Sep 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2023-2024 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2023-2024 Previous Edition

Interdisciplinary Studies, Film & Media Production Concentration, B.A.


The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies has concentrations in the following areas: Capitalism Studies, Film & Media Production, Gerontology, Health & Medical Humanities, and Women’s and Gender Studies. The program allows students to combine an interdisciplinary concentration in one of these areas with in-depth coursework in a disciplinary field to create an individually designed major reflecting their own interests. Through the combination of interdisciplinary and disciplinary coursework, students gain a deeper understanding of these areas of study from multiple perspectives and develop competencies in oral and written communication, critical thinking, data analysis, teamwork, and leadership.

All program-level Admissions and Progression Requirements are in addition to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Admission Requirements .

Admission Requirements


Freshmen and Transfers

All students must meet UNC Charlotte requirements for admission for undergraduate students. General advising for prospective and newly declared majors will introduce students to the curriculum and degree requirements so as not to delay graduation or result in higher costs to students.

See University Admission Requirements 

Currently Enrolled Students

  • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA unless it is their first semester at UNC Charlotte and a cumulative GPA has not been established.
  • Declaration of Major: Students who want to declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Film & Media Production should first meet with the Film & Media Production Program Director, then complete the “Add IDST Major” form located on the Interdisciplinary Studies department website.

Degree Requirements


General Education Courses (37-43 credit hours)


For details on required General Education courses, refer to the General Education Program .

Foreign Language Requirement (6-8 credit hours)


For details on required General Education courses, refer to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Foreign Language Requirement .

Major Courses (39 credit hours)


Film & Media Production Concentration Courses (21 credit hours)


Film & Media Foundations (3 credit hours)

An introduction to the terminologies, significant movements, figures and works associated with the history, theory and production of film beginning in the late 1800s to present. Students gain an understanding of oscillating relationships between media and culture and discover patterns of technological, social, economic and cultural developments through viewings, discussions and patterning.

Interdisciplinary Research Methods (3 credit hours)

This course provides an overview of qualitative and quantitative methods that are commonly used across academic disciplines and in interdisciplinary research. It examines epistemological considerations that go into crafting an original research question, developing an appropriate research design, and critically analyzing evidence. These include exploring philosophical worldviews, reviewing relevant literature, understanding the relationship between theory and methods, considering ethical issues, and assessing the reliability of data. By studying methods across academic fields, students will learn to engage with a broad range of existing scholarship and build a foundation for conducting their own interdisciplinary research.

Production Fundamentals (6 credit hours)

These courses focuses on introducing best practices for all production phases (concept development, pre-production, production, post-production and marketing/impact production), as well as key scriptwriting elements and core tenets of modern storytelling for various media applications. Students must successfully complete FILM 3120  before enrolling in advanced production-based courses, and must successfully complete FILM 3220  before enrolling in advanced screenwriting courses.

Production Electives (6 credit hours)

Students must take two secondary electives which may be chosen from the following list of approved courses related to Film & Media Production. Additional Film & Media Production primary elective courses may also count toward this requirement. Other appropriate courses may be chosen as electives in consultation with the Program Director.

Capstone in Film & Media Production (3 credit hours)

Participation in a preliminary orientation session a semester in advance is required to receive a permit for this course. Students must be in the Film & Media Production concentration and should take this course as close to graduation as possible. Students must have completed all or the large majority of Film & Media Production major concentration courses to receive a permit for this course. Transfer credit is not accepted for this course. This course is designed as a pre-professional launching pad and exploratory survey of career options for Film & Media Production students through the development of a concentrated thesis project and ancillary materials to complete a professional portfolio package.

Disciplinary Depth Coursework (18 credit hours)


Select 18 credit hours in a disciplinary field of study that complements your concentration. This may be a minor in a disciplinary department, or an alternative course of study approved by the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies. A maximum of two courses (6 hours) from a student’s disciplinary depth coursework can count toward the electives in their Interdisciplinary Studies concentration, allowing completion of the major in 33 credit hours with proper planning. No more than two courses (6 hours) from another declared major can count toward the student’s Interdisciplinary Studies major.

Degree Total = 120 credit hours


Progression Requirements


Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to continue in the major.