Areas of Concentration

You will individualize your major by taking an additional four (4) electives in one of three concentration areas:

Mass Media: This concentration uses the tools of the social sciences to study the psychological, sociological, and political impacts of mass media on how we think and organize ourselves in society. This includes questions about the relationship between media (both old and new) and politics and democracy, media and social organization, and the role of political and social psychology in altering the way people think and process information.

Media and Culture: This concentration uses the tools of textual analysis to discern the ways media texts and other practices associated with those texts represent and construct reality. This includes the way those media are responded to and used by citizens and consumers.

Media Production: This concentration concerns the production of media, including video production, screenwriting, web-based media, photography, art, music, and traditional print journalism. You have the opportunity to apply theory to practice in one or more of these production modes.

Concentration Flow Chart

Independent Project/Internship and Senior Capstone Experience

Regardless of concentration, you also will complete an independent project or an internship (most likely during our January Interim Term) in which theory and practice come together. The Senior Seminar and Senior Conference presentation, where you share your research, scholarship, and creativity with the entire campus community provide capstone experiences.