Media and Film Studies

Department Overview

The interdisciplinary media and film studies minor explores the function and structure of written, aural, and visual communication systems. Grounded in a strong liberal arts preparation, the program offers core courses in media theory and practice as well as the opportunity for advanced course work and practical field experience.

Media and film studies affords students the opportunity to develop critical literacy in forms of media and communication

• by providing a foundation in the central concepts (theoretical, practical, and aesthetic) and contexts of mediated communication;
• by exploring the application of current and developing forms of media and communication; and
• by fostering facility and expertise in the use of technology related to current and emerging media.

Students also participate in programs and courses offered as part of project VIS and the John B. Moore Documentary Studies Program (MDOCS). We encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning, to discuss their program and progress with their faculty advisor, and to avail themselves of relevant college-wide lectures, symposia, and media resources.

Skidmore’s media and film studies minor helps to ensure the success of the College’s mission to link “theoretical with applied learning” and prepare students to “make the choices required of informed, responsible citizens” in a 21st-century context.

Director of the Media and Film Studies Program & Associate Professor of English: Paul Benzon

Associate Professor & Director of MDOCS: Adam Tinkle

Assistant Professor: Emilio Vavarella

Assistant Lecturers: Jude Abu Zaineh, Nicole Coady, Careina Yard

Administrative Assistant: Beth Miller

Affiliated Faculty & Staff:

Senior Teaching Professor of International Affairs and Arts Administration Program: Scott Mulligan

Media Services Operations Coordinator: Ron Taylor

Media Services Technician: Andrew Knispel

Media and Film Studies Minor

For Students Who Entered Skidmore in Fall 2019 and Beyond

The media and film studies minor allows students

• to explore the function and structure of written, aural, and visual communication systems;
• to obtain a theoretical and contextual grounding in media and film studies; and
• to practice the application of current and developing forms of media technology related to communication.

The minor consists of a minimum of 18 credits earned from courses which have been designated as part of the program.

Additional Requirements

• At least three credits must be completed at the 300-level for the minor.
• Students must either complete one additional 300-level course or a structured field experience in consultation with the director that involves the student in applied learning. Students may complete the SFE through internships, independent studies, or a significant noncredit-bearing experience.
• Students will work closely with their advisors to select courses that form a meaningful and coherent individual curriculum.
• No more than eight credits taken at another institution may be counted toward the media and film studies minor.

¹

In exceptional cases an independent study may complete this requirement, but is subject to pre-approval by the program director.

For Students Who Entered Skidmore Prior to Fall 2019

The media and film studies minor allows students

• to explore the function and structure of written, aural, and visual communication systems;
• to obtain a theoretical and contextual grounding in media and film studies; and
• to practice the application of current and developing forms of media technology related to communication. The program involves interdisciplinary study across the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

The minor consists of a minimum of five courses (minimally 18 credits), which have been designated as part of the program.

Additional Requirements

• At least one course must be completed at the 300-level for the minor.
• Students must complete a structured field experience in consultation with the director that involves the student in applied learning.Students can fulfill this requirement through internships, independent studies, or a significant noncredit-bearing experience.
• Students will work closely with their advisors to select courses that form a meaningful and coherent individual curriculum.
• No more than two courses may be double-counted toward other college requirements.
• No more than two courses taken at another institution may be counted toward the media and film studies minor.

¹

Each of these three courses must come from a different disciplinary division (Humanities, Social Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Natural Sciences and Technology)

²

In exceptional cases a 3- or 4-credit independent study may complete this requirement, but is subject to pre-approval by the program director.

Course Listing

Media and Film Studies Courses

Note: Students who entered Skidmore prior to fall 2019 can review the individual disciplinary divisions on their degree audit.

Clusters

Cluster I: Media and Culture

Cluster II: Applied Media