Media, Self and Society
Analyzing urgent questions about our media-filled lives
Introduction
Media literacy is essential for critical thinking, health, and informed citizenship in the 21st century, yet many people lack the skills to critically evaluate the information they encounter online and in other media sources.
The Media Scholars program provides opportunities for students to participate in a creative learning community to develop their skills for analyzing and producing media. Our program promotes learning by doing and uses small group discussions, service activities, field trips, and creative projects to help our students understand and 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. Past Media students have:
- 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.
| 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 |
| Semester 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) |
3 credits 3 credits |
Sponsoring College
Office Address
1122 Cumberland Hall
Office Phone
Faculty
News and Notes, Etc.
Media, Self and Society News
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.
Fourteen Scholars Named Class of 2024 Senior Marshals
Senior Marshals are graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth. The University of Maryland Senior Marshals represent graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth.
Scholars Shine at Do Good Challenge Finals
Despite not capturing the top prizes at the 2024 Do Good Challenge Finals held earlier this week, four members of College Park Scholars and their respective projects shined.Two Scholars - Takiyah Roberts (STS) and Elias Laskey (GPH) - and their teams went head-to-head in the Project Track competition.