Simplifying the Complexity of MCS 333

By: Gwen Pacis

Photo Credit: Gwen Pacis

At first glance, Media and Communication Studies (MCS) core courses seem straightforward. Each offers skills that will be important in completing a person’s capstone towards the conclusion of the Bachelor of Arts degree. However, after completing MCS 222: Introduction to Media & Communication Studies as a core course prerequisite, MCS majors tend to hesitate when looking at the following courses they need to head into. 

For a lot of people, history and theory can be intimidating to learn and comprehend. It’s understandable as well – when discussing theory, it often comes in various media – not only online, but as physical forms (e.g., books, newspapers, etc.). Additionally, the diction may pose an obstacle for many. However, as a prerequisite for MCS 499: Capstone Seminar, it does not hurt to take a deeper dive into the course material of MCS 333 beforehand to reduce the fear of its material.

What is MCS 333: History and Theory of Mass Communication and Media Studies?

As aforementioned, MCS 333 is an MCS course course that critically examines the history and theories surrounding mass communication and media studies. Instead of focusing mainly on recent decades and developments within social media and other forms of technology, the class material follows a timeline starting from the mid-19th century and its evolution to current-day media culture. The various impacts of not only electronic technology but also transportation (e.g., train) and machinery (e.g., telegraph) contribute to the discussion of media culture evolution. 

In the case of learning about numerous theories, the course offers a wide range of sophisticated texts published by scholars dedicated to understanding the effects of media and society intertwining. Some of these effects elaborated by the theories may discuss electronic technology (e.g., phones) while some dive deeper into the effects of other forms of media on social, economic, and political history. 

For example, a theory that current MCS students elaborate on that has stuck with them would be Jean Baudrillard’s “The Precession of Simulacra.” In a world where technology has integrated itself into society and the environment, this theorist discusses how reality and the simulated world have come to a point where individuals can not distinguish between the two. By indulging in simulacra (e.g., photographs, TV shows, etc.), we fail to recognize our actual reality to appeal to our excitement towards fiction. 

It sounds complicated, does it not? However, through the course, students are able to grow a comprehension of this theory and similar others by connecting it to even their own experiences and current world events. This then opens a student to various perspectives – ones where even many were surprised that they existed prior but have not been discussed further.

How can I make this course easier for myself… and even others?

It is always important to remember that you are not the only one struggling to comprehend something. 

Again – history and theory are hard to comprehend for a lot of people. Especially for me! The formats and diction they are often delivered in may not be understandable off the bat and may need additional elaboration to fully understand the depth of their meaning. In previous semesters, students have noted that professors often pair such theories with real-time examples – such as popular video games (e.g., World of Warcraft) or even global events (e.g., wars, protests). Individually, taking consistent notes in lectures and connecting the theories to your own major life experiences opens new understandings of how media interacts with society today. 

As a current professor of MCS 333 for the fall semester of 2024, Dr. Jason Loviglio also acknowledges the difficulty of grasping the meaning of the material. He advises students to begin with things they and many others don’t understand. “Normalizing feeling a bit lost is important for learning and an important component of the process that theorists go through in developing their theories.” Particularly – texts from Plato, Corinthians, JS Mill, and bell hooks are ones he mentions to be some of the most difficult. However, to lighten the confusion, he has included his own vault of memes, poetry, video essays, etc. for students to connect back to the theories they are paired alongside. 

There are also times when you may grasp a theory and its historical effects much easier than another peer. As noted by Dr. Loviglio and other students who have completed the class – class discussion and collaboration are essential to boosting comprehension. Dr. Loviglio says that the class works best when “students develop a set of recurring questions and arguments that they can bring from text to text and unit to unit. And when they see each other's struggles and questions as part of a collective learning project.” Plus, bouncing ideas back and forth with a person may produce new information about certain concepts or events that can be applicable to these theories.

When should I take this course? Sooner? Later?

It is important to mention again that MCS 333 has MCS 222: Introduction to Media & Communication Studies as a prerequisite for the MCS major’s core courses. However, the best time to take this course is as soon as possible when the chance arrives! MCS 333 lies a significant foundation for the concluding capstone project in MCS 499 as the skills for examining theories and history are essential for the sources you may utilize. Even better, taking this course before MCS 399: Methods in Media and Communication Studies can be beneficial as it aids the research methods (e.g., content analysis) discussed in the class material.

Despite the difficulty it might hold, this course is beneficial for the long-term as it grants you the skills to read deeper between the lines and see the historical growth of media’s role in society in various lights – whether it be beneficial or detrimental. These theories follow you into MCS 499 as well!

The path through this course does not have to be a blind stroll – it can work out!