2014-15 Catalogs
BA in Media Studies
Set in a liberal arts context, the media studies bachelor of arts degree program allows students to study modern media through the application of various theoretical frameworks and skills. Students with an interest in media studies will find the greater Portland area an excellent location for media-related activities and service learning projects. By emphasizing theory and practice, the media studies major challenges the student to analyze and practice the creation, dissemination, utilization, and evaluation of mediated messages.
Program Requirements
Major Requirements (45 credit hours)
A grade of "C" or higher is required for all courses for the major.
I. Common Core (9 credit hours)
CMS 102 Introduction to Communication
CMS 103 Introduction to Media Studies
CMS 200 Research Methods in Communication
II. Media Writing (9 credit hours)
Select One:
CMS 150 The Writing Process
CMS 274 Writing for the Media
Select Two:
CMS 205 Topics in Media Writing I
CMS 202 Writing for Popular Print Media
CMS 215 Journalism Reporting and Writing
CMS 225 Screenwriting
CMS 300 Topics in Media Writing II
CMS 302 Writing the Feature Story
CMS 305 Writing Opinion: Editorials and Columns
CMS 315 Broadcast News Writing
III. Media Theory (9 credit hours)
Select One:
CMS 284 Intro to Cinema Studies
CMS 374 Media Criticism and Aesthetics
CMS 423 The First Amendment
Select two:
CMS 210 Topics in Media Criticism I
CMS 286 History of International Cinema to 1945
CMS 288 History of International Cinema Since 1945
CMS 294 Visual Communication
CMS 303 Media Effects
CMS 310 Topics in Media Criticism II
CMS 323 Understanding Technology
CMS 350 The Internet and Society
CMS 355 Consumer Culture
CMS 370 Media and Social Change
CMS 380 Film Genres
CMS 384 Topics in Cinema Studies
CMS 394 Theories of Cinema
CMS 486 Women in Film
CMS 484 Advanced Topics in Cinema Studies
CMS 490 Theories of Mass Communication
ENG 244 Introduction to Cultural Studies
PHI 211 Media Ethics
IV. Media Production (6 credit hours)
Select One:
CMS 203 Introduction to Video Production/CMS 204 Lab
ITT 281 Internet Web Site Development
Select One:
CMS 220 Topics in Media Production I
CMS 294 Visual Communication
CMS 320 Topics in Media Production II
CMS 340/1 Field Video Production & Lab
CMS 440/1 Advanced Video Production & Lab
ITT 241 Information and Communication Technologies
ITT 343 Graphic Communications Technologies
ITT 344 Digital Video and Animation Technologies
V. Senior Experience (6 credit hours)
CMS 400 Senior Project (3 credits)
CMS 450 Service Learning Practicum (3 credits)
VI. Electives (6 credit hours)
Media studies majors may select any two courses offered by the Department as long as they have met the prerequisites. The exceptions are internships and independent studies. These count toward the total number of credits need for a bachelor of arts degree, but not as electives in the major.