish to pursue a career in the Indian film and media industry. It also caters to those seeking a solid academic foundation in film studies before pursuing higher education or specialized vocational training in specific filmmaking crafts like direction, cinematography, or editing.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to explore career paths in India such as film critics, researchers, assistant directors, production assistants, film archivists, content creators, and media journalists. Entry-level salaries in these roles typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in independent productions, regional cinema, and major Bollywood houses. Graduates can also pursue Masters degrees in Film Studies or related fields.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Foundational Film Vocabulary and History- (undefined)
Engage deeply with core concepts of film form and early cinema history from day one. Regularly watch a curated list of classic Indian and international films, analyzing them through the lens of taught theories. Maintain a film journal to document observations and critical interpretations, strengthening analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Mubi India, Criterion Channel (for international classics), National Film Archive of India (NFAI) resources, Academic databases like JSTOR through college library
Career Connection
A strong foundation in film history and theory is crucial for roles in film criticism, archiving, research, and for developing a unique artistic voice in filmmaking. It distinguishes serious aspirants in a competitive industry.
Develop Critical Viewing and Media Literacy- (undefined)
Beyond passive viewing, actively dissect films for their narrative structures, ideological underpinnings, and social commentary. Participate in film club discussions and college debates to articulate critical perspectives. Follow prominent Indian film critics and journals to understand diverse analytical approaches.
Tools & Resources
College Film Club, Online film forums like Letterboxd (for discussion), Film magazines like ''''Close-Up'''' or ''''Cinema Scope''''
Career Connection
Enhances skills vital for film criticism, content writing, media analysis, and screenplay development, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to nuanced conversations around cinema.
Master Academic Research and Writing- (undefined)
Focus on developing strong academic research and writing skills, essential for essay submissions and project work. Utilize college library resources, learn proper citation methods, and seek feedback from faculty to refine analytical essays on film topics. Attend workshops on academic writing if available.
Tools & Resources
College library and librarian support, Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly
Career Connection
Excellence in research and writing is invaluable for film academics, researchers, archivists, and also for developing compelling screenplays and documentary proposals in the Indian film ecosystem.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Hands-on Production Experience- (undefined)
Actively participate in the Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) for film production. Go beyond classroom assignments by volunteering for student film projects, short films, or college event videography. Learn to operate basic equipment (camera, sound recorder, editing software) and understand production workflows. Seek out local independent filmmakers for observation or internship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
College media lab equipment, Free editing software like DaVinci Resolve, Local film production houses (for voluntary work)
Career Connection
Practical skills gained through these experiences are directly applicable to entry-level roles as production assistants, assistant directors, cinematographers, or editors in the Indian film and television industry.
Deep Dive into Indian Cinema Studies- (undefined)
Complement the curriculum by exploring diverse regional Indian cinemas (Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, etc.) beyond Bollywood. Watch films from different eras and critically analyze their cultural, social, and political contexts. Attend local film festivals like KIFF (Kolkata International Film Festival) to engage with contemporary and classic Indian films and discussions.
Tools & Resources
Mubi India (for regional films), Netflix/Amazon Prime (for wider Indian content), Local film festivals
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge of Indian cinema is a huge asset for roles in film curation, programming for festivals, film journalism focused on India, and for creating content relevant to Indian audiences.
Network and Engage with the Film Community- (undefined)
Attend film workshops, seminars, and masterclasses organized by the college, university, or external film bodies in Kolkata. Connect with faculty, guest lecturers, and local filmmakers. Join online communities or local groups dedicated to film studies or filmmaking to share ideas and collaborate on projects.
Tools & Resources
Social media platforms for film groups, University/College alumni networks, Kolkata film societies
Career Connection
Networking is paramount in the Indian film industry. These connections can lead to internships, mentorships, collaborations, and ultimately, job opportunities in production houses, advertising agencies, or media firms.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Directed Projects and Internships- (undefined)
Identify a specific area of interest (e.g., documentary, screenwriting, cinematography, film archiving) and pursue a self-directed project or a focused internship in that domain during the final year. Seek internships with production houses, post-production studios, or film archives in Kolkata or Mumbai to gain real-world industry experience.
Tools & Resources
Industry directories, Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, College placement cell
Career Connection
Specialized experience makes graduates highly employable, providing a clear career trajectory into specific roles like junior editor, documentary researcher, assistant cinematographer, or archival assistant.
Develop a Professional Portfolio/Showreel- (undefined)
Compile a portfolio showcasing academic essays, critical reviews, short film projects, and any practical work (e.g., photography, script excerpts). For production-oriented students, a showreel of their best footage and edited sequences is essential. This portfolio should be tailored to the specific job roles being targeted.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Portfolio, Vimeo/YouTube for showreels, Personal website/blog
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is the primary tool for securing placements, internships, and freelance work in the Indian creative industries, demonstrating skills and potential to prospective employers.
Strategize for Higher Education or Career Launch- (undefined)
For those aiming for higher studies, research Master''''s programs in Film Studies in India or abroad and prepare application materials, including statement of purpose and portfolio. For direct employment, refine resume/CV, practice interview skills, and actively apply for entry-level positions in relevant media, production, or content creation companies across India. Seek guidance from faculty on career pathways.
Tools & Resources
College career counseling services, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn Jobs, AIESEC for internships), GRE/TOEFL/IELTS preparation materials if applicable
Career Connection
Proactive planning ensures a smooth transition from academia to professional life, whether into advanced academic research, a specialized technical role, or a creative position in the bustling Indian film and media industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination from a recognized board with required subjects as per University of Calcutta norms.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 84 (for entire B.Sc. General Degree as per CU CBCS norms) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20-25% (25% for 6-credit papers, 20% for 2-credit papers), External: 75-80% (75% for 6-credit papers, 80% for 2-credit papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural Resources and associated problems, Ecosystems and their dynamics, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental Pollution and its control |
| FS-G-CC-1-1-TH | Introduction to Film Studies I | Core Course (General) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Cinema, Early Cinema and its Evolution, Mise-en-scene and Cinematography, Sound and Editing in Film, Film Narratives and Aesthetics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Language of Communication, Speaking Skills, Reading and Writing Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary for Communication |
| FS-G-CC-2-1-TH | Introduction to Film Studies II | Core Course (General) | 6 | Film Genres and their Conventions, Documentary and Avant-garde Cinema, Acting and Star Persona in Film, Film Theory: Authorship and Apparatus, Ideology and Representation in Cinema |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS-G-SEC-A-3-1-PR | Film Production I (Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basic Camera Operation and Functions, Lighting Techniques and Principles, Sound Recording and Design, Introduction to Non-linear Editing Software, Shot Composition and Coverage |
| FS-G-CC-3-1-TH | History of Cinema I | Core Course (General) | 6 | German Expressionism, Soviet Montage Movement, Hollywood Studio System, Italian Neorealism, French New Wave |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS-G-SEC-B-4-1-PR | Film Production II (Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Screenwriting Fundamentals, Directing Basics and Actor Guidance, Pre-production Planning and Budgeting, Post-production Workflow and Deliverables, Developing a Short Film Project |
| FS-G-CC-4-1-TH | History of Cinema II | Core Course (General) | 6 | New Hollywood Cinema, Parallel Cinema in India, Evolution of Bollywood Cinema, Globalisation and World Cinema, Contemporary Trends in Film |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS-G-DSE-A-5-1-TH | Film Theory and Criticism | Discipline Specific Elective (General) | 6 | Auteur Theory and its Debates, Genre Theory and Evolution, Feminist Film Theory, Psychoanalytic Approaches to Film, Postcolonial Film Theory and Representation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS-G-DSE-B-6-1-TH | Indian Cinema | Discipline Specific Elective (General) | 6 | Early Indian Cinema: Silent Era to Talkies, Regional Cinemas: Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Evolution of Bollywood and its Stars, Representation of Gender and Society in Indian Films, Indian Cinema in the Global Context |
