Media Studies (BFA)
Jennifer Peterson, PhD
Chair
Introduction
The Media Studies program at Woodbury University provides students with a framework in which to analyze the history, theory, aesthetics, and industry of moving image media in all its diverse forms, including cinema, television, radio, and digital media. Media Studies is a robust and growing field that enables students understand and thrive within our visually- driven culture. We live in an era of digital transformation in which we are bombarded by thousands of moving images on a variety of different screens every day. Media literacy, writing, and analytical skills are more important than ever. It is also increasingly urgent to understand and question the links between media and structures of power. Our program aims to give students practical and critical- thinking skills in the face of the ever-changing forms of media in the digital age.
We emphasize writing and critical analysis in our program, two skills that we develop through the study of media, but that are applicable to a wide range of other disciplines. Our program combines theory and praxis; in other words, we believe in developing students’ critical-thinking skills and providing students with hands-on practical skills. To that end, our curriculum balances courses that develop students’ written and verbal communication skills, research skills, and analytical skills with courses that give students practice in the basics of digital media production.
The Media Studies program is a vital part of Woodbury’s School of Media : Culture : Design. Students in the major are encouraged to take courses (or consider minoring) in the school’s six other programs, including Animation, Game Art & Design, Fashion Design, Filmmaking, Graphic Design, and Psychology. Students must complete an internship before graduation, and our program benefits from its strategic location in proximity to numerous established and emerging media companies. Students who graduate from our program are well-prepared for careers in film, television, radio, social media, writing, entrepreneurship, and more. A Media Studies degree also provides solid preparation for graduate study in fields such as law, education, business management, cinema, media studies, and more. The major culminates in a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree.
Mission
Mission
The Department of Media Studies at Woodbury University teaches students to become critical thinkers trained in the study of media. The program integrates theory and practice, and empowers students to understand, analyze, and produce a variety of media forms. Media Studies fosters a passion for creative inquiry, critical thinking, an awareness of diverse cultures, and a spirit of collaboration with the other programs located within the School of Media : Culture : Design.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge of Media Studies
- Explain the significance of major moments and diverse makers in media history
- Identify and analyze the formal and aesthetic components of moving-image media
- Recognize and gain experience in the function and structure of media industries
- Recognize and gain fluency in the key concepts and theories of media studies
Media and Communication Skills
- Develop and express ideas through persuasive written communication
- Communicate verbally for a variety of purposes and audiences
- Develop and practice basic skills in digital and moving-image media production
Quality Research
- Formulate pertinent research questions and apply appropriate methodologies
- Evaluate and use suitable reference materials
- Employ proper citation methods
Critical and Analytical skills
- Build sound and effective critical arguments
- Apply disciplinary vocabulary towards analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and production of media texts
- Evaluate media representations in the context of race, class, gender, sexuality, and other identity formations
- Recognize and identify the diverse composition and needs of media audiences and publics
Assessment Process
Placement Exam Requirements
Media Studies students who have not received transfer credit for a 200-level math course are encouraged to take the Math Placement Exam, but it is not required. See the Academic Proficiencies and Placement section of the Academic Journey chapter of this catalog for more information.
Curriculum Summary
Program Major Curriculum
| Unit Type (UT) |
Number of Units (U) |
| Major (MA) |
51 |
| General Education (GE) |
46 |
| Unrestricted Electives (UE) |
20 |
| Internship (IN) |
3 |
| Minimum Total Units Required |
120 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
First Year
Fall Semester
| MDST 100 | Intro to Media Studies | 3 |
| MDST 120 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| WRIT 113 | First-Year Academic Writing | 3 |
| LSCI ___ | Information Sources Elective | 1 |
| INDS ___ | Interdisciplinary Core Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Unrestricted Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Type:
MDST 100: MA.
MDST 120, WRIT 113, LSCI (Information Sources Elective), and INDS (Interdisciplinary Core Elective): GE.
Unrestricted Elective: UE.
Spring Semester
| MDST 115 | Media Audiences and Method | 3 |
| MDST 241 | Media Industries | 3 |
| ____ 2__ | Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Unrestricted Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Type:
MDST 115 and MDST 241: MA.
Mathematics Elective and Social Science Elective: GE.
Unrestricted Elective: UE.
Second Year
Fall Semester
| MDST 205 | Introduction to Broadcast Media | 3 |
| MDST 237 | Media and Identity | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Art History Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | General Education Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Type:
MDST 205 and MDST 237: MA.
Art History Elective, Humanities Elective, and General Education Elective: GE.
Spring Semester
| MDST 215 | Media History | 3 |
| MDST 235 | Media Ethics | 3 |
| ENVT 220 | Environmental Studies | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Media Production Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Unrestricted Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Third Year
Fall Semester
| MDST 323 | Cultural Studies | 3 |
| MDST 360 | Media Professions | 2 |
| WRIT 313 | Advanced Academic Writing | 3 |
| MDST 3__ | Media Studies Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Natural Science with Lab Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Type:
MDST 323, MDST 360, and MDST (Media Studies Elective): MA.
WRIT 313 and Natural Science with Lab Elective: GE.
Spring Semester
| MDST 335 | Media and Social Change | 3 |
| MDST 3__ | Media Studies Elective | 3 |
| ____ 3__ | Upper Division Interdisciplinary Elective | 3 |
| ____ 3__ | Upper Division General Education Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Unrestricted Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Type:
MDST 335 and MDST (Media Studies Elective): MA.
Upper Division Interdisciplinary Elective and Upper Division General Education Elective: GE.
Unrestricted Elective: UE.
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
| MDST 480 | Senior Thesis Preparation | 1 |
| MDST 481 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| MDST 3__ | Media Studies Elective | 3 |
| MDST 3__ | Media Studies Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Unrestricted Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Unrestricted Elective | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Type:
MDST 480, MDST 481, and MDST (Media Studies Elective): MA.
Unrestricted Elective: UE.
Spring Semester
| MDST 485 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| MDST 490 | Internship | 3 |
| MDST 3__ | Media Studies Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | General Education Elective | 3 |
| ____ ___ | Unrestricted Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Type:
MDST 485 and MDST (Media Studies Elective): MA.
MDST 490: IN.
General Education Elective: GE.
Unrestricted Elective: UE.
Program Minor Curriculum
Media Studies Minor (15 Units)
Select one course at the 100-level
Select two courses at the 200-level
Select two courses at the 300-level