The School of Arts and Sciences’ long dream of establishing a cinema studies major has taken one giant step forward with the addition of Timothy Corrigan, professor of English, to the faculty this past fall.

As the new director of the Film Studies Program in the College, Corrigan will be the primary person responsible for the crafting of the major, which will draw on SAS faculty already engaged in the study of film. “There are a variety of faculty from other departments involved in film studies, and we’re all working to expand its presence at Penn,” he said.

“ I’d like to see a rigorous humanities major that allows students to explore a field that has been at the center of our culture for many decades, a field and activity where what’s communicated has not been just entertainment but widespread ways of seeing and thinking about the world.” The program will also capitalize on the many film venues and festivals around campus and in the city.