Media Arts and Practice (BA)

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The Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Practice offers a robust curriculum centered on the history, theory and practice of digital media in creative and scholarly contexts. Students will study the evolution of media in concert with new cinematic technologies, from the work of early innovators such as Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, through the pioneering experiments in information theory embodied by thinkers such as Claude Shannon, Norbert Wiener and Vannevar Bush, and on to the experiments of artists and designers working with interactivity, immersion, stereoscopy and performance for over a century. Students will also learn how to understand the relationship among media forms, emerging technologies and culture, and how to author in diverse media platforms for both critical and creative practice. The media arts and practice major is ideal for students who are interested in the expanded array of cinematic technologies that can be used for the creative and critical expression of ideas, as well as those who want to develop skills in visual communication for use in diverse fields.

Information about courses and other program offerings can be obtained by emailing the Media Arts and Practice program at map@cinema.usc.edu.

General Education Requirements

The university’s general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See the General Education Program for more information.

Thesis Sequence

The media arts and practice major culminates in a digital thesis project that students research, develop and construct during their senior year. These projects will engage a key issue faced by contemporary media arts practitioners and will represent the convergence of conceptual excellence and digital innovation.

Program Requirements

A total of 56 units is required to complete the major: 14 units of introductory course work, 30 units of intermediate course work and 12 units of advanced course work. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Required Courses

Total Units: 56

Additional Requirements

Technical Electives (4 units)

This requirement allows students to expand their technical skillset by taking courses in other academic departments. Applicable courses include: CTAN 330 , CTAN 448 , CTAN 452 , CTIN 483 and CTPR 385 . Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval. Courses may be lower-division or upper-division, but they must incorporate a hands-on media production component and tool-based instruction appropriate to the medium.

Media Arts Electives (4 units)

This requirement allows students to expand their inquiry into media arts as a discipline. Applicable courses include: IML 309 , IML 340 , IML 385 , IML 420 , IML 450 , IML 475 and IML 499 .

Theory Electives (4 units)

This requirement allows students to expand their knowledge of the theory, history and critical analysis of digital media. Applicable courses include: CTCS 478 and CTCS 482 . Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval. Courses must be upper-division and must include a weekly reading of critical texts.

Grade Point Average Requirements

A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not satisfy a major requirement.

Curriculum Review

Media arts and practice majors are expected to meet with an academic adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Media Arts and Practice program at map@cinema.usc.edu for an appointment.