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Film and Media Studies: Keywords

This guide provides students with recommended resources for conducting research on topics related to Film and Media Studies.

Developing Keywords

Keywords are the words you type into a search box to find information. The words you use to describe your topic may be different from the words used by the library catalog and databases. For example, the catalog often uses the term "motion picture" instead of "film" or "movie."

Some other terms related to film include:

  • Film noir and criticism
  • Film design
  • Film genres
  • Film style
  • Mise en scene
  • Motion pictures and style
  • Motion pictures and gender
  • Motion pictures setting and scenery
  • Motion picture directors scorsese and criticism
  • Hollywood and motion pictures and history
  • Documentary films history and criticism
If you have trouble finding information on your topic, ask a librarian for help!

Combining Keywords

Keywords are the words you type into a search box to search for information on your topic. The words you use to describe your topic may be different from the words used in the library catalog (OneSearch) and library databases. For example, another way to describe teenagers might be adolescents.

Watch the video below for a short tutorial on keywords, including some good strategies for combining them effectively. If you have trouble finding information on your topic, ask a librarian for help choosing successful keywords.