University of Wisconsin-Madison

http://www.commarts.wisc.edu/

This is probably one of the most well-respected film studies programs in the country, especially for what I want to specialize in--film history. And yet, you will not find it on most lists of "film studies" programs because it hides under the title "Communication Arts." "Communication Science," "Film," "Media and Cultural Studies" and "Rhetoric" are sub-categories of the larger department.

http://commarts.wisc.edu/graduate/film/

I think this is probably my top choice for film schools. The campus is beautiful and I love the location. Madison seems like a wonderful town. On top of that, I love Lea Jacobs, who is one of the film professors there. I think I am allergic to post-modernism, and I try to avoid it at all cost. Although I love California, many programs on the West Coast center around theory. Theory has its place, but I am first and foremost a historian. I often have little need for theory. I can take it or leave it.

The Search

I am starting this blogs in the hopes that I can unconfuse a few who were as confused and lost as I. If you have ever tried to find information about film studies graduate programs anywhere--online, in books, etc., you will know that it is exceedingly difficult to find good, accurate information. I have found all of my best information from people-i.e., those who have already graduated from said programs. They are often difficult to find because they don't necessarily have the name "film studies" or even "cinema studies" or even the very vague "media studies."

I plan to apply to a film PhD progam this coming fall. I am very nervous about it, but it should be an adventure whatever happens. Hopefully I will come out the other side with a PhD in film.