:: TABLE OF CONTENTS ::
Please direct all inquiries to:
Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema
Concordia University
1455 de Maisonneuve, West FB 319
Montreal (Quebec), Canada H3G 1M8
tel. (514) 848-4676/FAX. (514) 848-2424 ext. 4666
Introduction
Starting September 2008, the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema will be offering a Ph.D. in Film and Moving Image Studies. This unique and innovative program in Canada will center on four areas of specialization:
• Film and Moving Image History
• Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
• Film and Moving Image Theory
• Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
As an academic field of inquiry, Film and Moving Image Studies draws from several other disciplines, including art history, literature, communications, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, drama, semiotics, making it a highly interdisciplinary domain of study whose parameters are continually shifting. The doctoral program in Film and Moving Image Studies aims to highlight this interdisciplinarity with courses and research that reflect and even define the field's disciplinary shifts all the while situating Film and the Moving Image within the globalization of culture, knowledge, and industry.
This is an academic degree with no studio component.
• Film and Moving Image History
• Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
• Film and Moving Image Theory
• Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
As an academic field of inquiry, Film and Moving Image Studies draws from several other disciplines, including art history, literature, communications, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, drama, semiotics, making it a highly interdisciplinary domain of study whose parameters are continually shifting. The doctoral program in Film and Moving Image Studies aims to highlight this interdisciplinarity with courses and research that reflect and even define the field's disciplinary shifts all the while situating Film and the Moving Image within the globalization of culture, knowledge, and industry.
This is an academic degree with no studio component.
Objectives of the Program
The Ph.D. program in Film and Moving Image Studies emphasizes original work in research and encompasses a broad range of research interests that are organized strategically and conceptually under four areas of specialization:
a) Research in Film and Moving Image History
b) Research in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
c) Research in Film and Moving Image Theory
d) Research in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
a) Research in Film and Moving Image History
The main objective of this research area is to equip students with the methodological and intellectual tools for future work as film and moving image historians. Research in film and moving image history includes studies in historical approaches to topics such as early and silent cinemas, film and new media institutions, economic and technological history of the moving image, historical approaches to national cinemas, film movements, styles and genres, performance, history of film representations, and film and new media archiving.
b) Research in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
The main objectives of this research area are to locate film and moving images within the discourses and practices associated with the fine arts and to train students in the advanced investigation of these artifacts understood as fine arts. Research in this area includes philosophical approaches to art and aesthetics applied to film and moving images as well as research into film style, criticism and critical appreciation, relationships between moving images and other art forms, film adaptation, formal and textual analysis.
c) Research in Film and Moving Image Theory
The main objectives of this research area are to train students in the rigors of the classical and contemporary theoretical traditions and approaches found in film and moving image studies and to encourage the development and application of new theoretical methodologies and approaches. Research in film and moving image theory includes studies of classical and contemporary film theories, investigations into the history and epistemology of film and moving image theory, the study and development of critical methodologies and frameworks such as semiotics, narratology, various philosophical approaches (phenomenology, structuralism and post-structuralism, pragmatism), psychoanalytic theory, reception theory, film interpretation and hermeneutics, and anthropological theory.
d) Research in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
The main objective of this research area is to train students in the advanced study of film and moving images from the socio-cultural perspective. Research in film, moving image and cultural theory investigates how the medium interacts with changing national and international cultural contexts since the latter part of the 19th century - modernity, postmodernity, globalization - and considers its place within different economic and social formations. This includes studying film and moving images, their social imaginary and representations, from various theoretical perspectives including feminist and queer theory, Frankfurt School social and political theory, and post-colonial theory.
a) Research in Film and Moving Image History
b) Research in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
c) Research in Film and Moving Image Theory
d) Research in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
a) Research in Film and Moving Image History
The main objective of this research area is to equip students with the methodological and intellectual tools for future work as film and moving image historians. Research in film and moving image history includes studies in historical approaches to topics such as early and silent cinemas, film and new media institutions, economic and technological history of the moving image, historical approaches to national cinemas, film movements, styles and genres, performance, history of film representations, and film and new media archiving.
b) Research in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
The main objectives of this research area are to locate film and moving images within the discourses and practices associated with the fine arts and to train students in the advanced investigation of these artifacts understood as fine arts. Research in this area includes philosophical approaches to art and aesthetics applied to film and moving images as well as research into film style, criticism and critical appreciation, relationships between moving images and other art forms, film adaptation, formal and textual analysis.
c) Research in Film and Moving Image Theory
The main objectives of this research area are to train students in the rigors of the classical and contemporary theoretical traditions and approaches found in film and moving image studies and to encourage the development and application of new theoretical methodologies and approaches. Research in film and moving image theory includes studies of classical and contemporary film theories, investigations into the history and epistemology of film and moving image theory, the study and development of critical methodologies and frameworks such as semiotics, narratology, various philosophical approaches (phenomenology, structuralism and post-structuralism, pragmatism), psychoanalytic theory, reception theory, film interpretation and hermeneutics, and anthropological theory.
d) Research in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
The main objective of this research area is to train students in the advanced study of film and moving images from the socio-cultural perspective. Research in film, moving image and cultural theory investigates how the medium interacts with changing national and international cultural contexts since the latter part of the 19th century - modernity, postmodernity, globalization - and considers its place within different economic and social formations. This includes studying film and moving images, their social imaginary and representations, from various theoretical perspectives including feminist and queer theory, Frankfurt School social and political theory, and post-colonial theory.
Description of the Program
Admission requirements
Admission requirements Applicants may apply on-line at:
https://welcome.concordia.ca/concordia/preference.jsp
Incoming Students are expected to have an M.A. in Film Studies (or cognate field) and a minimum B+ average or GPA of 3.3. Applicants will be assessed by the School of Cinema’s doctoral program sub-committee on the basis of a writing sample (an academic essay or article), 3 letters of recommendation outlining the applicant's research abilities, a letter of intent (4 - 5 pages) outlining research interests, and 1 official copy of their transcripts (undergraduate and graduate), all to be submitted with their application. Prior to final acceptance, the student should have identified and contacted a potential supervisor. Final decision regarding supervision will be made by mutual agreement between the student, the doctoral program sub-committee, and the potential supervisor. Feasibility of proposed research and availability of a faculty member to supervise will also be considered. In certain instances students may be asked to complete qualifying graduate coursework.
See below for language requirements and TOEFL scores.
Application Deadlines
Completed applications and all supporting documents, including applications for financial assistance, should be submitted by December 15. For applicants not applying for financial assistance, the deadline is February 1. International Students applying for International Fee Remission need apply by December 15 (international students not applying for fee remission can apply by February 1). All applications are made for September admission and students will usually be accepted for full-time study. Prior to final acceptance, the student should have identified and contacted a potential supervisor. Final decision regarding supervision will be made by mutual agreement between the student, the doctoral program sub-committee, and the potential supervisor. In certain instances students may be asked to complete qualifying graduate coursework.
Fellowships and Assistantships
The program hopes to offer incoming students financial assistance during their two years of residency, through fellowships ($16,000 over two years), as well as teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Please note that the availability of funding is subject to budget confirmation in January 2009. Applicants should consult the program for updates. Additional funding may also be available through faculty research funds.
Degree Requirements
1. Credits
A fully qualified candidate is required to fulfill 90 credits. The requirements are: 18 credits of coursework, 6 credits in the form of one comprehensive examination and one synthesis examination (3 credits each), 6 credits of thesis proposal, and 60 credits of research and thesis.
2. Residence
The minimum required residence requirement is six consecutive terms full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
3. Language
International students whose first language is not English must meet a minimal score of 550 for TOEFL (computer-based score 213; IBTOEFL score of 75) in English to be admitted to the program. While English is the dominant language for activities in the School of Cinema, applicants must demonstrate a level of competence that would allow them to read technical material in French (or another pertinent language with regards to their research). Students may write reports, examinations, and theses in English or French, as they choose.
4. Examinations
The synthesis examination (3 credits) consists of an essay in which the candidate situates his/her work within the context of fields pertinent to training received in the School of Cinema. The essay is evaluated by three faculty members, including the student's supervisor. The written comprehensive examination (3 credits) pertains to the candidate's major field of research and is based on a reading list (along with an appropriate and relevant filmography) prepared by the student with the assistance of his/her supervisor. The reading list (and filmography) will be approved by the doctoral program sub-committee who may suggest some changes. The reading list will fall within one of these headings:
Film and Moving Image History
Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
Film and Moving Image Theory
Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
5. Thesis proposal
Once the examinations are completed students are eligible to submit their thesis proposal (it must be submitted no later that the second week of September of the third year into the program). The thesis proposal consists of a 40 to 60 page document outlining the object of study of the thesis, its objectives, the research hypothesis and the methodology that will be used or developed. A detailed bibliography will accompany the document as well as a preliminary table of contents. The thesis proposal must be defended orally before a jury consisting of the student's supervisor and two faculty members.
6. Research and Thesis
A major portion of the doctoral program is the planning and execution of innovative and original research under the direction of a supervisor. The student's research will be presented in a written thesis (length: average of 300 pages) and defended orally in conformity with the regulations outlined in Concordia University's Graduate Calendar. The candidate will submit his/her doctoral thesis to an examining committee consisting of at least five faculty members: the candidate's supervisor, two faculty members from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, a faculty member from another department within Concordia (external-to-program examiner), and an external-to-University faculty member.
Academic Regulations
1. Academic standing
The academic progress of students is monitored on a periodic basis. To be permitted to continue in the program, students must obtain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 based on a minimum of 12 credits. Students whose GPA falls below 3.00 are considered to be on academic probation during the following review period. Students whose GPA falls below 3.00 for two consecutive review periods are withdrawn from the program.
2. C Rule
Students who receive more than one C during the course of their Ph.D. studies will be required to withdraw from the program. Students may appeal for re-admission. Students who receive another C after re-admission will be required to withdraw from the program and will not be considered for readmission.
3. F Rule
Students who receive a failing grade in the course of their Ph.D. studies will be withdrawn from the program. Students may apply for readmission. Students who receive another failing grade, or a C grade, after re-admission will be withdrawn from the program.
4. Time Limit
All work for a doctoral degree must be completed within eighteen terms (six years) of full-time study from the time of initial registration in the program.
5. Graduation Requirement
In order to graduate, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
Admission requirements Applicants may apply on-line at:
https://welcome.concordia.ca/concordia/preference.jsp
Incoming Students are expected to have an M.A. in Film Studies (or cognate field) and a minimum B+ average or GPA of 3.3. Applicants will be assessed by the School of Cinema’s doctoral program sub-committee on the basis of a writing sample (an academic essay or article), 3 letters of recommendation outlining the applicant's research abilities, a letter of intent (4 - 5 pages) outlining research interests, and 1 official copy of their transcripts (undergraduate and graduate), all to be submitted with their application. Prior to final acceptance, the student should have identified and contacted a potential supervisor. Final decision regarding supervision will be made by mutual agreement between the student, the doctoral program sub-committee, and the potential supervisor. Feasibility of proposed research and availability of a faculty member to supervise will also be considered. In certain instances students may be asked to complete qualifying graduate coursework.
See below for language requirements and TOEFL scores.
Application Deadlines
Completed applications and all supporting documents, including applications for financial assistance, should be submitted by December 15. For applicants not applying for financial assistance, the deadline is February 1. International Students applying for International Fee Remission need apply by December 15 (international students not applying for fee remission can apply by February 1). All applications are made for September admission and students will usually be accepted for full-time study. Prior to final acceptance, the student should have identified and contacted a potential supervisor. Final decision regarding supervision will be made by mutual agreement between the student, the doctoral program sub-committee, and the potential supervisor. In certain instances students may be asked to complete qualifying graduate coursework.
Fellowships and Assistantships
The program hopes to offer incoming students financial assistance during their two years of residency, through fellowships ($16,000 over two years), as well as teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Please note that the availability of funding is subject to budget confirmation in January 2009. Applicants should consult the program for updates. Additional funding may also be available through faculty research funds.
Degree Requirements
1. Credits
A fully qualified candidate is required to fulfill 90 credits. The requirements are: 18 credits of coursework, 6 credits in the form of one comprehensive examination and one synthesis examination (3 credits each), 6 credits of thesis proposal, and 60 credits of research and thesis.
2. Residence
The minimum required residence requirement is six consecutive terms full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
3. Language
International students whose first language is not English must meet a minimal score of 550 for TOEFL (computer-based score 213; IBTOEFL score of 75) in English to be admitted to the program. While English is the dominant language for activities in the School of Cinema, applicants must demonstrate a level of competence that would allow them to read technical material in French (or another pertinent language with regards to their research). Students may write reports, examinations, and theses in English or French, as they choose.
4. Examinations
The synthesis examination (3 credits) consists of an essay in which the candidate situates his/her work within the context of fields pertinent to training received in the School of Cinema. The essay is evaluated by three faculty members, including the student's supervisor. The written comprehensive examination (3 credits) pertains to the candidate's major field of research and is based on a reading list (along with an appropriate and relevant filmography) prepared by the student with the assistance of his/her supervisor. The reading list (and filmography) will be approved by the doctoral program sub-committee who may suggest some changes. The reading list will fall within one of these headings:
Film and Moving Image History
Film and Moving Image Aesthetics
Film and Moving Image Theory
Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory
5. Thesis proposal
Once the examinations are completed students are eligible to submit their thesis proposal (it must be submitted no later that the second week of September of the third year into the program). The thesis proposal consists of a 40 to 60 page document outlining the object of study of the thesis, its objectives, the research hypothesis and the methodology that will be used or developed. A detailed bibliography will accompany the document as well as a preliminary table of contents. The thesis proposal must be defended orally before a jury consisting of the student's supervisor and two faculty members.
6. Research and Thesis
A major portion of the doctoral program is the planning and execution of innovative and original research under the direction of a supervisor. The student's research will be presented in a written thesis (length: average of 300 pages) and defended orally in conformity with the regulations outlined in Concordia University's Graduate Calendar. The candidate will submit his/her doctoral thesis to an examining committee consisting of at least five faculty members: the candidate's supervisor, two faculty members from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, a faculty member from another department within Concordia (external-to-program examiner), and an external-to-University faculty member.
Academic Regulations
1. Academic standing
The academic progress of students is monitored on a periodic basis. To be permitted to continue in the program, students must obtain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 based on a minimum of 12 credits. Students whose GPA falls below 3.00 are considered to be on academic probation during the following review period. Students whose GPA falls below 3.00 for two consecutive review periods are withdrawn from the program.
2. C Rule
Students who receive more than one C during the course of their Ph.D. studies will be required to withdraw from the program. Students may appeal for re-admission. Students who receive another C after re-admission will be required to withdraw from the program and will not be considered for readmission.
3. F Rule
Students who receive a failing grade in the course of their Ph.D. studies will be withdrawn from the program. Students may apply for readmission. Students who receive another failing grade, or a C grade, after re-admission will be withdrawn from the program.
4. Time Limit
All work for a doctoral degree must be completed within eighteen terms (six years) of full-time study from the time of initial registration in the program.
5. Graduation Requirement
In order to graduate, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
Timeline for requirements
Course work (18 credits)
It is expected that students will, in average, complete 12 credits of coursework during the first year and 6 credits during the second year. On a yearly basis a minimum of 12 credits of core graduate coursework will be offered for doctoral students only by the School of Cinema. This includes the 6-credit Proseminar. A detailed description of the course requirements is as follows:
• Core: 6 credits: Proseminar
• Cluster: 3 credits: taken from four topics clusters of seminars labeled: Topics in Film and Moving Image History; Topics in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics; Topics in Film and Moving Image Theory; Topics in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory.
• Electives: 9 credits: taken from the graduate course offerings, research seminars in the School of Cinema, or other
Examinations (6 credits)
Synthesis and comprehensive examinations will be conducted during the second year of residency (no later than the second week of February for the synthesis examination and the second week of April for the comprehensive examination). Comprehensive examination: Four months after the reading list is approved students will receive a list of four questions. They will have two weeks to produce an essay to answer the questions. The essay will be evaluated by a jury of three faculty members, including the student's supervisor.
Thesis proposal (6 credits)
To be submitted after successful completion of the synthesis and comprehensive examinations.
Research and Thesis (60 credits)
To be submitted after successful completion of the synthesis and comprehensive examinations.
The candidate will submit his/her doctoral thesis to an examining committee consisting of at least five faculty members: the candidate's supervisor, two faculty members from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, a faculty member from another department within Concordia (external-to-program examiner), and an external-to-University faculty member.
It is expected that students will, in average, complete 12 credits of coursework during the first year and 6 credits during the second year. On a yearly basis a minimum of 12 credits of core graduate coursework will be offered for doctoral students only by the School of Cinema. This includes the 6-credit Proseminar. A detailed description of the course requirements is as follows:
• Core: 6 credits: Proseminar
• Cluster: 3 credits: taken from four topics clusters of seminars labeled: Topics in Film and Moving Image History; Topics in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics; Topics in Film and Moving Image Theory; Topics in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory.
• Electives: 9 credits: taken from the graduate course offerings, research seminars in the School of Cinema, or other
Examinations (6 credits)
Synthesis and comprehensive examinations will be conducted during the second year of residency (no later than the second week of February for the synthesis examination and the second week of April for the comprehensive examination). Comprehensive examination: Four months after the reading list is approved students will receive a list of four questions. They will have two weeks to produce an essay to answer the questions. The essay will be evaluated by a jury of three faculty members, including the student's supervisor.
Thesis proposal (6 credits)
To be submitted after successful completion of the synthesis and comprehensive examinations.
Research and Thesis (60 credits)
To be submitted after successful completion of the synthesis and comprehensive examinations.
The candidate will submit his/her doctoral thesis to an examining committee consisting of at least five faculty members: the candidate's supervisor, two faculty members from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, a faculty member from another department within Concordia (external-to-program examiner), and an external-to-University faculty member.
Courses Work
Core and cluster courses
Each year the program will offer FMST 800 and two cluster courses.
Core courses:
FMST 800 Proseminar (6 credits):
Cluster courses (Topics Clusters):
The specific content of the seminars in each of the four topics clusters will be decided by the doctoral program joint committee on a yearly basis, based on course proposals made by accredited faculty.
CLUSTER A:
FMST 801 Seminar in Film and Moving Image History (3 credits)
CLUSTER B:
FMST 802 Seminar in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics (3 credits)
CLUSTER C:
FMST 803 Seminar in Film and Moving Image Theory (3 credits)
CLUSTER D:
FMST 804 Seminar in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory (3 credits)
FMST 885 Thesis proposal (6 credits)
FMST 886 Synthesis exam (3 credits)
FMST 887 Comprehensive exam (3 credits)
FMST 890 Research and Thesis (60 credits)
Elective courses (Joint M.A./Ph.D. seminars):
Students will take a maximum of 9 credits of elective coursework. Students will be entitled to enroll in Ph.D. seminars that are cross-listed with M.A. seminars, provided they will not repeat seminars taken at Concordia during their M.A. degree. (Doctoral students registered in these courses will be expected to perform at Ph.D. level).
Note: The focus of any given “topics” course on a given year will determine the cluster to which it will belong. For example, “Topics in Cinéma québécois” may belong to Cluster A when the focus is on historiography or it may belong to Cluster B when the course centers on aesthetic issues in Québec cinema.
FMST 805 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 605 (M.A.) Topics in English Canadian Cinema (3 credits)
FMST 810 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 610 (M.A.) Topics in Cinéma québécois (3 credits)
FMST 815 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 615 (M.A.) Topics in European Cinema (3 credits)
FMST 820 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 620 (M.A.) Topics in Non-European Cinema (3 credits)
FMST 825(Ph.D.)/ FMST 625 (M.A.) Topics in Film History (3 credits)
FMST 830 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 630 (M.A.) Topics in Film Theory (3 credits)
FMST 835 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 635 (M.A.) Topics in Aesthetics and Cultural Theory (3 credits)
FMST 840 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 640 (M.A.) Gender Issues in Film (3 credits)
FMST 845 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 645 (M.A.) Topics in Film Genres (3 credits)
FMST 850 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 650 (M.A.) Topics in Experimental Film and Video (3 credits)
FMST 855 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 655 (M.A.) Topics in Documentary (3 credits)
FMST 860 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 660 (M.A.) Topics in Film Directors (3 credits)
FMST 865 Topics in Film Studies (3 credits)
Other elective courses:
FMST 870 Independent Study (3 credits)
FMST 880 Research Seminar (3 credits)
Each year the program will offer FMST 800 and two cluster courses.
Core courses:
FMST 800 Proseminar (6 credits):
Cluster courses (Topics Clusters):
The specific content of the seminars in each of the four topics clusters will be decided by the doctoral program joint committee on a yearly basis, based on course proposals made by accredited faculty.
CLUSTER A:
FMST 801 Seminar in Film and Moving Image History (3 credits)
CLUSTER B:
FMST 802 Seminar in Film and Moving Image Aesthetics (3 credits)
CLUSTER C:
FMST 803 Seminar in Film and Moving Image Theory (3 credits)
CLUSTER D:
FMST 804 Seminar in Film, Moving Image and Cultural Theory (3 credits)
FMST 885 Thesis proposal (6 credits)
FMST 886 Synthesis exam (3 credits)
FMST 887 Comprehensive exam (3 credits)
FMST 890 Research and Thesis (60 credits)
Elective courses (Joint M.A./Ph.D. seminars):
Students will take a maximum of 9 credits of elective coursework. Students will be entitled to enroll in Ph.D. seminars that are cross-listed with M.A. seminars, provided they will not repeat seminars taken at Concordia during their M.A. degree. (Doctoral students registered in these courses will be expected to perform at Ph.D. level).
Note: The focus of any given “topics” course on a given year will determine the cluster to which it will belong. For example, “Topics in Cinéma québécois” may belong to Cluster A when the focus is on historiography or it may belong to Cluster B when the course centers on aesthetic issues in Québec cinema.
FMST 805 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 605 (M.A.) Topics in English Canadian Cinema (3 credits)
FMST 810 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 610 (M.A.) Topics in Cinéma québécois (3 credits)
FMST 815 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 615 (M.A.) Topics in European Cinema (3 credits)
FMST 820 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 620 (M.A.) Topics in Non-European Cinema (3 credits)
FMST 825(Ph.D.)/ FMST 625 (M.A.) Topics in Film History (3 credits)
FMST 830 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 630 (M.A.) Topics in Film Theory (3 credits)
FMST 835 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 635 (M.A.) Topics in Aesthetics and Cultural Theory (3 credits)
FMST 840 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 640 (M.A.) Gender Issues in Film (3 credits)
FMST 845 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 645 (M.A.) Topics in Film Genres (3 credits)
FMST 850 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 650 (M.A.) Topics in Experimental Film and Video (3 credits)
FMST 855 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 655 (M.A.) Topics in Documentary (3 credits)
FMST 860 (Ph.D.)/ FMST 660 (M.A.) Topics in Film Directors (3 credits)
FMST 865 Topics in Film Studies (3 credits)
Other elective courses:
FMST 870 Independent Study (3 credits)
FMST 880 Research Seminar (3 credits)