Students study the role and impact of the media on society in this theory-based, research-driven major. Students explore the relationships between media and the public, analyze media messages and technologies, and examine their effects on individuals and cultures. Course work covers a wide range of topics, including message analysis, media psychology, public opinion, global media, film studies, game studies and human-computer communication. Students can customize their studies by specializing in film and television studies, media effects, international communications, or society and culture.
You Might Like This Program If...
You have an ability to think critically and logically, along with an attention to detail and an interest in research. Strong observational skills are important, as are high level of curiosity and an inquisitive nature. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are important. In addition, an appreciation and understanding of popular culture combine to help students interested in the major bring valuable perspectives to their studies.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIA STUDIES
This major is designed for students who want to pursue an academic rather than professional program of media studies. Students are exposed first to the breadth of approaches to understanding the mass media (e.g., aesthetic, cultural, humanistic, social-behavioral) and then, by selecting one of four options, go into depth in a specialized area of media studies. All options within the major are closely intertwined with the liberal arts and sciences. Therefore, students who successfully complete this major must have a strong foundation in the liberal arts and well-developed language and analytical skills. That foundation should include courses such as ARTH 100, ECON 102, HIST 2, PSYCH 100, SOC 1, and STAT 200.
The following four options are offered:
Film and Television Studies Option
This option is designed for students interested in studying the art, history, and criticism of film and television. Electives offer students the opportunity to pursue a related field, such as art, art history, creative writing, speech communication, or theatre arts. This option merges aesthetics and social sciences and is appropriate for those seeking a more theoretical/critical approach to the study of film and video.
International Communications Option
This option is designed for students who want to study the mass media systems of the world and their role in international affairs. The option offers students an opportunity to enhance their occupational opportunities in international business, organizations, or government and to be better prepared to participate in the world community. Students must select either a University-approved minor in a foreign language, area studies, or international studies; a University-approved education abroad program; or other international-related courses or programs with prior departmental approval.
Media Effects Option
This option focuses on the social and psychological effects of media messages and technologies. Students progress through a general introduction to problems and issues, such as the effects of televised sex and violence, to courses that emphasize more theoretical approaches and advanced applications. A minor in a complementary area of study, such as Psychology or Sociology, is encouraged.
Society and Culture Option
In this option, a student and faculty adviser work together to tailor a program of courses to meet the student's individual interest in a coherent theme in media studies. These courses are usually selected in tandem with a minor or other supporting cluster of non-major courses in the area of specialization. Examples of themes include, but are not limited to, communication and the environment, communication and health campaigns, sports and the media, minorities and the media, and gender and the media. A minor in an area of specialization is encouraged.
Professional Values and Competencies
Individual professions in journalism and mass communication may require certain specialized values and competencies. Irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
- understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and assemble and to petition for redress of grievances;
- demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
- demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
- understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
- demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- think critically, creatively and independently;
- conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- apply basic tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
