Nov 22, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Media & Communications, B.A.

HEGIS Number: 0601

Curriculum Code: U1072

The major in Media and Communications provides students with a broad-based education emphasizing theoretical, historical and experiential learning in an interdisciplinary context.

The Media and Communications major is located within the American Studies Department and its curriculum is designed to give students a grounding in the economic, political, social, and intellectual history of the U.S. A wide variety of courses is offered both on theoretical and practical levels, in communications and all varieties of media including radio and TV, newspapers, and inter-active media. Students will develop strong writing, reporting and other communications skills. The goal is to assist students in developing a critical view of the role and dynamics of media in contemporary society.

Students gain practical experience through internships in a variety of fields. They intern in media organizations ranging from television and radio stations to newspapers and magazines - throughout Long Island and the New York Metropolitan Area. This major is appropriate for students interested in careers in media. It also serves as a foundation for students who want to do graduate work in media studies, journalism and communications.

Students in other majors interested in Media can minor in Media & Communications, or Media Design. See the Minor section of the Catalog for details. The department also offers three micro-credentials in Fundamentals of Non-Fiction Video Production, Fundamentals of Television News Production, and Advanced TV/Video Production. Details can be found in the Micro-credentials section of the Catalog.

Evening Students

A limited selection of Media and Communications courses are available in the evening. Completion of a major in Media and Communications requires daytime course attendance.

Transfer Students

A Media and Communications major can be completed in a two year period with appropriate planning. With an advisor’s approval, a maximum of five courses will be accepted in transfer toward the 14 courses required for the major. Transfer students should note that two “Knowledge of American Society” courses as well as AS 2802 - Multimedia Journalism  and AS 3800 - Writing for Media  are prerequisites for enrollment in 5000-level American Studies courses, as well as for a number of other courses in the major. It is essential that these requirements be fulfilled in a transfer student’s first year at Old Westbury if the expectation of completing the program in two years is to be met. These courses must be taken prior to the senior year.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Media and Communications

(120 credits, 90 credits in liberal arts)

Liberal Education Curriculum

Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum Bulletin for specific requirements.

Major Requirements

There are fourteen courses totaling 56 credits which include:

1. Knowledge of American Society (8 credits)

Students may substitute one of the following courses for AS 2112 or AS 2122

Note: These courses should be taken as early as possible and, in no case, later than the junior year.

2. Media Studies Courses (12 credits)

Three of the following:

3. Writing, Analysis and Research (12 credits)

4. Media Production Courses (12 credits)

Three of the following (no more than one VA course):

5. Internship (4 credits)

Students may take up to twelve credits in internships, but only four credits count toward the major. Students may take an internship off campus, but may also take an internship on campus at OWWR (Old Westbury Web Radio), The Catalyst (college newspaper) OWTV (Old Westbury TV), or the Media Innovation Center.

6. Capping Courses (8 credits)

Two of the following (Senior Level):

7. Portfolio Recommended

All Media and Communications majors should assemble a portfolio for recognition of college work and for employment. The portfolio should contain samples of work done in courses and the Internship in Journalism. The portfolio should contain examples of written work, both published and submitted as class assignments, and selected graphics, radio programs and videos.

Program Policies:

  1. All Media and Communications majors should see an adviser at least once a semester.
  2. Only one grade of D+, D or D- will be accepted toward the major. Students must request this inclusion from the chair of American Studies.
  3. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be achieved in the major.
  4. Only two 1000 or 2000 level courses will be counted towards the major beyond AS 2802  and all “Knowledge of American Society” courses AS 2112 , AS 2122 , AS 2252 , AS 2262 , AS 2263 , AS 2300 , AS 2640 .
  5. Only one course from the Visual Arts Department will be counted toward the major.
  6. In order to qualify for independent study, students must have at least sophomore standing and a B (3.0) average. Only four credits of independent study will be counted toward the major.
  7. Only four credits of internship can be applied toward the major. Students can take up to twelve credits which will be counted toward graduation, but only four will be applied toward the major. Students must see an adviser to plan their internship.
  8. Only five courses can be transferred from another college or university and accepted for credit toward the major. At lease one Media Production course must be taken at SUNY Old Westbury, rather than transferred in.
  9. In general, 4000 and 5000 level courses will NOT be taught during the summer sessions.
  10. All students in their senior year should communicate with the department chair to make sure that they are on track for graduation.