Imagine yourself as the director of your own documentary film about history.
At Shenandoah University you can study history in collaboration with our renowned program in film studies and production to gain a Certificate in History and Documentary Film. In the history program you will have opportunities to study and conduct original research in subjects of interest to you. At the same time, you can gain basic skills in the film program that are necessary to producing a documentary from your historical studies. This certificate can open doors to exciting career opportunities in producing the documentaries that are so popular on television and in movie theaters today.
The certificate in History and Documentary Film is designed for students who desire to gain technical proficiency in documentary film as a medium for the presentation of historical knowledge and experiences.
Students who successfully complete the Certificate in History and Documentary Film will be able to:
- Recreate historical experiences in documentary film.
- Conduct original research in history and apply historical methods in creating script material for documentary films.
- Conceive educational and market opportunities for the experience of history through documentary film media.
Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University has long been a forward-looking, progressive-minded institution contemplating ways to create unique educational opportunities for our students and the broader public. As museums and historic sites both globally and across the United States explore various technologies to engage broader audiences about complex historical issues, Shenandoah University is poised to continue its tradition of being on the cutting edge of educational change. The university is taking advantage of its dynamic faculties in history and film studies to create a certificate program integrating these two exciting fields. This certificate will sharpen “information literacy” and “critical thinking” skills of enrolled students as they conduct research and interpret it through the medium of documentary film. This certificate will empower students to synthesize relevant information from multiple sources and perspectives as they create historical documentaries using the latest developments in historical research and film technology.
Career Possibilities
Acquiring workplace skills can be as important as succeeding in traditional academic majors for students seeking employment upon graduation and career success in life. The field of documentary film as a medium for conveying historical knowledge and experiences opens important career opportunities for history students. A Certificate in History and Documentary Film attached to a diploma or transcript would establish basic credentials important for further education and employment in this field.
Classes
Course Requirements
Required Courses:
- MCOM 241 Multimedia Journalism
- FILM 371 Documentary Filmmaking
- FILM 420 Film Practicum
- Note: FILM 420 must be taken in conjunction with History elective.
History Electives:
- HIST 303 American Colonial History
- HIST 304 Middle Period America
- HIST 308 Civil War in Memory & Popular Culture
- HIST 341 Introduction to Public History
- HIST 350 Virginia History
- HIST 395 Topics in History
- HIST 309 Interpreting Civil War Sites
- Note: Choose One. History 201 or permission of instructor based on
knowledge of history research methods and writing is required for history
electives.
Faculty
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.