What is the balance between history/theory courses and hands-on production courses in the MFA?
A. To support our belief that theory and history are important for any filmmaker, we have a fairly heavy requirement of non-production courses in the MFA. However, we are primarilly a production program. MFA students typically take 6 production courses in their first 4 semesters. The other courses are in non-production areas of the department or from other departments on campus. Iowa has a very strong film culture due in large part to the excellent Film Studies MA/ PhD program. The MFA benefits from a close association with these programs. And, the MA/PhD programs benefit from the active film and videomaker environment as well. Q. What is the comprehensive exam? A. The comprehensive exam consists of 2 parts: a written component and an oral component. The written exam is a 4 hour exam in a predetermined are of film/media theory. The oral exam is a presentation and defense of the candidate’s creative work to the MFA committee. Both of these happen during the candidates 4th semester.
