<p>Hey, I applied RD and I was wondering whether anybody had experience with the Film (or Cinema, I can't remember which... it's different everywhere) Studies department. I definitely want to major in that, and from what I can gather from the course catalog the program looks good, but I'd love to hear any first-hand experiences that people have had. Do people usually end up doing more theory or production?</p>
<p>Also, is anybody familiar with the darkroom facilities/photography equipment in general? How is it?</p>
<p>I have friends in cinema studies classes that are both production oriented (and their finals are mini-movies they shoot and edit themselves) and also I guess more theory (watch this movie and analyze it). I haven't had any classes in the department, but everyone raves about it.</p>
<p>And in terms of photography/darkroom, from what I've been able to gather the photo co-op kind of fluctuates in and out of existence. I haven't heard too much about it since I've been at Oberlin. But there's definitely photography classes in the arts department as well.</p>
<p>Oberlin's Cinema Studies department is very young, but very good. The production classes are really intense, but rewarding. The library loans out equipment, which is cool. Seeing student films is one of the best study breaks to take during reading period.
Theory classes are thought provoking and specific. Besides your standard Cinema 101, there are upper-level courses on specific directors (Fellini, Polanski), french cinema, experimental film, chinese cinema, musicals, and a new class on animation and comics. Most of the teachers are young, but very enthusiastic and devoted.</p>
<p>I have a friend who practically lived in the dark room for a semester. The b&w photography prof is known for being demanding, in a good devoted-to-craft way. I'd take classes with the art department.</p>
<p>Hey MLeigh, that is the reason I applied to Oberlin as well and I was wondering the same thing! The fact sheet that I got made it seem like it was more theory based, but hearing that there is some great production courses makes me glad that I applied. Maybe I will see you around next year!!</p>