The Media School
Specialization in Politics and Media (Bachelor of Arts in Media)
Students on Summer 2019, Fall 2019, or Spring 2020 requirements MDAS29
Requirements
The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Politics and Media. Three (3) courses:
- MSCH-F 445 Media, Culture, and Politics
- MSCH-H 410 Media as Social Institutions for Ernie Pyle Scholars
- MSCH-H 451 Honors Seminar in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 410 The Media as Ethical and Social Institutions
- MSCH-J 423 Public Opinion
- MSCH-J 470 Broadcast Media Analysis
- MSCH-L 322 Telecommunications Policymaking
- MSCH-S 312 Politics and the Media
- MSCH-S 414 Public Communication Campaigns
- MSCH-S 451 Topical Seminar in Media Psychology (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- PSY-P 449 Social Psychology of Public Opinion
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.
MSCH-H 410 Media as Social Institutions for Ernie Pyle Scholars
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Ernie Pyle Scholar; and a grade of C- or higher in MSCH-H 300 or MSCH-J 300
- Description
- Examine functions and impact of the mass media in society with primary focus on the United States. Discuss values of media organizations and professional and ethical values of journalists. Critical analysis of the relationship of media and society and the effect of political, economic, and cultural factors on media operation.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-H 410, JOUR-J 410, MSCH-H 410, or MSCH-J 410.
- Fall 2022CASE AHcourse
MSCH-H 451 Honors Seminar in Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Consent of the honors director
- Description
- Topical seminar in media and society. Topics vary.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours in MSCH-H 451 and TEL-S 451.
MSCH-J 410 The Media as Ethical and Social Institutions
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 225 or MSCH-H 225; and MSCH-H 300, or MSCH-J 300; and senior standing
- Description
- Examines functions and influences of news and public relations professionals in a networked society with primary focus on the United States. Analyzes professional and ethical values of journalists and public relations practicioners working in a digital, participatory media environment. Critical analysis of the relationship of media institutions and society, and the effects of political, economic, and cultural factors on media professionalism.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 410 or MSCH-J 410.
- Fall 2022CASE AHcourse
MSCH-J 423 Public Opinion
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Behavioral study of nature, operation, molding, and influence of public opinion, with practice in its measurement and evaluation. Discussion of major political, social, economic, and cultural problems.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 423 or MSCH-J 423.
MSCH-J 470 Broadcast Media Analysis
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Seminar on problems of communicating news through aural and visual channels. Application of communications theory to broadcast news and public affairs presentations. Study of effects of format, verbal content, nonverbal content, and presenter on communication process.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 470 or MSCH-J 470.
- Fall 2022CASE SHcourse
MSCH-L 322 Telecommunications 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. telecommunications policy, how it is done, and its effects. Course includes a case study of recent policymaking that varies each semester.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-L 322 or TEL-T 321.
- Fall 2022CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 312 Politics and the Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the relationship between media and modern politics. Topics will vary.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-S 312 or TEL-T 312.
- Fall 2022CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 414 Public Communication Campaigns
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 213; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Theoretical backgrounds of media campaigns; analyses of persuasion strategies, campaign goals, communication media, audiences, and campaign effectiveness. Case studies of campaigns for social action; original analysis of specific campaigns.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-S 414 or TEL-T 414.
- Fall 2022CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 451 Topical Seminar in Media Psychology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Exploration of social problems and research issues related to media psychology. Topics vary.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
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 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.
PSY-P 449 Social Psychology of Public Opinion
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- PSY-P 304 or PSY-P 320
- Description
- Describes the methods of public opinion research, empowering students to become informed consumers of poll results. Covers basic social psychological processes that shape opinions, such as people's self-interest, group memberships, personal experiences, and conformity. Homework involves analysis and interpretation of data from recent surveys on social and political attitudes.
- GPA and Hours 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.