Comparative Media Studies is a dynamic field that examines contemporary media forms—from film and television to video games, social media, and emerging digital platforms—alongside the creative and journalistic practices that shape them. At MIT, the Comparative Media Studies/Writing section offers a unique and comprehensive approach to this interdisciplinary area, blending critical analysis with hands-on creative production. This program provides students with the tools to understand and navigate the evolving media landscape, preparing them for both academic and professional careers.
I. Understanding Comparative Media Studies and Writing at MIT
The Comparative Media Studies/Writing section at MIT stands out by integrating the rigorous study of media with practical writing and communication skills. This approach is reflected in its two undergraduate majors: Comparative Media Studies and Writing, as well as its Master of Science in Science Writing. The program’s core philosophy encourages students to think critically across diverse media forms and to gain deeper insights into contemporary media by engaging in the creative processes of media production.
For undergraduates, the curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of media, bridging historical contexts with the latest digital innovations. Students delve into the theoretical and interpretive frameworks drawn from humanities disciplines such as literary study, history, anthropology, art history, and film studies. This foundation is then synthesized with an exploration of the unique characteristics of 21st-century media culture.
The graduate program in Science Writing at MIT is tailored for individuals passionate about communicating complex scientific ideas to the public. It equips students with the skills to interpret and articulate scientific research, contextualize it within broader social and historical narratives, and craft compelling pieces that balance analytical depth with engaging style.
Key Resources: MIT Writing and Communication Center (WCC) & WRAP Program
The program is enriched by two key centers serving the wider MIT community:
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MIT Writing and Communication Center (WCC): A valuable resource offering free, personalized consultation on communication skills to all MIT members. Whether through scheduled appointments or drop-in sessions, the WCC supports students, faculty, and staff in enhancing their communication abilities across various formats. For further academic support, explore Academic Resources at MIT.
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Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication (WRAP) Program: This program collaborates with faculty across all MIT departments to integrate communication instruction into disciplinary learning. WRAP faculty are instrumental in teaching communication-intensive subjects to nearly every MIT undergraduate, tailoring discipline-specific communication guidance for graduate students through both credit-bearing and non-credit models. WRAP also plays a crucial role in assessing the writing proficiency of incoming students through the First-year Essay Exam for undergraduates and the Graduate Writing Exam.
II. Undergraduate Programs in Comparative Media Studies and Writing
MIT offers distinct yet interconnected undergraduate paths within Comparative Media Studies/Writing, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.
Bachelor of Science in Comparative Media Studies (CMS)
The Bachelor of Science in Comparative Media Studies (CMS) degree program provides a robust framework for understanding media in its multifaceted forms. It is meticulously structured to merge the study of contemporary media—including film, television, and digital systems—with a rich historical perspective on older forms of human expression. The program skillfully integrates theoretical and interpretive principles from core humanistic disciplines, fostering a comparative synthesis that directly addresses the distinctive media culture of the 21st century.
Students in the CMS program learn to navigate the complexities of the media environment by adopting a cross-media approach, moving beyond traditional medium-specific analyses of audio-visual and literary forms. This undergraduate degree serves as excellent preparation for advanced academic pursuits across a spectrum of scholarly and professional fields, as well as for direct entry into careers within the media industry.
The interdisciplinary essence of the CMS program is highlighted by the broad involvement of faculty from various MIT departments, including Art and Architecture; Anthropology; Global Languages; History; Literature; Music and Theater Arts; Philosophy; Science, Technology, and Society; Media Arts and Sciences; Political Science; and Urban Studies and Planning. This diverse faculty ensures a rich and varied learning experience, drawing on expertise from across MIT’s academic spectrum.
To earn a SB in Comparative Media Studies, students must complete 10 subjects. The core requirements include CMS.100 Introduction to Media Studies, a Media Practice and Production subject, CMS.701 Current Debates in Media (CI-M), a second CI-M subject, and six electives. Students also have the option to substitute a pre-thesis tutorial (CMS.THT) and thesis (CMS.THU) for one elective, allowing for in-depth research and scholarly exploration within the major.
Bachelor of Science in Writing (Course 21W)
The Bachelor of Science in Writing (Course 21W) program offers an in-depth exploration into the craft, forms, and traditions of contemporary writing, journalism, and digital media. This major is designed for students who are passionate about writing and seek to develop their skills across various genres and platforms. The program recognizes the diverse applications of writing, catering to students with varied interests:
- Artistic Expression: Some students use writing as a powerful medium for artistic expression, exploring creative writing in fiction and poetry.
- Media and Communication: Others focus on writing for diverse media outlets or communicating scientific and technical information to broad audiences, including professional peers and the general public.
- Digital Media Innovation: A segment of students collaborates within the evolving landscape of digital media to master interactive and nonlinear communication forms, essential for today’s digital-first world.
All subjects within the Writing major emphasize the cultivation of foundational writing skills, creative initiative, and critical thinking—essential attributes for becoming a proficient writer. The curriculum is structured around three areas of emphasis: creative writing, science writing, and nonfiction writing, with subjects offered at both introductory and advanced levels.
A hallmark of the Writing program is its intensive, workshop-based approach. All subjects involve substantial writing and revision, with student work rigorously discussed in workshops and receiving detailed written feedback from instructors. This method ensures personalized attention and fosters a supportive learning environment where students refine their writing through practice and constructive critique.
Joint Degree Programs in Comparative Media Studies and Writing
For students seeking to integrate their interest in media or writing with a strong foundation in science or engineering, MIT offers joint undergraduate degree programs.
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Joint Degree Programs in Comparative Media Studies: The joint program in CMS (21E or 21S) requires a focused curriculum comprising eight CMS subjects along with six subjects in an engineering or science major. The CMS component includes core subjects such as CMS.100 Introduction to Media Studies, a Media Practice and Production subject, CMS.701 Current Debates in Media, and five CMS electives. Similar to the standard CMS major, a pre-thesis tutorial (CMS.THT) and thesis (CMS.THU) can substitute for one elective. Students must seek advisor approval for both their CMS and engineering/science subject selections, ensuring a cohesive and interdisciplinary academic plan. More details are available under joint degree programs in the Department of Humanities section.
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Joint Degree Programs in Writing: The joint degree in 21W (21E or 21S) is designed for students who wish to combine writing expertise with science or engineering disciplines. It requires seven writing subjects, a writing pre-thesis (21W.THT), and a thesis (21W.THU), complemented by six subjects in an engineering or science major. Like the CMS joint degree, students need faculty advisor approvals from both the Writing program and their chosen science/engineering field. Further information can be found under joint degree programs within the Department of Humanities.
Minors in Comparative Media Studies and Writing
For undergraduates wishing to complement their primary field of study with a focused exploration of media or writing, MIT offers minors in both Comparative Media Studies and Writing.
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Minor in Comparative Media Studies: This minor requires six subjects, providing a structured yet flexible pathway to gain expertise in media studies. The curriculum includes:
| Category | Requirements
| Introductory | CMS.100 Introduction to Media Studies |
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