Overview of the Department

The Department of Film and Media at Queen's University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program of practical, historical and critical courses. Many of the courses concentrate on today's systems of mass communication, information and entertainment, but they approach cinema and television, fiction and documentaries, advertising and experimental film, in the historical context that makes them possible. These historical and critical studies are combined with production courses in film, video and multimedia, on the premise that graduates should be versed in both the contexts and techniques of the art.

Two converted Victorian houses at 160 Stuart Street on the Queen's campus in Kingston (see an aerial photo) hold the Department's classrooms, offices, screening rooms and workshops, packed with computers, DVD players, and film and video production facilities.

Two larger multimedia-equipped classrooms are located in Ontario Hall, one block away on University Avenue, and the first-year course is taught in Etherington Auditorium on Stuart Street, a fully-equipped theatre including 35mm film projection (30K JPEG).

Film and Media began at Queen's over 30 years ago, and has become a department highly respected in the field. Many of our alumni go into the film and television industries, and have won Oscars, Emmies and Genies. Film and Media courses, however, cover a wide range of educational areas and skills, and are designed to encourage students in the critical thinking that is important for graduate studies or for leadership in any profession.

If you're considering first year Arts and Science at Queen's, and have an interest in film, take a look at some Questions and Answers about Film and Media and an introduction to First Year in Film and Media.

The Department has built a considerable collection of films, videotapes and video discs with funding from the university and external agencies. It has developed archival agreements with the National Film Board and the CBC, and with private donors. (The Department holds the complete works of noted Canadian filmmaker Allan King.) The archives serves as a resource not only for teaching within the Department but for the university and for scholars internationally, particularly in the area of Canadian film.

Students can take advantage of international study programs at the International Study Centre at Herstmonceux, England, and a number of overseas universities, notably the University of Glasgow.

We offer a special field concentration with the Department of Drama, known as Stage and Screen Studies.

Film and Media at Queen's: The Video

Watch a 6-minute QuickTime movie introducing Film and Media at Queen's. (The movie is an 8 MB download and requires the free QuickTime 7 for viewing).

Return to Introduction to the Department.