Media, Self and Society
Analyzing urgent questions about our media-filled lives
Introduction
Media literacy is essential for critical thinking, personal well-being, and informed citizenship today. With the sheer volume and complexity of online and other media, it's becoming more challenging to critically evaluate information.
The Media Scholars program offers a creative and inclusive learning community where students develop skills for analyzing and producing media. We emphasize learning by doing, through small group discussions, service activities, field trips, and hands-on media projects. Ultimately, our goal is to help students confidently navigate their media-filled lives.
We have created an inclusive curriculum that also involves lessons that critically examine media representations of marginalized groups. Students should understand how the media has been used to oppress and stereotype certain groups, and how it can be used to promote equity and social justice. Media Scholars provides students with opportunities to create their own media texts that are inclusive and affirming of diverse cultures.
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
Our class sessions regularly include these features:
The Eye Opener: a critical analysis of the news of the day
Take on Fake: digging into viral disinformation
Media In Real Life: field trips on and off campus to enhance understanding of media literacy principles and use those skills to analyze and "decode" visual artworks, public exhibits, and other media.
MediaLit! Lessons and Activities: covering topics such as the economics and effectiveness of Super Bowl ads; a Grammy week study of the cultural impact of music videos; how Hip Hop changed the world; how AI is affecting the music industry; Oscar week study of the film industry and diversity in Hollywood; research into social media and mental health; media representations of gender and race; the history and impact of propaganda; the value of journalism in a democracy; and how you can use non-fiction storytelling/documentary filmmaking in your major.
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.
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.
Thanks to a service-learning grant from the Do Good Institute during the 2024-25 academic year, students were able to travel to Maryland's Eastern Shore to explore the Harriet Tubman Byway. The students were also charged with designing and producing social media content (using digital storytelling, photography, and graphic design) for community partners related to the Byway. Learn more about the trips here.
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.
| SEMESTER | COURSES | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | CPMS 100: Colloquium I | 1 credit |
| CPMS 225: Analyzing Media Practice Through Theory (SCIS, DSHS) | 3 credits | |
| Semester 2 | CPMS 101: Colloquium II | 1 credit |
| Semester 3 | CPMS 200: Colloquium III | 1 credit |
| Semester 3 or 4 | CPMS 230: Internship; or CPMS 240: Service-Learning; or CPSP 359S: Discovery Research (DSSP) |
1-3 credits 1-3 credits 1-3 credits |
| Semester 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) |
3 credits 3 credits |
Sponsoring College
Office Address
1120 Cumberland Hall
Office Phone
Faculty
News and Notes, Etc.
Read the latest edition of UNWIND Magazine.
Media, Self and Society News
Media Scholars Launches New Media Literacy Display in CCC
COLLEGE PARK, MD –The College Park Scholars Media, Self and Society program is excited to announce the launch of a new media literacy display in the Cambridge Community Center (CCC).This display, supported by a grant from The Do Good Institute, features original content created by students in the Media Scholars program. The videos, photo essays, and infographics in the display will be updated regularly and viewed by hundreds of students who attend classes and study in the CCC every day. These pieces cover topics such as fact-checking, the role of journalism in a democracy, understanding media representations, and practical tips on how to make media work for you.
UNWIND Magazine Returns to Highlight Media Scholars, Campus Life at UMD
COLLEGE PARK, MD – After a hiatus driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, UNWIND Magazine is back with a pilot issue that showcases the talent of University of Maryland (UMD) Media, Self and Society (Media) Scholars and offers a fresh perspective on life on and around campus. Written and produced by students, the relaunched UNWIND brings a new look and lively content that dives into the heart of the Terp experience.The pilot issue features a diverse range of stories and visuals, including:
Scholars Honor Citation and Founders Circle Award Winners at Annual Ceremony
College Park Scholars, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the program's founding, honored the best and the brightest of its most recent Citation class at its most recent Citation and Awards ceremony. This tenacious class, filled with future changemakers and leaders, pushed through a challenging start to college that began during the pandemic to emerge as standouts in the classroom, in their communities, and at the University of Maryland.
Uplifting Harriet Tubman’s Legacy with Do Good Campus Fund
For a dozen College Park Scholars in the Media, Self and Society program, a three-day trip this fall will give them not only a chance to immerse themselves in the world of famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman, but also help bring that story to a wider audience. This trip project was one of 27 funded by the Do Good Campus Fund in its inaugural year—an example of the ways that UMD faculty, staff and students work to serve humanity and reimagine learning.
Scholars Alum Wins Pulitzer for Washington Post AR-15 Series
Emily Guskin ’06, a Media, Self and Society Scholars alum, has a front row seat to Americans' perspectives on some of the day’s most pressing politics and policy matters. As a polling analyst at the Washington Post, the communication and government and politics alum conducts surveys, analyzes data and generates reports that provide insights into Americans’ attitudes, preferences and behaviors.
Numerous Scholars Earn University Student Leadership Awards
The Annual University Student Leadership Awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of our student leaders and scholars. Through this program, the university aims to acknowledge the exceptional academic performances and contributions to the University of Maryland community and surrounding neighborhoods made by students.Numerous Scholars were finalists and recipients of several of UMD's top awards.