Critical Media and Cultural Studies Major

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An interdisciplinary program grounded in values of equity, human rights, and social justice, CMC is a welcoming, inclusive community of scholar-citizens who aspire to be both critical analysts and critical producers of media and culture. Skills we hone in CMC include: critical thinking; application of theory; synthesis of research findings; written communication; media production, including proficiencies in photo, sound, and video editing; oral communication and discussion facilitation; collaborative learning; multicultural understanding and competence; and social action, advocacy, and change.

Major Requirements (10 courses)

Majors will complete four (4) core courses and six (6) electives. Of the six elective courses, at least 3 will have a CMC-prefix, at least 2 will be at the 300-level or above, and at least 3 will be topically-congruent, forming an area of concentration; and a practicum.

Required Core (4 courses)

Elective Courses (6)

Each student will take six (6) four-credit (or equivalent) electives.
At least three (3) must have a CMC prefix.
At least three (3) must be at the 300-level or above.
At least three (3) must be thematically congruent with the student’s area of concentration to provide background knowledge for the student’s senior capstone project.
At least one faculty-advisor-approved elective must be taken outside of CMC.

Area of Concentration (Required)

Majors are required to complete an area of concentration using at least three courses being used toward the major’s six-course elective requirement. Students may follow one of the concentrations provided below, or they may work with their CMC faculty advisor to develop a self-designed concentration.

Action, Advocacy, and Social Change

Body, Health, and Society

Critical Media Analysis

Gender Studies

Media Production

Power and Persuasion

Race and Ethnicity Studies

Sexualities Studies

Required Practicum

Options for this CMC faculty-advisor-approved practicum include significant service to campus media, a CE (community engagement) course, an approved CMC internship, or an international experience with a tie-in to the major.