Major Requirements
Students choose their own humanities and media and cultural studies advisor, who should be closely involved in the focus section of the major plan. Advisors also assist majors as they decide which of the many available courses would best meet their foundation requirements. In all, students take a progression of fourteen courses that integrate as well as differentiate humanities and cultural studies approaches, beginning with introductory exposure to a range of critical views and culminating in a senior capstone seminar. The introductory course, Texts and Power: Foundations of Cultural Studies (MCST 110 ), covers the history of cultural analysis, broadly defined, from traditional to contemporary approaches, providing students with a foundation in major writings and acquainting students with issues of continuing debate. Completion of or enrollment in MCST 110 is required for admission into the major program. 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 sexualities and two courses in the theory and philosophy of culture at the 200-level or above. In addition, all students are required to complete a six-course focus, concentrating on one textual form, period, or theme.
In the capstone seminar, students working on an independent project in line with the theme of the seminar share their scholarship, integrating what they have learned in the major, emphasizing knowledge gained in their focus area. The capstone experience involves close analysis of cultural artifacts that examine at a higher level issues first raised in the introductory course. The department plans to offer two seminars every year, at least one in media studies, enabling students to select the seminar most relevant to their intellectual development. In exceptional cases, students with sufficient preparation may take the seminar prior to their senior year.
Foundation Courses
A list of courses that satisfy the foundation requirements is available on the department website.
Other related courses in appropriate departments may be used at the discretion of an advisor subject to the approval of the department chair. To qualify for Foundations I and II, courses must approach broad topics or multiple forms in the humanities comparatively or use methods drawn from cultural studies. For Foundation III, courses must be listed or cross-listed in American Studies or WGSS.
For Foundation IV, courses must be at the 200-level or above and include theoretical readings relevant to projects in humanities, media studies, or cultural studies.
Focus Plans
The six-course focus, united by a common theme, is the central part of the humanities and media and cultural studies major, and its name appears on each major’s transcript. In the focus, students build on the introductory and foundation courses, combining a broad knowledge and a sophisticated set of analytical tools for a thorough look at one aspect of culture. Students work with their advisor to select an established focus area such as film studies or media studies (details available on the department website) or to design a focus on one theme, such as comparative literature, critical theory, postcolonial studies, or pre-modern cultures. The department encourages students to think creatively in designing innovative yet coherent concentrations responsive to their intellectual interests, putting together a focus with the help of an advisor, whose own courses might be a significant element. Focus areas may not significantly overlap already existing majors or minors.
Macalester