Media Studies investigates the wide range of approaches to understanding and interpreting media forms and practices, especially media texts such as television, film, internet, and video games. Austin College media studies courses consider theories and practices of media texts, industries, audiences, and social contexts. Students will have a variety of opportunities to engage critically with existing media, as well as create their own.

Did you know?

Produce Your Own Films

Original Research

Internships

More Than Just Papers and Tests

Some examples of student production work:

Our Noir, student-faculty collaboration by the Film Noir Seminar class.

All-Nighter, produced by Carolyn Yao and Kim Shelton for the Digital Video II production course.

Let's Use Our Imagination, produced by Gaby Margocs, Rachel Storm, Prince Balkaran, Daniel Graham, and Christina Hernandez for the Digital Video II production course.

Double Date, produced by Nick Chaviers, Habib Oulahna, and Rachel Bowman for the Advanced Video Production course.

What You Will Learn

In Independence of Independents, students look at what makes "indie" media "independent"...can you produce a film outside of Hollywood that looks like a blockbuster? Can a band make an album with an "indie" sound on a major label? And is there such a thing as independent TV?!
From Florence Lawrence the Biograph Girl to Jennifer Lawrence the "It" girl, Hollywood Stars looks at celebrities and celebrity culture to arrive at a better understanding of what stars can tell us about society.
In Screenwriting, students practice the fundamentals of writing in the screenplay genre, including everything from principles like characterization and dramatization to nuts and bolts like proper page formatting. And since the best way to improve is to practice, you will write a lot.
In Games in Contemporary Culture, students explore what makes the medium of video games unique and consider what its cultural impact has been in today’s world. True, playing video games is considered homework in this class. But the course will force you to reevaluate what you consider “fun” and why.

Meet the Faculty

Erin Copple Smith studies media industries, with an emphasis on television, and teaches courses on everything from celebrity to popular music to youth media.

Brett Boessen is a media studies generalist whose interests range both wide and deep. He takes particular interest in filmmaking and media production, screenwriting, and digital networked media, including the web and videogames, and their cultural impact.

After Austin College

Carolyn Yao ’17

As a Media Studies Major and Double Minor in Art and English, I was able to pursue a dream career I hadn’t even considered until I took a Digital Video Productions class during sophomore year for fun. Thanks to the support of my professors, I became an Austin College video intern, which led to freelance… [Read More]

Jake R. Tidwell ‘21

UCL Film Studies M.A. Student, AC Class of ’21— I initially came to Austin College to follow my passion for Film, and soon realized that a degree in Media Studies is the way to go for anyone interested in a career in Film Production. After taking a wide range of courses offered under the Liberal Arts… [Read More]

Ellie Cary ’14

Interactive Producer, Agency Entourage, AC Class of ’14 – Focused on applying my creative skills in a modern and practical way, I discovered my passion for digital marketing which began developing here at AC. Three years post-grad, I have had the pleasure of working with various brands, ranging from non-profit to high-end hospitality. Addicted to… [Read More]

Gaby Margocs ’16

During my college career, Austin College always supported intertwining disciplines, and I found myself constantly combining my Media and Japanese studies. After graduating, I knew I wanted to continue working within both fields, and so quickly accepted an offer to be an Assistant Language Teacher through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program. Living and… [Read More]

Danny Greer ’05

Director of Marketing & Customer Experience, Shutterstock.com, AC Class of ’05 With a Communications degree from Austin College (and a post-grad MFA in Radio/TV/Film from University of North Texas), I’ve worked the last decade in professional media production and distribution. I’m currently driving global marketing initiatives for Shutterstock.com, the world’s leading stock media marketplace. Prior to… [Read More]

Program Details

Department Extras

Media Studies @ AC

Professional Organizations & Publications

Media Studies