Faculty

Director

Jason Loviglio
B.A., Wesleyan University, 1987; Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1999

Lecturer

Donald Snyder
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 1995; Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, 2008

Assistant Professor

Rebecca Adelman
B.A., Oberlin College, 2001; M.A., Ohio State University, 2005; Ph.D., Ohio State University, 2009

Fan Yang
B.A., International Business, Fudan University, China, 2000; M.A., Arts Policy & Administration, Ohio State University, 2003; Ph.d., Cultural Studies, George Mason University, 2011 (pending)

Courses in this program are listed under MCS.

Media and Communication Studies is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes a broad liberal arts approach toward the teaching of critical media literacy, intercultural communication and new digital media skills. These skills include a critical understanding of the emerging forms of digital technologies of communication, information, surveillance and entertainment. Students will learn how to integrate new communicative practices into their liberal arts education.

The program uses materials and methodologies from various disciplines. It also emphasizes learning through seminar experiences and independent projects. The focus in the core curriculum on applied experience, undergraduate research, critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to study of media is part of the program’s fundamental liberal arts orientation. Core courses build one upon the other, developing students’ critical skills, historical background, and theoretical sophistication so that they progressively develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural issues at stake in human communication.

The elective courses reinforce the commitment to a broad liberal arts education. Students choose electives in three areas: critical media literacy, intercultural communication and technology and applied communication.

Career and Academic Paths

Through the combination of applied learning experiences, a required depth-of-field area of study, and a capstone research project, students are well-prepared for many academic and professional fields of study including, advertising, broadcasting, communications, gaming, history and culture (museums and cultural institutions), education, journalism, law, marketing, public policy, public relations, social and public service, social work and web development.

Statement on Study of Foreign Languages

Knowledge of at least one foreign language and familiarity with foreign cultures beyond the language and culture requirements of the General Education Program are important for understanding media and communications under the conditions of globalization in the 21st century. Therefore, MCS students are strongly encouraged to study a foreign language to at least the 202 level (with appropriate exemptions made for native speakers of languages other than English). Study abroad is also strongly encouraged, for it can provide not only understanding of another culture but also important perspectives on U.S. culture and media.

Programs

• Media and Communication Studies, B.A.

• Media and Communication Studies, Critical Media Studies Area, Certificate
• Media and Communication Studies, Intercultural Communcation Area, Certificate
• Media and Communication Studies, New Media and Applied Communcation Area, Certificate