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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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broadcast news, the trade press, television, photojournalism, film, the Internet, digital
systems, and emerging information and communication technologies.
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
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analyze stylistic and structural features of film/media
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formulate a thesis
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support a thesis with evidence
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communicate ideas in a clear, coherent, well-organized manner
Major Requirements
The following courses are required (11 units):
MFS 100
MFS 210