The aim of Media Studies is to familiarize the student with the critical, historical, and theoretical aspects of film and television. This area of study introduces the student to the language of the moving image, the economic and social conditions which structure the selected works, as well as their changing historical contexts. A theoretical inquiry is especially important, opening the students to the history of thought that has inspired, and which continues to aid our understanding of, cultural production. Special areas of interest are the growth of the film and television industries; the development of popular genres such as Film Noir, the Horror film, and the television sitcom; and a critical concern for the representation of race, class, and gender across these works. Courses are also taught on the intersection of film and the fine arts, the Avant-garde film, and World Cinema. With these skills, the Media Arts student is encouraged to develop as an artist and communicator within his/her chosen field.

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Requires prerequisite courses MEDI 102 Development of Film I and MEDI 103 Development of Film II.  At the end of the semester, each student will deliver a formal paper on his or her chosen topic. 

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 6 or 9 credits required; Minors taking Understanding Movies (120) MUST take an equivalent of 9 course credits.  At least 9 credits from Core Courses or Electives must be from outside the Media Arts Department (MEDI), from at least two other departments.  Students MUST take 2 of the following courses: