College Catalog
Description and requirements Faculty Courses
Description:
In the media studies program, students learn how to combine cultural theory, critical cultural production, and do-it-yourself (DIY) aesthetics to explore the roles that media technologies and the arts play in everyday life.
Creative practices are approached historically and ethnographically, and considered within their rich cultural, geographic, and political economic contexts. This includes students’ own low-cost, open-ended, and tactical DIY productions, such as mashup advertisements, sound installations, and performance art—practices of experimentation, protest, and speculation that engage contemporary social concerns.
Requirements:
In addition to meeting General Education requirements and other degree requirements, students majoring in media studies must complete a minimum of 10–11 courses with a grade of C or higher and an 8-credit senior project (40 credits minimum total) as follows:
- MSA 1050/Introduction to Media Studies (3 credits)
- MSA 2200/Media Institutions and Forms (3 credits)
- MSA 3400/Critical Perspectives on Media, Society, and the Arts (4 credits)
- MSA 3450/Research Methods in Media, Society, and the Arts (4 credits)
- Three electives (at least 9 credits total)
- One course in art history (visual or performing) or media history (at least 3 credits)
- Two or three courses in studio art and/or media production (at least 6 credits total)
- SPJ 4990/Senior Project I (4 credits)
- SPJ 4991/Senior Project II (4 credits)
Minor requirements:
The minor in media studies is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of theories and methods of analysis of media and the arts, while at the same time allowing for skill development in an art form.
Students interested in the minor should submit a completed Application for a Program of Minor Study to the Chair of the media studies program.
Academic Requirements for the Minor in Media Studies
- MSA 1050/Introduction to Media Studies (3 credits)
- Three electives; at least two of these must be taught by faculty in the Media Studies Department (9–12 credits)
- At least 4 credits in studio art and/or media production courses
Courses
Official Catalog: Published September 22, 2023
Course Frequencies
Since actual course offerings vary from semester to semester, students should consult the myHeliotrope course schedule to determine whether a particular course is offered in a given semester.
Information Changes
In preparing the College Catalog, every effort is made to provide pertinent and accurate information. However, information contained in the catalog is subject to change, and Purchase College assumes no liability for catalog errors or omissions. Updates and new academic policies or programs will appear in the college’s information notices and will be noted in the online catalog.
It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information (particularly degree and major requirements) through frequent reference to current materials and consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, chair or director, and related offices (e.g., enrollment services, advising center).
Notwithstanding anything contained in the catalog, Purchase College expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and to change or modify any academic or other policy.