Media Studies, Minor

Plan Code: MEDIA_UMNR

Program Description

The Media Studies minor is designed for students who want to develop their knowledge of the mass media from a variety of approaches, including aesthetic, humanistic, social-behavioral, and legal-policy. This minor is a theory-based rather than a professional program. In fact, students in the minor may not take professional skills communications courses as part of this program. The minor consists of 18 credits, at least 6 of which must be at the 400 level.

what is Media Studies?

Students study the role and impact of the media on society in this theory-based, research-driven major. Students explore the relationships between media and the public, analyze media messages and technologies, and examine their effects on individuals and cultures. Coursework covers a wide range of topics, including message analysis, media psychology, public opinion, global media, film studies, game studies and human-computer communication. Students can customize their studies by specializing in film and television studies, media effects, or society and culture.

You Might Like This Program If...

You are a major in another discipline that can be complemented by increased knowledge about the mass media or have curiosities about the role of the mass media in an increasingly connected and/or mediated society. The media studies minor – depending on the set of classes that you enroll in – will provide you with foundational, conceptual and theoretical exposure vital to your understanding of the pivotal roles that the mass media play in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world.

Program Requirements

Requirement Credits
Requirements for the Minor 18

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 100NThe Mass Media and Society Keystone/General Education Course3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Media and Democracy Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Media Effects Keystone/General Education Course
The Art of the Cinema Keystone/General Education Course
Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications Keystone/General Education Course
Select 12 credits of the following:12
Gender, Diversity and the Media Keystone/General Education Course
Film History and Theory Keystone/General Education Course
The Literature of Journalism
Research Literacy and Media
Telecommunications Law
Mass Media in History
Law of Mass Communications
Political Economy of Communications
Cultural Foundations of Communications
News Media Ethics
Global Media, Culture, and Society
Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
Media, Politics, and Civic Life
Media Effects: Theory and Research
Comparative National Media in a Global Context
Topics in American Film
Topics in International Cinema
Narrative Theory: Film and Literature
Documentary in Film and Television
Advanced Film Theory and Criticism
Emerging Telecommunications Technologies
Independent Studies
Foreign Study--Mass Communications

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Bellisario College Academic Advising
204 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1503
commadvisor@psu.edu

https://www.bellisario.psu.edu/current/advising

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.psu.edu

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF FILM PRODUCTION AND MEDIA STUDIES
103 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1243
mfj3@psu.edu

World Campus

DEPARTMENT OF FILM PRODUCTION AND MEDIA STUDIES
103 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1243
mfj3@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-media-studies-minor