2023-2024 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Media Studies, B.A.

A minor is required with this major.

The major in Media Studies offers a balanced curriculum that integrates theory and practice. Students learn theoretical and critical approaches to media content, systems, and institutions that cultivate skills in critical thinking, analysis, and writing. The major also prepares students to create their own media content including films, documentaries, and multimedia products through traditional and emerging technologies. The curriculum encourages students to cultivate an appreciation for aesthetics and artistry in media production and content.

CCSU also has a major in Journalism with emphases in print/online and broadcast journalism.  The BA in Journalism program prepares students for entry into journalism and related fields where information-gathering, writing, editing, and awareness of public affairs are important.  Students choose one of two tracks, print/online or broadcast journalism, but all students receive training in multimedia reporting.  Additional information on the Journalism major can be found at Journalism, B.A.

Requirements: (38 credits)

38 credits total, with 16 credits in core courses, 11 additional credits within a specified emphasis area, and at least 11 other credits of directed electives.

Core Courses

COMM 230Introduction to Mass Media

3

COMM 231Communication Technologies

3

COMM 220/CINE 220Introduction to History of Film

3

or

COMM 255Visual Communication

3

COMM 227Introduction to Television Production

3

or

COMM 228Introduction to Digital Film Production

3

COMM 336Media Literacy

4

Areas of Emphasis

(Students must take at least 3 courses in one of these 3 areas)

Media Analysis

This emphasis area is designed for students who wish to focus primarily upon the critical, aesthetic and theoretical foundations of media and its institutions. 

Students should complete COMM 336 prior to taking any of these additional courses.

COMM 301Critical Thinking

4

COMM 315Political Communication

4

COMM 319/CINE 319Filmic Narrative

4

COMM 338Analysis of News

4

COMM 380/CINE 380/WGSS 380Women and Film

4

COMM 382/CINE 382American Cinema

4

COMM 410Public Opinion

4

COMM 431Mass Media and Society

4

COMM 432Media In Film

4

COMM 435/WGSS 435Images of Gender in the Media

4

COMM 445Advertising and Society

4

COMM 455Global Visual Communication

4

COMM 457Converging Media

4

COMM 465Sports and Media: Images and Representations

4

COMM 485Topics in Media and Culture

3 to 4

COMM 490Internship Study

1-6

COMM 493Seminar in Communication

4

COMM 496Field Studies in Communication

3

Multimedia Production and New Technologies

While existing media traditions have conditioned us to train students into specialized in specific areas (e.g.: radio, film and television), the demands of the new technologies, audiences and industries, require us to train the total student:  One who can communicate across multi-media platforms.  This emphasis area aims to train students to reach, first of all, a theoretical understanding of how digital technologies have impacted all the communication contexts (interpersonal, professional, mass communication).  Furthermore, they acquire the practical skills to apply those technologies in desktop-publishing, digital photography, Web-publishing, and multimedia production.  This emphasis area attempts to transform our students into a total communicator who can reach audiences across media platforms.

Students should complete COMM 231 prior to taking any of these additional courses.

 

COMM 329Screenwriting

4

COMM 332Web Publishing

4

COMM 345Writing for the Electronic Media

4

COMM 420Principles of Digital Photography for Convergent Media

4

COMM 436Streaming Media in Web Publishing

4

COMM 457Converging Media

4

COMM 485Topics in Media and Culture

3 to 4

COMM 490Internship Study

1-6

COMM 493Seminar in Communication

4

COMM 496Field Studies in Communication

3

Digital Filmmaking and Television Production

This emphasis area focuses on independent film production and/or television production.

Students enrolled in the film production sequence regularly conceive ideas, develop scripts and explore fictional/non-fictional characters through the production process.  From originally scripted, short-filmmaking, to real-life film personal portraits, both graduates and current students of this program work in the entertainment industry, gain acceptance within film graduate programs, compete in festivals, produce media campaigns, commercials and most importantly, obtain the foundations to create compelling film-works for traditional and non-traditional distribution. 

Students enrolled in the television production sequence may get entry level positions in the areas of commercial television, cable, and video production houses.  Television production is expanding rapidly as a professional field in Connecticut.  You will also develop skills to work in the field of media production in public relations and organizational communication.  After completing the four course series (COMM 227, COMM 327, COMM 427 and COMM 487) you will be able to work in field as well as studio production in pre-and post-production, produce non-fiction projects and television-related content.

Students should complete COMM 227 or COMM 228 prior to taking any of these additional courses.

 

COMM 327TV Production

4

COMM 328Digital Film Production 1

4

COMM 329Screenwriting

4

COMM 345Writing for the Electronic Media

4

COMM 427Studio Production

4

COMM 428Digital Film Production II

4

COMM 485Topics in Media and Culture

3 to 4

COMM 487TV Documentary

4

COMM 488Film Documentary

4

COMM 490Internship Study

1-6

COMM 493Seminar in Communication

4

COMM 496Field Studies in Communication

3

Directed Electives

Additional credits such that a student has at least 11 credits in 400-level classes and at least 18 credits in 300- and 400-level classes.  Two courses from other departments and programs (e.g. Journalism, Cinema Studies) can count as directed electives towards the major, upon advisor approval.

Additional Requirements

All students must also take COMM 140 (Public Speaking) to fulfill Skill Area I requirement in General Education.

Overall, the major in media studies prepares students for advanced study in media and communication and for employment in a wide variety of fields, including public relations, film, television, politics and campaigns, and education.  Graduates of this major understand the history and changing nature of media technologies and environments.