The Media School
Concentration in Media Management, Law and Policy (Bachelor of Arts in Media)
Students on Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 requirements MDAC04
Requirements
The major requires at least 36 credit hours (12 in the Media Core and 24 in the Concentration), including the requirements listed below.
- Media School Core.
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 101 Media
MSCH-C 101 Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the role media play in our lives-at work, at school, among family members, friends, and lovers-and analyzes pressing issues in media and society today, such as privacy, globalization, and convergence.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Managing Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 207 Introduction to Media Industry and Management
MSCH-C 207 Introduction to Media Industry and Management
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introductory analysis, using a case-study method, of how media industries such as broadcasting, cable, and telephone are structured, funded, and regulated; how media organizations create and market programs and products, and how they manage their operations.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 207 or TEL-T 207.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Thinking Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 219 Media in the Global Context
MSCH-C 219 Media in the Global Context
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Surveys media industries, products, and publics outside the United States context (e.g., Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America). Analyzes regional media in relation to local/global historical, economic, and social processes. Screenings may be required.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 219 or CMCL-C 202.
- Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Making Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 220 Game Technology
- MSCH-C 223 Introduction to Filmmaking
- MSCH-C 250 Story Lab I
MSCH-C 220 Game Technology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Provides a survey of current technologies for creating games. These tools are also appropriate for projects in virtual and augmented reality and interactive journalism. Students acquire competency in several game engines demonstrated by the creation of several digital game prototypes using recently released tools.
MSCH-C 223 Introduction to Filmmaking
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Provides a conceptual framework for writing, designing, and evaluating a variety of media products. Media program design is not a hands-on production course but does offer an overview of the production process. Topics include scriptwriting, production design, visualization, composition, editing styles, and others.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 223 or TEL-T 206.
- Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
MSCH-C 250 Story Lab I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Intensive, hands-on course introduces storytelling skills, techniques and tools for effective media creation in a digital, multi-platform environment and provides the knowledge and skills needed for success in higher-level, more specialized courses of study across the Media School curriculum, including advertising, digital media, journalism, and public relations.
- Grading
- Students are able to earn credit for only one of the following: MSCH-C 250; JOUR-J 210; MSCH-C 226; MSCH-C 21001
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- Concentration.
- Media Technologies and Culture. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 249 Media Technologies and Culture
MSCH-C 249 Media Technologies and Culture
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Explores how our understandings and experiences of culture and everyday life are transformed as media technology re-design, re-shape, re-administer, and re-organize our daily routines, habitats, habits, identities, and modes of communication.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Communications Law. One (1) course:
- MSCH-H 300 Honors Media Law in the Digital Age
- MSCH-J 300 Communications Law
MSCH-H 300 Honors Media Law in the Digital Age
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or better in MSCH-C101 and MSCH-C250; Must be a current MSCH honors student
- Description
- History and philosophy of laws pertaining to media, including free press, free speech, right of privacy, copyright, government regulation, and business law affecting media operations. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic media system.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-J 300 Communications Law
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101 or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores history and philosophy of laws pertaining to free press and free speech. Covers censorship, libel, contempt, obscenity, right of privacy, copyright, government regulations, and laws affecting the Internet and social media. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic communications systems.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-H 300 or MSCH-J 300.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Internet Ecosystems. One (1) course:
- MSCH-M 322 Internet Ecosystems
MSCH-M 322 Internet Ecosystems
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 207; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Covers the evolution of media network technology, policy economics, and industries from the 1870s to the present. Explores basic telecommunication transmission and switching, general operational concepts, and societal and cultural effects of telephony and the internet in the United States.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Electives. Five (5) courses:
- MSCH-D 337 Digital Media
- MSCH-H 310 Honors Media Topics (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-H 410 Honors Media as Social Institutions
- MSCH-J 407 Current Issues in Media Law
- MSCH-J 409 Media Management
- MSCH-L 317 Media Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- MSCH-L 322 Media Policymaking
- MSCH-M 310 Disruptors: Internet Industries
- MSCH-M 330 Production Management
- MSCH-M 332 Media Law for Producers
- MSCH-M 413 Global Media Issues
- MSCH-M 421 Media Economics
- MSCH-T 311 History of Electronic Media
- MSCH-T 427 International Media Networks
- MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-X 360 The Media School in Los Angeles
- MSCH-X 373 Media Internship in Los Angeles
MSCH-D 337 Digital Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Develops frameworks for understanding new media technologies in social contexts. Compares computing, networked digital media, and social media to prior eras of technological change, focusing on interactions among technological, industrial, regulatory, social, and cultural forces.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
MSCH-H 310 Honors Media Topics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Must be a current Ernie Pyle Scholar (EPS), Media Scholar (MS), Media School Academic Honors Scholar, or Hutton Honors College student
- Description
- Covers a variety of topics from various media disciplines, including advertising, game design, journalism, law and public policy, media criticism, media production, and public relations. Develops advanced understanding of media topics and how media systems connect with culture, politics, and society. Evaluates and critically analyzes the underlying assumptions of media.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
MSCH-H 410 Honors Media as Social Institutions
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-H 300 or MSCH-J 300; must be a current MSCH honors student
- Description
- Examines functions and impact of mass media in society with primary focus on the United States. Discusses values of media organizations and professional and ethical values of journalists. Includes critical analysis of the relationship between media and society and the effect of political, economic, and cultural factors on media operation.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-H 410, MSCH-J 410, JOUR-H 410 or JOUR-J 410
- Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
MSCH-J 407 Current Issues in Media Law
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-H 300, or MSCH-J 300; and at least junior standing
- Description
- Study of law relating to media content and production. Advanced examination of the rights of journalists in the American legal system and their role in an evolving media environment. Research using primary legal materials.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 407 or MSCH-J 407.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-J 409 Media Management
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Research seminar that examines techniques and processes used in managing media organizations. Through discussions, case analysis, and group projects, the course explores organizational missions and social responsibilities, market analysis techniques, personnel management issues, and budgeting.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 409 or MSCH-J 409.
MSCH-L 317 Media Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 207 or MSCH-C 213
- Description
- An analysis of the media environment, including organizational structure, corporate responsibility, and the role of the individual in the media environment. Formulation of ethical principles to guide media policy and practice.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-L 317 or TEL-T 316.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-L 322 Media Policymaking
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 207; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Overview of basic U.S. law and government. Specific analysis of who makes U.S. media policy, how it is done, and its effects. Course includes a case study of recent policymaking that varies each semester.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-M 310 Disruptors: Internet Industries
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101
- Description
- What is the cultural mindset of technology entrepreneurs? How and why did the rise of Silicon Valley occur? This course considers the economic, social, financial, and legal forces present in the disruption industry, and how entrepreneurs leverage digital technologies and change the rules of how societies think and interact.
MSCH-M 330 Production Management
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 223 and MSCH-C 228 OR MSCH-C 229; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores the organizational, economic/ business, and legal aspects of production management of commercial and noncommercial projects, including television and news media.
MSCH-M 332 Media Law for Producers
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- In the complex new media age people who create and distribute content constantly intersect with an equally complex legal environment. This course explores legal issues such as contracts and permissions; intellectual property and service-marks; privacy and fraud; slander and libel; and employment and unions.
MSCH-M 413 Global Media Issues
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 101, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Advanced study of media from a global perspective focusing on particulars, trends, or issues. Topics vary.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-M 413 or TEL-T 413.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-M 421 Media Economics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 207; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Analysis of market structure and behavior of firms and organizations in broadcasting, cable television, motion picture distribution, print media, common carrier, and other communications industries. Policy and strategy applications.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-M 421 or TEL-T 421.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-T 311 History of Electronic Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 207 or MSCH-C 213, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Discussion of how today's electronic media was shaped by past inventions, business innovations and regulatory decisions. Traces the development of mass communication from the telegraph to the telephone, radio, and television to the arrival of digital communication technologies.
MSCH-T 427 International Media Networks
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101
- Description
- A comparative study of the development of broadband networks in different parts of the world. The interaction between national telecommunications policies and international arrangements, institutions, and structures.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Analysis of selected problems in media studies. Topics vary each semester.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
MSCH-X 360 The Media School in Los Angeles
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- Must be accepted into the Media School's Semester in Los Angeles program
- Description
- Focuses on topics relevant to the Media School's Semester in Los Angeles program. Explores various aspects of the entertainment and media industries under the instruction of industry professionals.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 15 credit hours.
MSCH-X 373 Media Internship in Los Angeles
- Credits
- 1–6 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least sophomore standing; at least 12 credit hours completed in the school; and application for internship credit approved by the school. Application is available on the Media School website
- Description
- Faculty-supervised work in a media field related to student's academic interests. Credits based on at least 45 work hours per credit hour with a maximum of 6 credit hours applied toward any MSCH degree or concentration. Student must write a critical analysis paper and be evaluated by a workplace supervisor.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated up to 6 times for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Grading
- S/F grading
- Additional Requirements.
- At least nine (9) credit hours in the concentration must be at the 300–499 level.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Media Technologies and Culture. One (1) course:
- Major GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Major GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the major—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Major Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.
- Major Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Major Residency. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College Breadth. At least 58 credit hours must be completed in courses from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines outside of the major area.
Major Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
MSCH
prefix—as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent - Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
- Any course, consistent with the policies herein, that is part of a concentration, track, and/or specialization being pursued as part of this academic program
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
Exclusions
The following courses cannot be applied toward major requirements or the College Breadth requirement:
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (JOURBAJ)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts (CINEARTBFA)
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design (GAMEDSGNBS)
- Certificate in New Media and Interactive Storytelling (NMISTACRT1)
- Minor in Black Cinema and Media Studies (BLKCNMDMIN)
- Minor in Cinema and Media Studies (CNMDASTMIN)
- Minor in Fashion Media (FAMEDIAMIN)
- Minor in Film Production (FILMPRDMIN)
- Minor in Game Design (GAMEDSNMIN)
- Minor in Global Media (GLVMDIAMIN)
- Minor in Media and Creative Advertising (MDCRADMIN)
- Minor in Media and Diversity (MDIADIVMIN)
- Minor in Media Law and Ethics (MDLWETMIN)
- Minor in Media Persuasion (MDIAPRSMIN)
- Minor in Media, Sex and Gender (MDGNDRMIN)
- Minor in Public Relations (PBLCRELMIN)
- Minor in Sports Media (SPORTMDMIN)
- [Name unavailable] (NMISTACRT)
Exceptions to and substitutions for major requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires at least 120 credit hours, to include the following:
- College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours. At least 100 credit hours must come from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines.
- Upper Division Courses. At least 42 credit hours (of the 120) must be at the 300–499 level.
- College Residency. Following completion of the 60th credit hour toward degree, at least 36 credit hours of College of Arts and Sciences coursework must be completed through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000 is required.
- CASE Requirements. The following College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) requirements must be completed:
- CASE Foundations
- CASE Breadth of Inquiry
- CASE Culture Studies
- CASE Critical Approaches: 1 course
- CASE Foreign Language: Proficiency in a single foreign language through the second semester of the second year of college-level coursework
- CASE Intensive Writing: 1 course
- CASE Public Oral Communication: 1 course
- Major. Completion of the major as outlined in the Major Requirements section above.
Most students must also successfully complete the Indiana University Bloomington General Education program.
Students will be able to:
- Understand media content as circulated information created, shaped, modified in response to a wide variety of motives and pressures;
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of the media "ecosystem," a complex system of interrelated institutions, technologies and organizations shaped by a variety of policies, laws, and principles that have developed over time with its own history;
- Master specific knowledge and skills essential to success in the creative industries, such as creating cash-flow statements and clearing music rights; and
- Combine their general knowledge of the "ecosystem" with the specific knowledge and skills they acquire to map out a rewarding, ethical, and successful career in media.