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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2015-2016
be required to present their work at a regional mathematics conference.
Prerequisite: MA 470. Exploration term.
MFS - Media and Film Studies
MFS 100 Introduction to Media Studies (1)
An introduction to critical analysis of mass media in the context of
contemporary culture and social institutions, including an examination
of how mass media, such as film, television, advertising, the Internet,
and others, affect and reflect cultural values, political attitudes, personal
identity, and behavior. Students learn basic media literacy by developing
conceptual tools for thinking critically about mass media, with a special
emphasis on (1) how various media shape and convey meaning; and (2)
the impact that the form, function, and institutional production of media
have on local, national, and global communities. Fall.
MFS 110 James Bond Across Media (1)
An exploration of the evolution of James Bond from the Ian Fleming
novels to a variety of art forms, such as Hollywood and international
cinema, television, comics, music, and games. Includes analysis of James
Bond as a character in the context of post-war spy literature, and examines
the influence of factors like storytelling conventions, special effects, and
stardom on the franchise.
MFS 201 History of American Media (1)
An examination of the role of print media, radio and television, film,
and computer technology in shaping the transition of American society
from traditional forms of print and broadcast media to the rise of the
information age. Emphasis will be placed on students reading, seeing, and
hearing original documents, broadcasts, and photos (or commentaries
upon them). (Also listed as HI 201.)
MFS 210 Film Analysis (1)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and tools of film analysis.
The course focuses on learning to isolate, describe, and analyze stylistic
elements of film, as well as film narrative and narration. This course serves
two purposes: to provide the necessary descriptive and analytic tools to
excel in upper-level film courses; and to deepen the student’s appreciation
of cinema by encouraging the viewing of films as richly textured works of
art.