2020-21 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.
Students concentrate in one area of Media Studies (Writing, Production, or Media Ecology) and may apply Internship credits to their major.
Program Requirements
Major Requirements (42 credit hours)
A grade of "C" or higher is required for all courses for the major.
Media Studies Foundational Courses (18 credit hours)
CMS 103 Introduction to Media Studies
CMS 150 The Writing Process* (or) CMS 274 Writing for the Media
CMS 200 Research Methods in Communication
CMS 203/204 Introduction to Video Production and Lab (or) CMS 222: Digital Radio & Audio Production
CMS 223 Communication Law
CMS 284 Introduction to Cinema Studies (or) CMS 374: Media Criticism and Aesthetics
Concentrations: Students choose one concentration and take 6 of the courses listed under that concentration (18 credit hours)
Students should consult directly with his or her faculty advisor to determine courses relevant to their career and learning interests.
Media Writing
CMS 150 The Writing Process
CMS 202 Writing for Popular Print Media
CMS 205 Topics in Media Writing I
CMS 215 Journalism Reporting and Writing
CMS 225 Screenwriting
CMS 274 Writing for the Media
CMS 300 Topics in Media Writing II
CMS 302 Writing the Feature Story
CMS 305 Writing Opinion: Editorials and Columns
CMS 315 Broadcast Newswriting
CMS 393 Internships in Media Studies (up to 3 credits can be used toward the 18 credit hours in this concentration)
Media Production & Design
CMS 203/204 Introduction to Video Production & Lab
CMS 220 Topics in Media Production I
CMS 222 Digital Radio & Audio Production
CMS 320 Topics in Media Production II
CMS 322 Digital Audio Storytelling
CMS 324 Photojournalism
CMS 326 Special Effects and Animation
CMS 340/341 Narrative Filmmaking and Lab
CMS 393 Internships in Media Studies (up to 3 credits can be used toward the 18 credit hours in this concentration)
CMS 440/441 Advanced Narrative Film and Lab
CMS 460 Topics in Media Production III
Media Ecology
CMS 201 Introduction to Public Relations
CMS 210 Topics in Media Criticism I
CMS 242 Communication and Social Media
CMS 284 Introduction to Cinema Studies
CMS 286 History of International Cinema to 1945
CMS 288 History of International Cinema since 1945
CMS 303 Media Effects
CMS 310 Topics in Media Criticism II
CMS 323 Understanding Technology
CMS 360 Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age
CMS 374 Media Criticism and Aesthetics
CMS 380 Film Genres
CMS 384 Topics in Cinema Studies
CMS 393 Internships in Media Studies (up to 3 credits can be used toward the 18 credit hours in this concentration)
CMS 423 The First Amendment
CMS 484 Advanced Topics in Cinema Studies
CMS 490 Theories of Mass Communication
Meridian Experience (6 Credit Hours)
Media Studies majors with 90+ earned credit hours, please choose one of the following courses:
CMS 400 Senior Project Workshop
CMS 485 Senior Seminar in Media Studies
CMS 493 Advanced intership & Professional Portfolio in Media Studies
All Media Studies majors with 90+ earned credit hours are required to take CMS 450 Service Learning (3 credit hours)