Arts & ScienceThe Department of Film and Media is set to launch several curriculum improvements starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Please see below for more information, including a recorded video of the March 2026 Town Hall session during which these changes were explained.
Capstone Courses
FILM 460/6.0 Major Project will now be replaced by Film 461/3.0 Undergraduate Research Thesis and FILM 462/3.0 Undergraduate Production Thesis. All full course descriptions and reviews can be found in the recorded .
Please note, there will be an application form for both classes and it will be juried entry (rather than be subject to the enrolment lottery). Students are encouraged to apply to both courses.
Application forms can be found here: and
The Department will host Workshops for the applications on ​April 14 (in person) 10:30-12:00 and April 15 (online) 6:30 -7:30.
Register here: or.
Practicum
Next year FILM 457/3.0 and FILM 458/3.0 Practicum will be replaced by FILM 359/6.0 Practicum. This new, 300-level course will allow students to participate in practicum earlier in their academic career so that they can focus on areas of interest in their fourth year. This will help students align courses for efficiency and may also open the possibility of completing an internship under the course code FILM 395/3.0 Internship.
In order to accommodate student interest in Practicum, the Department will increase course enrolment from 20 to 30 seats for the next two years. Seats will be reserved for both 3rd and 4th year students. Please watch the posted Town Hall session for further explanation (see below).
Animation Minor & ANIM 201
The Department of Film and Media is excited to announce that we are launching a Minor in Animation starting Fall of 2026. Please see the Plan outline below.
Minor in Animation Theory and Practice Plan
Also, next fall we will be offering ANIM 201 which involves attandance at the Ottawa International Animation Festival and the curation of a local, student-focused animation festival. See below for the course description.
ANIM 201/3.0 Animation Curation
This project-based course takes students on a 4-night field trip to North America's largest animation festival, the Ottawa International Animation Festival, as a case study. The fesitval takes place from September 23-27 this year. Following the trip, the students will conceptualize, develop, curate, and execute their own small student-run animation festival. Students can draw on contacts made at the festival and inspiration gained from watching a number of shorts programs to create thier curatorial project. Learning hours will largely be completed over the 5-day festival, and subsequent class meetings will be geared toward organizing this curatorial project.
Q & A
To help guide students with this transition we have created a Q&A. If you still have questions please contact undergraduatefilm@queensu.ca.
A: Students in the Specialization plan, and aiming to graduate in Spring 2027, will be reserved a spot in one of the capstone courses (please apply for both). We suggest complimenting your capstone experience with a professionalization course like FILM 406 Writing for Funding and Applications or FILM 451 The Business of Media in order to fulfill the 6.0 units required in the 1.E. of your plan.
A: No, these changes are not meant to delay your progression through your Film and Media plan. If you are worried about your progress, you are invited to request an appointment with the Undergraduate Chair or Assistant via email at undergraduatefilm@queensu.ca.
A: Yes, it’s possible. This will depend on the calibre of a student’s application and seat availability. If there is space and the student submits high quality applications, the Department will consider enrolment approval in both courses.
A: Applications are due May 8. Students will be notified of the Department’s decision by the end of May.
A: Application forms: and
A: The Department is hosting two Workshops for students interested in applying to FILM 461 and FILM 462. Please register for sessions here: or
If you are unable to attend the workshop, please direct questions to the Undergraduate Chair, Prof. Dan Vena, at undergraduatefilm@queensu.ca.
A: FILM 461 will be in Fall 2026 and FILM 462 will be in Winter 2027.
A: The Proposal Application:
1. Project Proposal (250 words)
2. Project Timeline (steps to completion)
3. Previous Training (specify 2-3 courses relevant to project)
4. Annotated Bibliography (2-3 key sources or references, 50-100 words each)
5. Course preference (if applying to both, which is your top choice)
A: Assessment Criteria
1. Background preparation (training in previous courses, experience with field of study/research and/or necessary technology)
2. Strength of idea (concept)
3. Project feasibility (scope and scale)*
*In exceptional cases, students can be approved to complete a full-year production capstone under the course code FILM 500/6.0
For a full explanation, please watch the Town Hall session video posted above.
A. Yes. The Animation Minor will be offered to all departments including Film and Media.
A: No. FILM 359 replaces the older 400-level courses, so there will be an exclusion.