Media Studies Program

Director: Dara N. Greenwood;

Steering Committee: Sole Anatrone^b (Italian), Giovanna Borradori (Philosophy), Anne Brancky^a (French and Francophone Studies), Paulina Bren (International Studies), Robert DeMaria (English), Hiromi Tsuchiya Dollase (Chinese and Japanese), Wenwei Du^a (Chinese and Japanese), Thomas Ellman^ab (Computer Science), Dara N. Greenwood (Psychology), Maria Hantzopoulos (Education), Sophia Harvey (Film), Thomas E. Hill (Library), Molly Nesbit (Art), Justin Patch (Music), Ronald Patkus (Library), Louis Römer (Anthropology); Shane Slattery-Quintanilla (Film), Eva Woods Peiró (Hispanic Studies);

Participating Faculty: John Andrews (Sociology), Lisa Brawley (Urban Studies and Associate Dean of the Faculty), Colleen Ballerino Cohen (Anthropology), Tracey Holland (Latin American and Latinx Studies), William Hoynes (Sociology), Amitava Kumar (English), Mia Mask^b (Film), Anna Mayer (German Studies), Thomas Porcello (Anthropology and Dean of Studies), Elliott Schreiber^b (German Studies), Kathleen Susman^b (Biology), David Tavárez (Anthropology).

^aOn leave 2024/25, first semester

^bOn leave 2024/25, second semester

^abOn leave 2024/25

The Media Studies Program encourages the understanding and critical evaluation of new and old media technologies, the centrality of media in global and local culture, social and emotional life, politics and economics, and the contemporary and historical impact of media on individuals and societies. As defined by the Program, “media” includes all forms of representational media (oral/aural, written, visual), mass media (print, television, radio, film), new media (digital multimedia, the Internet, networked media), their associated technologies, and the social and cultural institutions that enable them and are defined by them.

The Program emphasizes several interrelated approaches to the study of media: multidisciplinary perspectives derived from the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences; the historical study of various forms of communication and the representation of knowledge; theoretical and critical investigation of how media shape our understandings of reality, and the dynamic interrelationship of media industries, cultural texts, communication technologies, policies, and publics; examination of global, as well as non-Western, indigenous, and oppositional media forms and practices; and practical work in media production and the use of media technologies.

Because the Media Studies major incorporates courses originating within the Program as well as a wide range of courses from other Programs and Departments, students wishing to declare in Media Studies should consult with the Program Director as early as possible to design their course of study. Prospective majors will submit a “Planning Form” to identify relevant coursework that will comprise the major, and a brief “Focus Statement” outlining their interests, objectives and a tentative plan for a Senior Project. They will then be paired with an advisor who will provide ongoing consultation on their major plans.

Programs

Major

• Media Studies Major

Courses

Media Studies: I. Introductory

Media Studies: II. Intermediate

Media Studies: III. Advanced