Communication and Media Studies Department

The Department of Communication and Media Studies offers two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Communication and the other in Media Studies. These two degree programs are distinct in several ways. In terms of focus, the Communication degree program takes a broad view of communication including the examination of face-to-face contexts as well as mediated ones. The Media Studies degree program more specifically focuses on media writing, criticism, and production. Another difference in these degree programs occurs at the senior level. Media Studies majors prepare a Senior Project (intended to serve as a portfolio of their writing and/or production work) and participate in a Service Learning Practicum (working for a community organization in a media capacity). Communication majors take two senior seminars. One seminar is chosen from a list of topics and the other is a Capstone seminar designed to be a culmination of their undergraduate work and as a transition to graduate studies. Aside from the differences that make each program unique, the programs share a common core of courses that serve as a foundation for both. The two programs also embrace a liberal arts philosophy. This means that the emphasis is on critical thinking rather than vocational training.

Announcements:

Enrollment will begin October 14th for the Winter session. Courses fill quickly so register early! Check the Winter session site for a list of the online courses available.

More info on the CMS 200 Research Methods Winter session course can be found here: http://media.usm.maine.edu/~lenny/researchonline/researchonline.html

Advanced Registration

*The schedule for advanced registration in posted now on the registrar's website. Currently matriculated Seniors with 120 credits or more begin registration November 9 at noon. For the full schedule of dates and times, please see the registrar's website.

*Congratulations to Communication and Media Studies Assistant Professor Matthew Killmeier for the BEST PAPER AWARD at the Media Ecology Association's Annual Conference. Dr. Killmeier's paper, Invasion of the Body Snatchers: Disembodiment, Media, and Innis and Carey, was presented at the MEA annual conference in Saint Louis, Missouri, on June 20, 2009.

*Congratulations to Communication Professor Lenny Shedletsky for his 2009-2011 appointment as the 14th Walter E. Russell Chair in Philosophy and Education. Per Interim Provost Lapping's November 3, 2008 memo to call for nominations, "the Russell Chair is a tenured faculty member presenting evidence of significant achievement in teaching and scholarly activities involving education and/or philosophy (broadly defined) as well as exemplary service to the University and the community."