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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2015-2016
The media and film studies major incorporates historical, analytical, and
theoretical approaches to understanding the form and function of human
communication. The major also includes the production of media, with
courses in film production, journalism, photojournalism, photography, and
computer science, and by engaging in a production-oriented project.
The major requires a set of core courses designed to provide a foundation
in the historical, theoretical, critical, and analytical study of various film
and media. Following this core, students individualize their major by
choosing electives in one of two concentrations: media, history, and
society; or media production. Each student is also required to engage
in an independent project or an internship and to participate in an
interdisciplinary senior seminar.
The media, history, and society concentration studies the psychological,
sociological, and political impacts of mass media on how we think and
organize ourselves, including the relationship between media (old and
new) and politics and the way people process information and form beliefs.
The media production concentration asks students to produce media texts,
including film and video, web-based media, photography, art, music, or
traditional print journalism.
Students should complete either MFS 100 or MFS 210 as early as
possible, and prior to determining their concentration area.
Neither credit by examination in the AP and IB programs, nor
individualized educational experiences, with the exception of an approved
internship or independent project, may be used to satisfy requirements in
the major.
Courses in the media and film studies major that are also listed with
other disciplines may be used to satisfy requirements in other majors or
minors at the discretion of the designated discipline.
Upon completion of the media and film studies major, students will be
able to
•
analyze stylistic and structural features of film/media
•
formulate a thesis
•
support a thesis with evidence
•
communicate ideas in a clear, coherent, well-organized manner