<p>I'm interested in the classes offered in the media studies department. For anyone who's in the major already or relatively familiar with it, please help in answering a few of my questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What exactly do you DO in media studies 10? Is it mostly reading/writing and theory-based concepts? What is a typical day in lecture and discussion (discussion twice a week?!)?</p></li>
<li><p>For the major in general, I tried searching up information but there doesn't seem to be much... Many people commented it on being a "fluff" major or "easy" major but it sounds pretty interesting. What is the major like (from a first-hand perspective)? I've read the description on the website but it's not too useful. I'm thinking of double majoring in this and something else but I'm wondering if this major requires a lot of reading and essay writing...</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m a junior who’s pursuing a Media Studies major so I can sorta answer your questions.</p>
<p>For MS10, it’s basically the professor lecturing about theories and concept with some references to this book we were assigned. (We also had a reader that was mostly used for discussions or was slightly referenced to in exams.) The class also had 2 essays about analyzing media. Discussion is twice a week. It depends on the GSI how discussion is run. In my dis., we discussed readings and went over concepts in class. Participation in section very important in this class. </p>
<p>I haven’t begun my MS core classes yet. I’m double-majoring with MS because I’m personally interested in the material. Expect a lot of girls, especially sorority girls, in MS classes. Supposedly it’s “easy,” but I’ve heard otherwise. If you’re truly interested in what you learn in MS10, you should pursue a MS major.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response! </p>
<p>Also, what are these theories and concepts to which you are referring? Do they pertain to influences of media or just theories of what media is? I’m pretty interested in things like how media affects people, advertising/marketing, etc. so does the class address these things?</p>
<p>God, it’s been too long for me to remember anything. We used this book for MS10:
[Amazon.com:</a> MediaMaking: Mass Media in a Popular Culture: Lawrence Grossberg, Ellen A. Wartella, Dr. D. Charles Whitney, Dr. J. Macgregor Wise: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/MediaMaking-Mass-Media-Popular-Culture/dp/0761925430]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/MediaMaking-Mass-Media-Popular-Culture/dp/0761925430)
I can’t recall that much information (Althusser…??), but I’m pretty sure the intro and upper division classes cover things that you’re interested in.</p>