Fall 2007 Update: The BA Major in Media Studies and Production has been submitted to the Ministry of Advanced Education and we are waiting for final approval. For more information regarding this degree option please contact the Media Studies Chair.
The Bachelor of Arts, Major in Media Studies and Production builds on the existing Minor in Media Studies with the addition of a stream of new courses in Digital Media Production. The program is chiefly concerned with strengthening the relationship between cultural theory and technical skills using digital technologies. Labour market analysis has clearly shown that the balance of theory with applied skills will be important for student success in the emerging economy. The close association of critical theory and applied skills in the program will be mutually supportive: applied projects will reflect greater engagement with issues and have more substance when informed by the thoughtful application of theory; and theoretical reflection will be tempered, balanced, and deepened by the demands of technical production involving its own types of problem solving.
The curriculum is carefully structured to take students from introductory technical skills to increasingly complex and challenging digital media projects. Students will be able to examine the underlying structures of media and the theories that define this dynamic field, while at the same time acquiring the knowledge and skills to produce cutting-edge media projects that apply this knowledge. Whether for future managers or creators, this program is based on the understanding that higher-level critical thinking, communication, and analysis skills are required for competitive media production.
For the Major in Media Studies and Production, students must complete 120 credits over 4 years. Students are required to take at least 33 credits of Digital Media (DIGI) courses (11 courses x 3 credits); at least 33 credits of Media Studies (MEDI) courses (11 x 3); 6 credits of English (2 x 3) as an institutional requirement; and 48 credits as electives.
A unique aspect of this program will be the requirement that all students in the Major will be required to purchase a laptop with industry-standard applications installed.This laptop will be the student's "instrument". A technician associated with the Digital Media Production program and work-op students provide various levels of support for this initiative - the "Malaspina Advantage".
The program features a variety of instructional formats including lecture, discussion, seminar, tutorials, labs, and supervised independent research. The Media Studies Department has also made a strong commitment to alternate and hybrid forms of delivery. Many courses have online components involving listservs, blogs, podcasts, discussion groups, and web-based resources. A number of courses are offered as fully online sections either at Malaspina or through BC Campus. All DIGI courses have online components.
Labour market studies have demonstrated a strong need for graduates with the qualifications developed in this program. Students will find work in all media-related and production fields, communications, public relations, advertising, tourism, culture production, information management, and business services to management - a rapidly growing sector. Additional impetus for employment opportunities will be provided by the "Olympics-factor" between now and 2010 especially for positions in advertising, professional business services, communication, and printing and publishing. A 2005 survey of over 200 000 university graduates in the U.K. determined that those with a degree in Media Studies were "most employable" of all graduates.
This is a challenging and rewarding program with a balance of thinking and making, where you will be encouraged to express your unique ideas to professional standards.
Requirements for a Major in Media Studies:
First Year (30 credits):
Second Year (30 credits):
Third and Fourth Years (60 credits):
