Program Overview
The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program at Elmira College equips students with the skills and knowledge to navigate the media industry. Through a blend of professional and technical training, students develop critical thinking, communication, and media production abilities. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and a comprehensive understanding of media environments, technological innovations, and historical contexts.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview
The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program at Elmira College provides students with the tools and skills necessary to navigate the media and communications industry and create impactful content. This program emphasizes both professional and technical skills, as well as an in-depth understanding of media environments, technological innovations, and historical contexts.
Objectives
- Become a skilled communicator: Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats, using various media platforms.
- Develop critical thinking and analysis abilities: Students will learn how to analyze and interpret media messages, taking into account historical, cultural, and political contexts.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the media industry: The program provides a thorough grounding in the history, theory, and practice of media, including print, broadcast, and digital media.
- Develop a strong portfolio of creative work Graduates will build a portfolio showcasing their skills in media production, including writing, design, and multimedia production.
Program Description
The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program at Elmira College is an interdisciplinary program that draws on faculty expertise in communication, media studies, and design. The program offers a variety of courses that provide students with a broad foundation in media studies, including courses in media history, theory, production, and criticism. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as journalism, public relations, or media production.
Outline:
The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program's content and structure are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the media industry and the skills necessary to succeed in the field.
Program Content:
- Media history and theory
- Media production
- Media criticism
- Media law and ethics
- Digital media
- Social media
- Public relations
- Advertising
Program Structure:
- Students complete a core curriculum of courses in media studies, communications, and design.
- Students choose a concentration in journalism, public relations, or media production.
- Students complete a senior capstone project that demonstrates their understanding of the media industry and their ability to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
Course Schedule:
- The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program is offered on a semester system.
- Students typically take four courses per semester.
- The program can be completed in four years.
Individual Modules:
- Media History and Theory: This module provides an overview of the history of media, from the invention of the printing press to the development of digital media. Students learn about the major theories of media and how they have shaped our understanding of the world.
- Media Production: This module provides students with the skills necessary to produce media content, including writing, design, and multimedia production. Students learn how to use a variety of software programs and equipment to create professional-quality media content.
- Media Criticism: This module teaches students how to analyze and interpret media messages. Students learn about the different types of media bias and how to identify and evaluate the credibility of media sources.
- Media Law and Ethics: This module provides an overview of the legal and ethical issues that arise in the media industry. Students learn about the First Amendment, copyright law, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists and other media professionals.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
- Portfolios
Assessment Criteria:
- Students are assessed on their knowledge of media history and theory, their ability to produce media content, their ability to analyze and interpret media messages, and their understanding of media law and ethics.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Workshops
- Hands-on projects
- Guest speakers
Faculty:
- The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are experts in their fields. Faculty members have a wide range of experience in the media industry, including journalism, public relations, and media production.
- Students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are actively engaged in research and creative work in the media field.
Unique Approaches:
- The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program at Elmira College offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning.
- The program emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with the opportunity to gain experience in media production, public relations, and other areas of the media industry.
- The program also offers a variety of internships and other opportunities for students to gain real-world experience.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Journalist
- Public relations specialist
- Media producer
- Social media manager
- Digital marketing specialist
Opportunities:
- The Media Studies, Communications, and Design program at Elmira College provides students with a variety of opportunities to gain experience in the media industry.
- Students have the opportunity to work on the college newspaper, radio station, and television station.
- Students can also participate in internships with local media organizations.
Outcomes:
- Graduates of the Media Studies, Communications, and Design program at Elmira College are well-prepared for careers in the media industry.
- Graduates have gone on to work for a variety of media organizations, including newspapers, magazines, radio stations, television stations, and online media companies.
