Media Studies Minor

Mission

The Media Studies minor equips students to serve as observers and interpreters. We offer students a thorough grounding in the theory, research and practices of cinema and media arts. We begin with an understanding of the ancient arts and aesthetics inherent in storytelling. Students will learn the history of their discipline, developing the research skills and critical thinking necessary to recognize their position in relationship to critical junctures in cinema and other forms of the media. 

Overview

In order to address the pervasiveness of media across multiple disciplines, the Media Studies minor is intended as a compliment to any major that foresees the integration of media into their future career goals. The unconscious influences are identified and analyzed so that students are equipped with the knowledge necessary to interact with media shrewdly and purposefully regardless of their field of study. This includes understanding psychological theories of perception, the impact of media technologies, the economic infrastructure of media, and the linguistic and communication theories of ideology and meaning-making. 

By exploring media's sociological, rhetorical, aesthetic, literary and/or journalistic impact, the remaining elective classes allow for a student to examine the complex relationship between communication/media theories and a diverse set of individual, social and professional practices.  

Curriculum Requirements

A Media Studies Minor is offered with the completion of 18 credits.

¹

Media Studies Minor students must take the SOCI 460 section entitled "Visual Sociology."

²

Media Studies Minor students must take the ENGL 230 section entitled "Dystopian Literature and Film."