The Major in Media Studies (MDIA) combines the critical and the creative: students learn about the history and theory of media while also pursuing applied research and media production, from film to podcasts.
The Media Studies major begins with core courses in the analysis of film (MDIA 203) and the history of media (MDIA 204), and students then take courses that cover three elective focus areas: Film History and Aesthetics; Media and Cultural Theory; and Media Production and Applied Research. Along the way, they may take advantage of coursework and fellowships in the Critical Media Lab (MDIA 401), which is the applied research arm of the Program in Media Studies. In their senior capstone (MDIA 410), students will synthesize their coursework 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. The mix of critical, creative, and applied projects, throughout the course of the major and culminating in the capstone, will allow the expertise and interests of students to influence one another.
Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Media Studies, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how cultural, political, and economic forces have shaped the history of media production.
- Interpret works of media in both oral and written communication with a specialized vocabulary drawn from theoretical approaches relevant to media studies.
- Assess and critique the ethical and political qualities of media production.
- Articulate their own position in a media landscape, with attention to how consumption and production are influenced by race, gender, class, and the environment.
- Produce audiovisual content in at least one medium with an understanding of the medium’s history and affordances.
Requirements
Students pursuing the BA degree with a major in Media Studies must complete:
- A minimum of 10 courses (30 credit hours, depending on course selection) to satisfy major requirements.
- A minimum of 120 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
- A minimum of 6 courses (18 credit hours) taken at the 300-level or above, including at least 1 course in each of 3 elective focus areas (see below for elective focus areas).
- A maximum of 4 courses (12 credit hours) from study abroad or transfer credit.
The minimum of 10 courses for the major include three required courses:
- MDIA 201: Introduction to Film Studies
- MDIA 204: Introduction to Media Studies
- MDIA 410: Media Studies Senior Workshop
To satisfy elective requirements, students take elective courses in three focus areas:
- Film History and Aesthetics
- Media and Cultural Theory
- Media Production and Applied Research
To fulfill elective requirements, students may take no more than 3 courses from the same department (outside MDIA). In the event that MDIA 410 is only offered once during an academic year, and the semester it is offered does not align with a student’s graduation plans, the student may do an independent study, MDIA 411, to complete the capstone requirement.