February 18, 2007 - 4:00pm
Media Studies courses are gaining popularity with Malaspina University-College Bachelor of Arts students from all disciplines.
Since Malaspina introduced the first Media Studies classes in the mid-1990s, hundreds of students have taken the ever-expanding repertoire of topics, which includes everything from film, global media and the history of journalism, to popular culture, Canadian media theorists and technology. Besides theory, students also learn to hone their computer, video and photography skills.
The emphasis on understanding media is crucial to succeeding in a number of fields, said Marshall Soules, Malaspina professor and chair of the Media Studies department.
"We study the media to help us act in conscious and responsible ways," said Soules. "In our study of media, we acquire communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking techniques, insight into cultures around the globe, understanding technology, and a range of technical skills. We become knowledgeable workers whose skills are required in all sectors of society - from starting a small business to managing a large corporation, from creating new artworks to changing governments."
Malaspina graduates who have taken a Media Studies minor or, even just a few courses, have gone on to become journalists, musicians, public relations officers, teachers, scholars and graphic artists.One of those grads is Matthew Carter.
Carter, a founding member of Nanaimo’s popular punk band the Kiltlifters, graduated from Malaspina in 2006 with a Bachelor of Artsdegree, with a major in Creative Writing and a minor in Media Studies.
He also went through Malaspina’s diploma jazz program. Carter, who plays the saxophone, and is the lead singer and principal songwriter for the Kiltlifters, said his Media Studies courses have helped him create websites, produce short films, record, edit and mix audio, give public speeches, create and shape business plans and promote his band in the press.
He also applies the same skills to his more recent position as Malaspina’s new Alumni Relations manager.
"The relevance of what we learn in Media Studies courses is staggering," said Carter. "Media Studies does the best job of any academic discipline in providing a broad view of how the world really is.I believe having a media-literate public sphere will create a more progressive society, and Malaspina’s Media Studies courses have helped me contribute to such a society."
DaveWoods feels the same way. Woods graduated from Malaspina in June 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Creative Writing and Journalism, and a Minor in Political Science. He now works as the Assistant Communications Officer for the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society in Duncan. Woods said Malaspina's Media Studies courses influenced the way he interprets the media.
"We live in a world where the gatekeepers who control the media are always trying to influence the thought patterns of the masses," said Woods. "Unfortunately, it is my opinion that for the most part, the masses are unaware of the forces that influence their thinking. I would strongly urge everyone to gain a media awareness."
For a taste of what Media Studies courses are like, the public is invited to attend the free Media Matters Lecture Series. The next lecture is on Friday, February23 with Kathryn-Jane Hazel called "It Takes More Than Spin To Win". The final lecture of the series is on Friday, March 23, with Marshall Soules who will discuss "The Canada/Cuba Image Dialogue: Photography, Ethnography, Ideology." All lectures are in building 355, room 211, on the Nanaimo campus, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
For more information about Media Studies courses visit www.mediamalaspina.ca.
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