Our emphasis in this major is analytical and historical; we are largely concerned with developing in students the ability to assess the roles and impact of the major mass media on American life, rather than with developing specific media production skills.

In our four core courses, students learn the history, values and structure of media study in the United States and abroad. Students learn to analyze the effects of electronic and print media, to consider the impact of the media on public policy, as well as the impact of public policy on the media.

In addition to our core courses, students must take an approved methods course in the social sciences, and a number of approved major electives offered in other disciplines on campus -- anthropology, sociology, political science, linguistics and journalism to name a few. The major itself also offers several elective courses and an honors thesis course (MS H195).