Media Studies Undergraduate Programs - Kendall College of Arts and Sciences

Media Studies Undergraduate Programs

Students who earn a degree in media studies learn to examine the role of media and communication in society. By selecting appropriate electives, media studies majors may specialize in any number of roles in professional fields and graduate school in media studies, public relations and advertising, journalism and storytelling, creative multimedia production and other fields.

The Media Studies faculty seek to foster a critical commitment, expressed through many media (writing, public speaking, moving images, sound, etc.), to serve civic responsibilities and social progress. Our courses develop analytic thought, clear writing, visual literacy, effective speaking and cultural, global awareness, which prepare students for graduate study, career success, and a good life.

Our students come to Media Studies from all kinds of backgrounds and are united by our common commitment to critically and creatively engage the world of media, to become more fluent communicators, critical analysts, storytellers, and creative directors, and to leave the world a better place for our efforts.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    1. Evaluate and critique abstract categories used in the study of media technologies, mediated messages, and mediated culture, and to use these categories in the analysis of empirical data or case studies drawn from modern or historical mediated forms.

    2. Apply concepts of media studies methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, to rigorously critique and compare empirical studies of the media, or to construct their own empirical studies.

    3. Effectively use writing to accurately convey their ideas, and to demonstrate the basic ability to think logically and critically, through their writing.

    4. Demonstrate a basic competence in communicating ideas through oral presentations before a group of people.

    5. Critique visual images with the use of fundamental theoretical concepts.

    6. Be able to understand their lives within a wider media culture, to thoughtfully consider their responsibilities towards other people and the natural world, though the use of media and in the production of mediated messages, and to take appropriate and ethical actions based upon those considerations.

  • Degree Options

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    Equips students for a variety of professional opportunities in communication as well as graduate study in communication, law, business administration and other areas.

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    Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree must petition the faculty chair for permission.

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    Non-majors interested in learning more about communication are encouraged to add it to their degree program as a minor.

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    Designed to compliment a degree in media studies, film, English, languages or theatre.



  • Typical Four Year Schedule
    FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTERFRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER
    Freshman ExperienceFirst Seminar
    Exposition and ArgumentationBeginning Language II
    Beginning Language IBlock III – Scientific Investigation
    Block II – Social & Historical InterpretationBlock II – Social & Historical Interpretation
    Block I – Aesthetic Inquiry & Creative ExperienceContemporary Mathematics
    SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTERSOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER
    Communication SystemsIntermediate Language II
    Theories of CommunicationInquiry in Communication
    MinorMedia and Popular Culture
    Block I – Aesthetic Inquiry & Creative ExperienceBlock II – Social & Historical Interpretation
    Intermediate Language IBlock III – Scientific Investigation (with lab)
    JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTERJUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Communication Technology and SocietyEditing for New Media
    Advocacy JournalistDocumentary Workshop
    Block II – Social & Historical InterpretationMedia Production and Criticism
    Political CommunicationMinor – Media and Politics
    MinorGeneral Elective
    SENIOR – FALL SEMESTERSENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Senior ProjectCommunication Internship
    NewsgatheringGeneral Elective
    Advanced Media Production and CriticismGeneral Elective
    MinorGeneral Elective
    General ElectiveGeneral Elective