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Humanities & Media & Cultural Studies Course Information
The HMCS major combines the best of a rigorous liberal arts program with focus in an area of student interest. It requires 14 courses:
HMCS 110 Texts and Power: Foundations of Cultural Studies. Completion of or enrollment in the course, including pre-registration, is required to declare an HMCS major. This course introduces basic theories of cultural studies, their roots in traditional humanities, and their contemporary application.
Students also establish a broad foundation of cultural knowledge by taking one course from ancient times to 1700 and one course from 1700 to the present, as well as two courses investigating relations of class, gender, nation, race, and sexuality and two courses in the theory and philosophy of culture at the 200-level or above.
A six-course focus in an area of student interest that does not duplicate already existing majors or minors. Standard focus plans are available for media studies and for film studies. Other focus areas are welcome. Past and possible areas include: Comparative Literature, Critical Theory, Postcolonial Studies, and Pre-Modern Cultures
A senior seminar, offered each semester, with a year’s topics broad enough to encourage advanced independent work in all areas of the department. Students may complete their honors projects in the senior seminar.
You may speak to any faculty member who teaches courses in HMCS about becoming your major advisor, or speak with Leola Johnson, HMCS chair, Humanities 301, or contact her at X6725.
The HMCS minor requires five courses:
The Media Studies minor is for students interested in journalism or media studies or a combination. It requires five courses, including HMCS 126, Media Institutions, or INTL/HMCS 202, Global Media Industries. One of the five courses must include study of media outside the United States, and no more than two of the courses may focus on film. Additional professional courses are available at the University of St. Thomas and other ACTC schools. To enroll in the minor, speak with Leola Johnson, HMCS chair (HU 301, X6725). Students who enroll as majors and minors are invited to department events and notified of internships, conferences, and other off-campus opportunities. While enrolling as a major or minor requires a tentative course selection, students may change their selections before their last semester, provided they remain within major or minor requirements.
What do I do with a degree in Humanities & Media & Cultural Studies?
Many of our majors go on to satisfying positions in journalism, film, and media industries. With a degree in Humanities & Media & Cultural Studies you will develop a broader understanding of media, culture, and society. There are many internships available during the school year as well as summers with interesting companies who specifically seek out Mac students.
If you're looking for a job that says "humanities degree preferred," you won't find many of those. That doesn't mean that your degree won't lead to a job. You can think in terms of marketing the skills you will have developed and translate these skills for an employer. This is where your ability to understand and communicate becomes crucial.
Some examples of HMCS internships include Anna Rockne, Minnesota Premier Publications – News Intern; Rachel Bernstein, Playwrights’ Center –
Communications Project Intern; Jessica Mowles, Scarletta Press – Editorial Intern; Ira Liston, Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights – Refugee and Asylum Project Intern; David Johnson-Igra, Atlantic Records – Music Promotion.
Go to our Alum page and see what those who have gone before you have done with their degree. You can find emails of some of our grads who'd be happy to talk about life after Mac.