Program Overview

The new Visual and Cultural Studies major combines the breadth of an interdisciplinary major with a special focus on visual media. Its interdisciplinary structure brings together approaches to visual media and cultural production that would usually be separated by discipline. The Visual and Cultural Studies Degree provides courses that fulfill General Education requirements, and thus assists students in completing necessary courses that will help them achieve their educational goals. Students will consider various methodologies, critical theories, positions, and perspectives used to describe and analyze visual and cultural texts. Students will analyze how culture interacts with society, especially as it is defined by the intersection of gender, race, ethnicity, social class, disability, sexual orientation, and sub-cultures; and how historical, political, social, economic, and cultural issues impact visual and cultural thought, shaping socialization, institutions, and communications media. The necessary critical and creative skills will be taught and utilized in order to accomplish these objectives and goals.