Media, Self and Society

The impact of media and technology on the world

Introduction

Print, televised and social media impact every facet of our lives. Yet to what extent are we aware of how they affect us and our view of the world?

Media, Self and Society analyzes the role that various forms of media play in society, prioritizing critical thinking about media production and consumption. Students assess the source, message and meaning of different modes of media, examining:

The effects of social media on our self-perception, relationships and beliefs;
Viral deception and misinformation online; and
The ways in which news and entertainment media represent—or misrepresent—marginalized communities.

Students take part in discussions; create media, from TikTok videos to infographics, that focus on self-exploration and civic engagement; and learn from working journalists, media experts and other guest speakers. The goal: to become active, rather than passive, in our interactions with media.

The Media program welcomes students of all majors and provides critical thinking and analysis skills fundamental to all career endeavors.

Colloquium and Lecture Topics

Media transformation: The disappearing newspaper
The psychology of advertising
Media and violence: The role of video games
Technology and the music industry

I have had the opportunity to explore my interests through hands-on experiences while also developing my communication skills. I am so grateful to be a part of a community that not only encourages me to be myself but also challenges me to be the best version of it.

Rebecca Lin '23

Other Learning Opportunities

Students get a real-world perspective on the media—both what it’s like to work in the media and the impacts of the media on society—through:

Field trips to media outlets and cultural sites, such as NBC4 Washington studios, NPR headquarters and the National Museum of African American History and Culture;
Visits to various news studios and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum during our annual trip to New York City; and
Guest speakers, particularly working professionals in journalism, advertising, technology and public relations.

During their sophomore year, students fulfill a practicum requirement, which allows them to gain professional experience in their chosen fields. Past Media students have:

Written for The Diamondback campus newspaper;
Broadcast sports games with WMUC, the campus radio station;
Worked on a political campaign; and
Interned at Microsoft.

In all cases, students were able to apply the analytical skills they learned in the program and assess the role that various media played in that organization.

Curriculum Overview

Over the two-year program experience (four semesters), students will complete 2 supporting courses, totaling 6–8 credits, that will count toward their Media Scholars citation. In most cases, these will also fulfill General Education requirements. Note that your Scholars courses—colloquium, practicum and supporting course(s)—will generally be in addition to any courses you take to satisfy major requirements.

The following table represents a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules may vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the Media Citation Checklist.

View the Media, Self and Society Citation Checklist

SEMESTER	COURSES	CREDITS
Freshman Fall	Scholars Colloquium	1 credit
	Academic Writing	3 credits
	3–4 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course)	9–12 credits
Freshman Spring	Scholars Colloquium	1 credit
	4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course)	12–15 credits
Sophomore Fall	Analyzing Media Practice through Theory	3 credits
	4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course)	12–15 credits
Sophomore Spring	Scholars Practicum (if not already taken in the fall)	1–3 credits
	4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course if not already completed)	12–15 credits