MCS will launch in Autumn quarter 2010. Students graduating before Autumn quarter 2010 are not eligible to declare this option. Students graduating after Autumn quarter 2010 and interested in pursuing the option are encouraged to begin to satisfy core and elective requirements during the 2009-10 academic year.
The Media and Communication Studies (MCS) option in the Interdisciplinary Studies major combines a rich grounding in media and communication theory and history with hands-on opportunities to engage in media practice and production. The option challenges students to become critical practitioners by developing the intellectual capacities and practical skills needed to communicate through new media formats.
MCS coursework integrates theory and practice through media production workshops, classroom seminars, and community-based projects. The curriculum enables students to hone their skills as media critics and practitioners by drawing connections across diverse social, cultural, and scientific areas of inquiry and professional sectors.
MCS prepares students for graduate study in Communication, Media Studies, and Cultural Studies, among many others fields, and lays the groundwork for future careers in electronic media broadcasting, non-broadcasting audio and video production, advertisement, public relations, or communication education.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for Media and Communication Studies. Useful preparation for this option includes formal and informal training in new media production. Students will need strong skills in critical and creating thinking, communications, and collaboration.
Media and Communication Option Requirements
- BIS 300 Interdiscplinary Inquiry* (5 credits)
- MCS Core Course (5 credits)
- MCS Communication Practice & Media Production Courses (10 credits)
- MCS Tier One Courses (15 credits)
- MCS Tier One, Tier Two OR Communication Practice & Media Production Courses (10 credits)
- Additional IAS Coursework: BIS or BES prefix (20 credits)
- BIS 490 Senior Seminar (5 credits)
- General Electives (20 credits)
TOTAL = 90 Credits
- *Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
- Classes in this option are offered primarily during day time hours.
- The 70 major credits must be completed in MATRICULATED STATUS.
Areas of Knowledge
Within the above-listed 90 credits, a minimum of ten (10) credits must overlap with Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). They must be taken in IAS courses at the 200, 300, or 400 levels. Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.
200-level Coursework
Up to 35 credits of 200-level coursework taken at UWB may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.
Interdisciplinary Arts Core & Affiliate Faculty and Staff
Constantin Behler (faculty coordinator), Andreas Brockhaus, Michael Goldberg, Wanda Gregory, Susan Harewood, Ted Hiebert, Ron Krabill, Kari Lerum, Joe Milutis, Robin Oppenheimer, Dani Rowland, Crispin Thurlow, Jane Van Galen