Whether they are pursuing the major in Media Studies or the minor in Cinema and Media Studies, students take elective courses from a range of disciplines across the university. These courses fall into three main areas: Film History and Aesthetics; Media and Cultural Theory; and Media Production and Applied Research.
Students pursuing the major in Media Studies culminate their career at Rice in a senior capstone (MDIA 410) that synthesizes their study across the three elective areas. In this special, workshop-style course, students reflect on their study in conversation with their peers while undertaking one of three substantial projects, either: (1) a critical research project; (2) a creative project (such as launching a podcast, directing a documentary, or curating a film festival); or (3) an internship or placement in a local media-related, community-based organization.