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

*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."

*Please join us in congratulating our student award recipients:

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Communication-Wayne E. Griffin
Outstanding Communication Scholar Award-Alice O. Goodwin
Outstanding Graduating Senior in Media Studies-Michael T. Tardiff
Maine Association of Broadcasters Award-Katelin M. Day
Kathryn Lasky Award for Public Service-Scot C. Nisbet

Wayne Griffin and Alice Goodwin at USM Graduation, May 2009
Congratulations to all of our graduates! 152 were in attendance.

*Summer 2009 Courses can now be viewed on MaineStreet. For info on the CMS summer course offerings, visit this link

*Summer 2009 Courses can now be viewed on MaineStreet. For info on the CMS summer course offerings, visit this link.
*The Independant Study Policy for Communication and Media Studies video production projects is now published here.

Watch Professor Lenny Shedletsky discussing online communication with students and WMPG's Chip Edgar of Home Dad:
Dr. Shedletsky on Home Dad Link
More of the works by some of our talented faculty and students can be found on this page: cmsworks.html

Advanced Production Instructor Kate Kaminski's work can be found here: http://www.katekaminski.com

Source: www.mpbn.net
Listen to Dr. Matthew Killmeier, interim department chair of Communication and Media Studies, discuss the newspaper industry on Maine Public Broadcasting Network.
Link Here: MPBN Link