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 20 credits in core courses, 11 additional credits within a specified emphasis area, and at least 7 other credits of directed electives.
Core Courses (20 Credits)
Areas of Emphasis (11 Credits)
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.
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.
Digital Filmmaking and Studio Production
This concentration focuses on independent film production and/or studio production.
Students enrolled in the film production sequence (COMM 228 and 328) 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, graduates of and current students in this program work in the entertainment industry, gain acceptance within film graduate programs, compete in festivals, produce media campaigns and commercials, and most importantly, obtain the foundations to create compelling film-works for traditional and non-traditional distribution.
Students enrolled in the studio production sequence (COMM 327 and COMM 427) receive hands-on experience producing original content in a professional studio environment. Graduate and current students enrolled in the sequence work in the areas of commercial television, narrative production, and video production houses. You will also develop skills to work in the field of media production in public relations and organizational communication.
Directed Electives (At least 7 Credits)
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.