<p>Brown’s film studies department is called Modern Culture and Media. I would urge your son to do some research into film studies programs to understand the differences in how film is taught. Brown’s is very theory based (it grew out of the old semiotics department). That means not as much emphasis on narrative, plot, character – more on symbolism, theory. This is a very broad stereotype, but MCM majors would be the ones wearing all black. </p>
<p>There are other ways to study film at Brown – it depends on what your son is interested in. Several departments (American Studies in particular) offer classes where movies or TV shows are the source material. And the literary arts department is great for someone who wants to write. </p>
<p>There is a so-called Brown “mafia” in Hollywood – many Brown grads work in entertainment, as actors, writers, directors – and in the management and business end as well. In fact, as an econ or math major, he could find himself working at an entertainment company on the business side (I recently went to a panel discussion with several Brown alums who did exactly that, and now hold amazing jobs at large entertainment firms). </p>
<p>Brown doesn’t do minors, btw. One can double major. </p>
<p>I know nothing about Amherst or Dartmouth for film studies. I’ve visited Dartmouth many times – I realize that academically there may be similarities, but the ambiance of the two locales is totally different. Hanover is a very small town and remote, Providence a small city in close proximity to larger urban areas. </p>
<p>ormdad – I would only consider MCM a strong department if you like its approach to studying film. </p>