Media Literacy and Studies Pathway

Description

Explore our Media Studies and Media Literacy pathway within the Communication, Media, and Screen Studies program to delve into the intricate world of media communication. Develop a deep understanding of media analysis, critique, and literacy, honing your skills in decoding and evaluating media messages. Gain hands-on experience in digital media production, research, and scholarship, preparing you for a variety of roles in media-related industries. Whether you aspire to be a media researcher, digital content creator, or media advocate, this pathway equips you with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Unleash your passion for media exploration and make a meaningful impact on how media shapes our society.

Suggested Courses

Courses listed are suggestions for this pathway. You may want to select other courses that empahsize other skills or that may allow you to customize the pathway according to your goals.

CMS Electives (7)

More than 7 courses are listed to emphasize the flexibility of the pathway. A good mix between all levels is strongly recommended.

• CMS 135: Introduction to Computer Mediated Communication

• CMS 145: Visual Communication

• CMS 210: Persuasion

• CMS 238: Communication Design

• CMS 247: Media Issues and Problems

• CMS 250: Reading Film: Form, Genre, Culture

• CMS 261: Manging Social Media I

• CMS 265: Social Media: Private Life/Public Life

• CMS 285: Communication and Media Research

• CMS 312: Communication and Gender

• CMS 325: Romance to Ruin: Media and Relationships

• CMS 342: Hip Hop, Rap and Media

• CMS 347: Media Literacy Education for Students and Teachers

• COM 361: Managing Social Media II

• COM 365: Television, New Media, and Culture

• CMS 435: Sex, Violence & American Dream

• CMS 445: Social Media Campaign Planning

• CMS 460: Seminar in Communication, Media, & Screen Studies

• CMS 465: Content Development for Social Media

• CMS 490: Practicum in Communication, Media, and Screen Studies

Possible Free Electives

The following courses are offered by departments outside of the major that may serve as a good compliment to this Interest Pathway. Keep in mind that registration for these courses be limited by the pre-requisites and permissions set by the other departments for their courses. Check the course catalog for specific couse requirements.

• ART 317 – History of Women and Art

• ART 364 – Documentary Photography

• ENG 421 – Feminist Theory and Literary Criticism

• JRN 260 – Anthropology of Media

• PHI 320 – Ethical & Social Implications of Science

• PHI 331 – Philosophy of Media

• PSC 312 – Media and American Politics

• PSY 303 – Perception

• SOC 404 or WGS 404 – Gender and the Law

Key Features: 

1. Media Analysis and Critique:

   • • Analyzing media content

     • Identifying trends and patterns

     • Evaluating media messages

     • Providing critical insights into media representation and discourse

2. Media Literacy Education: 

• Understanding the impact of media on society

• Promoting media literacy skills among diverse audiences

• Developing educational materials and resources for media literacy programs

• Advocating for media literacy policies and initiatives

3. Media Research and Scholarship: 

• Conducting empirical research on media effects and consumption

• Investigating media industries, institutions, and practices

• Publishing scholarly articles and books on media-related topics

• Contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of media studies

4. Media Ethics and Responsibility: 

• Examining ethical issues in media production and consumption

• Promoting ethical decision-making in media practices

• Advocating for responsible media representation and reporting

• Engaging in discussions on media regulation and policy development

5. Critical Thinking and Analysis: 

• Developing critical thinking skills to assess media content

• Questioning assumptions and biases in media messages

• Applying theoretical frameworks to analyze media texts and contexts

• Engaging in constructive dialogue and debate about media issues

1. 1. Media Advocacy and Activism:

• Using media platforms for social and political change

• Advocating for media reform and accountability

• Mobilizing communities around media-related causes

• Participating in grassroots campaigns and movements for media justice

Who is this Interest Pathway best for?

The Interest Pathway would be best suited for students who are passionate about critically analyzing and understanding the role of media in society. These students are curious about the impact of media messages on individuals, cultures, and communities, and they are interested in exploring various forms of media content, including news, entertainment, advertising, and digital media. They may have a strong interest in media literacy education and are motivated to develop their skills in media analysis, interpretation, and critique. This pathway is ideal for students who are intellectually curious, analytically minded, and socially conscious, and who aspire to pursue careers in media research, journalism, education, policy advocacy, or cultural critique.

Career Focus

The skills and knowledge provided by the CMS degree has a broad application across careers. Rather than point to specific job titles, below are categories of careers related to this interest pathway. This list is not exhaustive because the career trajectory for graduates is only limited by their individual initiative, imagination, and ability to connect skills to professional opportunities. Towards this end, links to sample occupation descriptions the O*Net Online website that relate to this pathway are listed to offer additional guidance.

Media Analysis and Critique

• • Description: Involves analyzing media content, identifying trends, evaluating media messages, and providing critical insights into media representation and discourse.

  • Sample Occupations:

    • Media Critics (27-3042.00)

    • Cultural Studies Professors (25-1061.00)

    • Content Reviewers (27-3042.01)

    • Media Researchers (27-3042.02)

    • Social Scientists (19-3099.00)

Media Literacy and Education:

• • Description: Involves promoting media literacy skills, designing educational programs, developing curriculum materials, and teaching critical media literacy in educational institutions or community settings.

  • Sample Occupations:

    • Media Literacy Educators (25-1125.00)

    • Curriculum Developers (25-2021.00)

    • Educational Consultants (25-9031.00)

    • Instructional Designers (25-9031.01)

    • Media Literacy Advocates (25-1125.00)

Digital Marketing and Social Media Management:

Description: Involves leveraging digital platforms and social media channels to reach target audiences, develop engaging content, manage online communities, and execute digital marketing campaigns.

Sample Occupations:

• • • Social Media Specialists (11-2021.00)

    • Digital Marketing Managers (11-2021.00)

    • Content Creators (27-3042.00)

    • Digital Strategists (11-2021.00)

    • Influencer Marketing Managers (11-2021.00)

Media Research and Analysis:

Description: Involves conducting research, gathering data, and analyzing media trends, audience behavior, and market dynamics to inform media strategies and decision-making.

Sample Occupations:

• • • Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (13-1161.00)

    • Survey Researchers (19-3022.00)

    • Data Analysts (15-2041.00)

    • Audience Analysts (27-3021.00)

    • Media Planners (27-2012.05)

Media Advocacy and Activism:

Description: Involves using media platforms and communication strategies to raise awareness, advocate for social change, and mobilize communities around various social, political, and environmental issues.

Sample Occupations:

• • • Community Organizers (21-1093.00)

    • Advocacy Campaign Managers (11-2032.00)

    • Social and Community Service Managers (11-9151.00)

    • Policy Analysts (19-3094.00)

    • Grassroots Organizers (21-1093.00)

    • Nonprofit Program Managers (11-9151.00)

Media Regulation and Policy:

Description: Involves analyzing and shaping media regulations, policies, and standards to ensure ethical practices, protect consumer rights, and promote diversity and inclusion in media content and distribution.

Sample Occupations:

• • • Policy Analysts (19-3094.00)

    • Media Lawyers (23-1011.00)

    • Government Affairs Specialists (13-1211.00)

    • Regulatory Affairs Managers (11-9199.11)

    • Media Compliance Officers (13-1041.03)