Media Studies - Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Main Campus

Media Studies from Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Main Campus is a Campus Bachelor Media Studies degree that prepares you for a Communications career. This major is designed for students who want to pursue an academic rather than professional program of media studies . Students are exposed first to the breadth of approaches to understanding the mass media (e.g., aesthetic, humanistic, social-behavioral, legal policy) and then, by selecting one of five options, go into depth in a specialized area of media studies. All options within the major are closely intertwined with the liberal arts and sciences. Therefore, students who successfully complete this major must have a strong foundation in the liberal arts and well-developed language and analytical skills. That foundation should include courses such as ART H 100 GA(3), ECON 102 GS(3), HIST 002 GH(3), PSYCH 110 GS(3), and SOC 001 GS(3). The following five options are offered: FILM AND TELEVISION STUDIES OPTION: This option is designed for students interested in studying the art, history, and criticism of film and television. Electives offer students the opportunity to pursue a related field, such as art, art history, creative writing, speech communication , or theatre arts. This option merges aesthetics and social sciences and is appropriate for those seeking a more theoretical/critical approach to the study of film and video. GENERAL OPTION: In this option, a student and faculty adviser work together to tailor a program of courses to meet the student\\\'s individual interest in a coherent theme in media studies. These courses are usually selected in tandem with a minor or other supporting cluster of non-major courses in the area of specialization. Examples of themes include, but are not limited to, communication and the environment, communication and health campaigns, sports and the media , minorities and the media, and gender and the media . A minor in an area of specialization is encouraged. INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS OPTION: This option is designed for students who want to study the mass media systems of the world and their role in international affairs. The option offers students an opportunity to enhance their occupational opportunities in international business, organizations, or government and to be better prepared to participate in the world community. Students must select either a University-approved minor in a foreign language or area/international studies , a University-approved education abroad program, or other international related courses or programs with prior departmental approval. MEDIA EFFECTS OPTION: This option focuses on the social and psychological effects of media messages and technologies. Students progress through a general introduction to problems and issues, such as the effects of televised sex and violence, to courses that emphasize more theoretical approaches and advanced applications. A minor in a complementary area of study, such as Psychology or Sociology, is encouraged. MEDIA LAW AND POLICY OPTION: Students in this option focus on the societal constraints and compulsion on the media, primarily in a U.S. domestic context. Areas of study include First Amendment law, regulation of the media - especially the electronic media - and policy issues and process. The option is preparation for those who intend to go to law school or other graduate programs or who will seek policy positions in business, government or non-profits. View more details on Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Media Studies courses.