But in the best theory class I had I decided to become a filmmaker. It opened my eyes to a world I had not seen, and allowed me to envision myself behind the camera, making projects I cared about. But the actual writing assignments that goes on in film theory classes can be a drag. Enjoy the class, and watch lots of good films. It depends on the teacher.
Film theory is very important for filmmakers.
It helps you figure out how to compose a shot, how to create a style for a particular film, how to add music and edit a film. It helps you understand why a particular shot is or is not working and how to change it. I do think film theory can be taught well and that it can be very important. There is often a battle that goes on in film schools between critical studies people who have never made films and who talk about them as if the films are always deliberate attempts at creating complicated symbolism while the people who have hands-on filmmaking experience simply laugh. Good critical studies teachers can give you insight into why a film does or doesn't work on a story level, but it doesn't really teach you how to make a good film.