Introduction to Comparative Media Studies at MIT
The Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT stands at the forefront of media education, uniquely blending the rigorous study of contemporary media with hands-on creative and journalistic practices. This interdisciplinary program delves into the evolving landscape of media, encompassing film, television, video games, social media, and interactive digital platforms, alongside traditional forms of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. At Mit Comparative Media Studies, students are encouraged to become not just observers, but active creators and critical thinkers within the media world.
This innovative department offers two distinct undergraduate majors: Comparative Media Studies and Writing, in addition to a Master of Science in Science Writing. Whether you are an aspiring media scholar, a budding screenwriter, a future science communicator, or simply passionate about understanding the power of media, MIT Comparative Media Studies provides a comprehensive and cutting-edge educational experience.
What is Comparative Media Studies at MIT?
MIT Comparative Media Studies is more than just analyzing films or studying social media trends. It’s a dynamic field that encourages students to think across media platforms and historical periods. The program’s core philosophy lies in understanding contemporary media through the lens of creation and production. This approach fosters a deep appreciation for the complexities of media and prepares graduates for a wide array of careers in both academic and professional fields.
The strength of MIT Comparative Media Studies is its interdisciplinary nature. Drawing from humanities disciplines like literary study, history, anthropology, art history, and film studies, the program cultivates a comparative synthesis that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of 21st-century media culture. Students learn to transcend traditional medium-specific approaches and explore the interconnectedness of audio-visual and literary forms.
Undergraduate Programs in Comparative Media Studies and Writing
MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing offers two distinct yet interconnected undergraduate paths, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Bachelor of Science in Comparative Media Studies (CMS)
The Bachelor of Science in Comparative Media Studies degree offers a robust curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of media in its historical and contemporary contexts. The program integrates the study of modern media forms like film, television, and digital systems with a broad historical perspective on human expression.
Students in MIT Comparative Media Studies program actively engage with digital media, exploring its creative and analytical dimensions.
Students delve into theoretical and interpretive frameworks derived from core humanistic disciplines, fostering analytical and critical thinking skills essential for navigating the complex media environment. The curriculum is structured to encourage students to think critically about media boundaries and to develop a nuanced understanding of emerging media culture.
The CMS degree requires the completion of 10 subjects, including:
- CMS.100 Introduction to Media Studies: A foundational course providing an overview of the field.
- Media Practice and Production subject: Hands-on experience in media creation.
- CMS.701 Current Debates in Media (CI-M): Engaging with contemporary issues in media studies.
- Second CI-M subject: Further exploration of communication-intensive topics.
- Six Electives: Allowing for specialization within CMS.
Students may also substitute a pre-thesis tutorial (CMS.THT) and thesis (CMS.THU) for one elective, offering an opportunity for in-depth research.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Comparative Media Studies are well-prepared for advanced academic pursuits or direct entry into media and related industries.
Bachelor of Science in Writing (Course 21W)
The Bachelor of Science in Writing (Course 21W) program offers a unique opportunity to explore the craft, forms, and traditions of contemporary writing across diverse genres and media. From creative writing to journalism and digital media, the program emphasizes the development of foundational writing skills, creative initiative, and critical sensibility.
MIT Comparative Media Studies’ Writing program emphasizes workshop-based learning, providing students with constructive feedback on their creative work.
Students can specialize in areas such as:
- Creative Writing: Exploring artistic expression through fiction and poetry.
- Science Writing: Communicating complex scientific and technical information to broad audiences.
- Nonfiction Writing: Mastering journalistic and narrative nonfiction forms.
All subjects within the writing major involve extensive writing and revision, with student work often discussed in workshop settings and receiving detailed instructor feedback. This rigorous approach ensures that graduates are skilled, versatile writers ready for professional careers or further study in writing-related fields.
Joint Degree Programs in Comparative Media Studies and Writing
For students seeking to combine their passion for media or writing with another field of study, MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing offers joint undergraduate degree programs with engineering or science majors (21E or 21S).
- Joint Degree in CMS: Requires eight CMS subjects and six subjects in an engineering or science major.
- Joint Degree in Writing: Requires seven writing subjects, a writing pre-thesis and thesis, and six subjects in an engineering or science major.
These joint programs provide a unique interdisciplinary education, allowing students to bridge the humanities with STEM fields and opening up diverse career paths.
Minors in Comparative Media Studies and Writing
Students across MIT can also pursue minors in Comparative Media Studies or Writing to complement their primary field of study.
- Minor in Comparative Media Studies: Requires six subjects, including introductory, intermediate, capstone, and elective courses.
- Minor in Writing: Requires six subjects across two tiers of study, focusing on rhetoric and contemporary issues, and specialized writing subjects.
These minors offer a focused exploration of media studies or writing, enhancing students’ critical thinking, communication, and creative skills, regardless of their major discipline.
Graduate Study: Master of Science in Science Writing
The Master of Science in Science Writing program at MIT is a prestigious one-year graduate program designed for individuals passionate about communicating science and technology to the public. This program is ideal for graduates from diverse backgrounds, including science, engineering, journalism, writing, and individuals with advanced degrees seeking to specialize in science communication.
Students in MIT’s Science Writing program gain hands-on experience through lab observations, enhancing their understanding of scientific research processes.
The program’s core is an intensive year-long advanced science writing seminar, supplemented by elective courses, a substantial thesis project, lab observations, and an internship. Students learn to interpret and explain complex scientific concepts to a general audience, contextualize research within social and historical frameworks, and craft compelling pieces that blend rigorous analysis with creativity and style.
Graduates of the Science Writing program are highly sought after for careers in journalism, publishing, museums, science communication, and various media outlets.
Key Resources: MIT Writing and Communication Center & WRAP
MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing is home to two vital centers that serve as invaluable resources for the entire MIT community:
MIT Writing and Communication Center (WCC)
The MIT Writing and Communication Center (WCC) offers free, personalized communication consulting services to all MIT members. Whether you need help with writing assignments, presentations, or any form of communication, the WCC provides expert guidance through individual consultations, workshops, and online resources. The WCC is a crucial resource for students seeking to enhance their communication skills across disciplines.
Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication (WRAP)
The Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication (WRAP) program collaborates with faculty across all MIT departments to integrate communication instruction into various disciplines. WRAP faculty teach communication-intensive subjects at all levels, ensuring that MIT undergraduates develop strong written, oral, and visual communication skills throughout their academic journey. WRAP also plays a key role in designing and administering writing assessments for incoming undergraduate and graduate students.
Faculty and Research at MIT Comparative Media Studies
The Comparative Media Studies/Writing program boasts a distinguished faculty of leading scholars and practitioners in media studies, writing, and related fields. Faculty expertise spans a wide range of areas, including digital media, game studies, science writing, film and television studies, social media, and civic media.
The interdisciplinary nature of the program is further enhanced by faculty affiliations with departments across MIT, 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 fosters a rich and dynamic learning environment for students interested in exploring the multifaceted world of media.
Conclusion: Join MIT Comparative Media Studies
MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing offers a unique and transformative educational experience for students passionate about media, communication, and writing. With its interdisciplinary approach, hands-on learning opportunities, distinguished faculty, and access to exceptional resources, the program prepares graduates to be leaders and innovators in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Whether you aspire to be a media scholar, a creative writer, a science communicator, or a media industry professional, MIT Comparative Media Studies provides the knowledge, skills, and network to achieve your goals. Explore the program further and discover how you can shape the future of media at MIT.
For more information, visit the MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing website.
