Under Review
The 2023-2024 requirements are not yet finalized and are subject to change so long as this notice is in place. While the information presented is generally reliable, you should confirm the information later this summer when requirements are finalized.The Media School
Specialization in Documentary (Bachelor of Arts in Media)
Students on Summer 2019, Fall 2019, or Spring 2020 requirements MDAS07
Requirements
The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Theory. One (1) course:
- MSCH-F 326 Authorship in the Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 392 Media Genres (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 413 (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 420 Topics in Media History (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 445 Media, Culture, and Politics (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-F 326 Authorship in the Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 101 or MSCH-H 101; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Topic varies: in-depth analysis of directors, producers, or creative individuals in the media, viewed as 'authors.'
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 326 and MSCH-F 326.
- Fall 2023CASE AHcourseSummer 2023CASE AHcourse
MSCH-F 392 Media Genres
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topic varies. Analysis of typical genres, such as westerns, situation comedies, documentaries, etc. Problems of generic description or definition: themes, conventions, iconography peculiar to given genres.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 392 and MSCH-F 392.
- Fall 2023CASE AHcourseSummer 2023CASE AHcourse
MSCH-F 420 Topics in Media History
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Media historiography, topics in national media history, national and international movements and trends. Topic varies.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 420 and MSCH-F 420.
- Fall 2023CASE SHcourseSummer 2023CASE SHcourse
MSCH-F 445 Media, Culture, and Politics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the role of media in the political process. Topic varies and may include censorship and free speech, social movements, politics of representation.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 445 or MSCH-F 445.
- Electives. Two (2) courses:
- Additional course from the Theory list
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling
- MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-P 433
- MSCH-P 434 Advanced Documentary Filmmaking: Theory & Practice
- MSCH-P 435 Advanced Documentary Workshop
- MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-V 470 Issues in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-X 472 Media Internship (approved internship at IU Libraries Moving Image Archive for three (3) credit hours)
- MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 360 and MSCH-J 360.
MSCH-J 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C 226; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Provides hands-on experiences in reporting, editing and presenting stories through images, sound, and spoken word. Goes beyond the basics skills to work with advanced cameras and software. Explores the use of emerging technologies for delivering truth to audiences of various types of media.
MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Topical seminar in journalism dealing with changing subjects and materials from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit up to 4 times.
MSCH-P 434 Advanced Documentary Filmmaking: Theory & Practice
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C226; MSCH-P 351 or MSCH-P 433; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Focuses on the development and production of a larger scale documentary, including research, story development, writing, filming, and editing.
MSCH-P 435 Advanced Documentary Workshop
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 226 or MSCH-P 433; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Focuses on collaborative production of a substantial documentary. Employs advanced, specialized procedures, theories, and skills involved in professional production, including research, investigative techniques, production design, cinematography, sound, post-production, writing, and rights clearance.
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-V 470 Issues in Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Seminar exploring new developments and advanced research in media.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
MSCH-X 472 Media Internship
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; at least 12 credit hours completed in the school; and application for internship credit approved by the school
- Notes
- 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 the B.A. in Media or the B.S. in Game Design. Student must write a critical analysis paper and be evaluated by a workplace supervisor.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 382, MSCH-I 382, MSCH-I 497, MSCH-X 472, or TEL-T 497.
- Grading
- S/F grading.
MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- Application for internship credit approved by the school
- Notes
- Application is available on the Media School website
- Description
- Topical course integrating classroom and field experience. Includes 10-day field experience during or after term offered. Field experience will change based on topic.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 418, MSCH-J 418, and MSCH-X 478.
- Specialization GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the specialization.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the specialization—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Exceptions to specialization requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.