Media Arts Production, B.A.

Through their scholarly and creative work, students will:

Articulate an understanding of media history, including that of underrepresented groups.
Incorporate a knowledge of media theory, including global perspectives on media form and function, sensitive to the work of historically marginalized critics and theorists underrepresented in the canons of media criticism.
Conduct meaningful research and develop proficiency in writing with suitable and effective academic vocabulary from an analytical and critical perspective.
Create works that engage with cultural frameworks and worldviews.
Generate and conduct their own in-depth research in the history and theory of media arts to effectively contribute to the scholarly conversations.

The following degree requirements pertain to the Media Studies Track of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Forty-eight credits in Visual and Media Arts plus 8 credits in upper-level Liberal Arts are required for a major under the BA degree. The Media Studies Track is designed for students whose focus is the scholarly study of the media arts, especially those students desiring preparation for careers in media criticism, publishing, industry research, or advanced studies in media arts or law.

Production Track

The following degree requirements pertain to the Production Track of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Forty-eight credits in Visual and Media Arts plus 8 credits in upper-level Liberal Arts are required for a major under the BA degree. Students are encouraged to combine elements of study from diverse areas offered by the department in order to broaden their knowledge and adaptability, and to serve their artistic and intellectual interests as well as their career goals. Students should remain in contact with the department and their academic advisor for information pertaining to requirements and course offerings.

In addition to the Liberal Arts and major requirements, all students are required to complete at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level from the following Liberal Arts areas:

EC Economics
HI History
IN Interdisciplinary Studies
LI Literature
PH Ethics or Philosophy
PL Political Science
PS Psychology
RL Religion
SC Science
SO Sociology
TH 313 , TH 315
VM 315 , VM 409 , VM 415

I. Visual and Media Arts Foundations (16 credits)

The Visual and Media Arts Foundations offers the student a broad theoretical, historical, and practical introduction to the visual and media arts. Students are required to enroll in the co-listed sections of VM 131 and of VM 134 in the same semester.

Required Courses

II. Introductory Courses (16 credits)

At the Introductory level, students explore one or more of the department’s main discipline areas.

Required Courses

One course in Critical Studies
VM 200 - Media Criticism and Theory

At least one of the following Introductory Writing and Concept Development courses:

At least one of the following Introductory Production courses:

Note

Students are required to complete at least one additional course from the Introductory Production or Writing and Concept Development areas.

III. Visual and Media Arts Electives (16 credits)

Required Courses

Students are required to complete at least two intermediate or advanced production courses numbered VM 319-390, VM 420-497, SA 400.

Students are required to complete at least one visual and media studies seminar course from VM 402, 403, 409, or 415.

In addition to the studies seminar, students are required to complete at least one additional advanced studies course numbered 300-315, 400-418, or 500.

BA Production Capstone Project

VM 491 : BA Capstone Project is an optional, one-semester course that provides students an opportunity to produce a significant piece of creative work in any area of the VMA program. Students are eligible to apply for the BA Capstone Project in the second semester of their junior year and must have a minimum of 96 credits to start. Registration for VM 491 requires faculty committee approval.

Media Studies Track

The undergraduate faculty of Visual and Media Arts is committed to the following learning objectives for the BA in Media Studies program.

Students will:

Demonstrate an understanding of the history, theory, and practice of media arts.
Demonstrate basic skills in media arts production.
Generate and conduct their own research in the history and theory of media arts.
Apply ethical principles in the research and analysis of media arts.

I. Visual and Media Arts Foundations (16 credits)

The Visual and Media Arts Foundations offers the student a broad theoretical, historical, and practical introduction to the visual and media arts.

Required Courses

II. Visual and Media Arts Theory and Practice (8 credits)

Required Courses

VM 200 - Media Criticism and Theory
One 200-level production or writing and concept course

III. Visual and Media Studies (16 credits minimum)

Required Courses

VM 402 , VM 403 , VM 409 , VM 415 : Seminar in Visual and Media Arts Course

In addition to a seminar, students are required to complete at least three additional advanced visual and media studies courses numbered 300-315, 400-418, or 500.

IV. Visual and Media Arts Electives (8 credits)

Required Courses

Two Visual and Media Arts elective courses