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Film Studies: Books

Subject Headings

                            

Libraries use what we call “Subject Headings” to help classify (i.e. categorize) resources.  When you are using Countess OneSearch, our library’s online catalogue (or using any library’s catalogue for that matter), take notice of the subject headings being used for your topic.  Like most libraries, we use Library of Congress (LC) subject headings.  These can help you narrow or broaden your topic to find resources more relevant to your research. 

In considering the topic of film, there are many subject heading from which to choose.  If you enter "film studies" in the search box in Countess OneSearch and click to search everything (books, articles, films, etc.), you will receive over 36,000 hits, so you are going to want to narrow your search.  One way you can do this is to look on the left side of the screen at "Refine Your Search" where you will see suggestions for narrowing your search results.  Here are some additional hints:

Consider also adding terms to your search that more narrowing reflect what exactly you are researching.  For example: Try adding your actual topic into the search phrase " ... in motion pictures"  (such as "women in motion pictures" or "violence in motion pictures"). 

Generally speaking, "motion picture" is the subject heading that is used for resources about film.  Whereas if you are researching the technical aspects of film making, try using "cinematography." 

If you are looking for criticism, use "film criticism." 

The history of movies?  Try using "motion pictures history." 

Movies made in a particular country, say French cinema?  Try using "motion pictures" and the name of the country (such as "motion pictures France"). 

If you are looking for a particular type of movie (i.e. genre), we suggest you use " .... films," as for example, "suspense films" or "science fiction films."

Here are a few additional examples that give an idea of the depth and breadth of film research:

Homosexuality in motion pictures

indians in motion pictures

time in motion pictures

human body in motion pictures

politics in motion pictures

children in motion pictures

aliens in motion pictures

masculinity in motion pictures

intercultural communication in motion pictures


       

 

Film Censorship

Roger Ebert

Circulating Collection

Reference Collection

Disney