Media Arts and Studies (B.A.)
The major in Media Arts and Studies prepares students for careers in a wide range of media industries (such as radio, television, film and interactive media), for graduate programs in production and media studies, and to compete in a rapidly changing technological world. By integrating the history, theory and analysis of media culture, practices, and technology with production experience and internship opportunities, the program prepares students to think critically and creatively about media and become skilled communicators who are socially, ethically and aesthetically astute.
In addition to the course work below, students must complete all of the department's general degree requirements.
Major Requirements: The major in Media Arts and Studies requires completion of a minimum of forty to forty-two credits in coursework as outlined below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COM 1500 | Survey of Mass Communication | 3 |
| COM 1600 | Introduction to Audio-Television-Film Production | 3 |
| COM 1610 | Fundamentals of New Media Production | 3 |
| COM 2010 | Introduction to Film | 4 |
| COM 2210 | Media Writing and Storytelling | 3 |
| History and Analysis Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Media Analysis and Criticism | ||
| Telecommunications Policy: A Political Economy Approach | ||
| History of Communication Technologies | ||
| Production Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6-7 | |
| Editing and Field Production | ||
| Audio Production | ||
| Television Production | ||
| Immersive Media Production | ||
| Capstone Course | ||
| COM 5400 | Techniques of Film and Video Production | 3-4 |
| or COM 5510 | Societal Effects of New Technologies | |
| Electives | ||
| Select nine credits of the following (at least three credits must be at the 5000 or 6000 level): | 9 | |
| History of Film | ||
| Broadcast News Writing and Digital Editing | ||
| Fundamentals of New Media Communication | ||
| Media Analysis and Criticism | ||
| The African-American Film Experience | ||
| Queer Film and Media | ||
| Editing and Field Production | ||
| African Americans in Television | ||
| Audio Production | ||
| Television Production | ||
| Immersive Media Production | ||
| Telecommunications Policy: A Political Economy Approach | ||
| WAYN Radio | ||
| History of Communication Technologies | ||
| Studies in Film History | ||
| Documentary and Non-Fiction Film and Television | ||
| Screenwriting | ||
| New Media Practices (Online) | ||
| Video Field Production and Editing | ||
| TV News Reporting and Digital Editing | ||
| Digital Animation | ||
| Techniques of Film and Video Production | ||
| Producer's Workshop | ||
| Director's Workshop | ||
| Film, Cinematography and Lighting | ||
| Societal Effects of New Technologies | ||
| Film Criticism and Theory | ||
| Advanced TV Production | ||
| Internship (Max. 6) | ||
| New Media Theory | ||
| Allesee Lectures in Media | ||
| Allesee Master Class | ||
| Directed Projects in Film and Media | ||
| Total Credits | 40-42 | |
Departmental Honors Program
The Communication Department Honors program offers capable students the opportunity to pursue independent study and to work closely with department faculty members. Completion of the honors major results in an honors degree designation on the diploma.
In order to enter the departmental honors program students must have achieved academic excellence in previous work, such as a high school g.p.a. of 3.5 or a college or university g.p.a. of 3.3. Students must meet all regular major requirements including the following: three honors-option courses within their major at the 2000 level or above, taught by full-time faculty members (internships cannot satisfy this requirement), at least one HON 42xx-level seminar offered through the Honors College, a senior honors thesis under the direction of a faculty advisor in their major area (COM 4996) and maintain a minimum g.p.a. of 3.3 cumulative and in the major.