• MDST 3900

    Specialized Field Experience in Media Studies
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course is reserved for Media Studies students interested in receiving credit for participation in student-led and UVA-affiliated enterprises that are media-related under the guidance of a faculty member or industry professional in the area of media studies. Students must put a proposal together for the project with a faculty sponsor, which must be approved by the add/drop deadlines. Restricted to Media Studies Majors.

  • MDST 4010

    Distinguished Majors Thesis Writing or Research Project
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Writing of a thesis or production or a project with appropriately researched documentation, under the supervision of the faculty DMP thesis readers or project supervisor.

  • MDST 4210

    Global Environmental Media
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.57

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    From analysis of documentary, narrative film, animation, gaming, experimental video, and social media, the class will provide students with the tools to bridge the gap between media and scientific messages about environmental issues. Students will develop critical tools to understand the aesthetic, environmental and industrial characteristics of different media practices related to some of the most significant issues facing our world.

  • MDST 4510

    Capstone Topics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.80

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    A capstone seminar, this course offers students a supervised opportunity to pursue original research in media studies. Related to a theme selected by the instructor, the project will entail design of a research question, extensive collection and analysis of literature and data, and completion of a 15-20 page paper that provides new, critical insight or information on the subject examined.

  • MDST 4960

    Advanced Independent Projects in Media Studies
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course is designed to allow students to pursue independent research and study of a topic that is not contained within the course offerings of Media Studies. This course will not fulfill the capstone requirement

  • MDST 5115

    Tasting Succession: A Gamey, Brainy Hit
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    Students examine Succession to critically assess contemporary networks and creatures fueled by a will to power and operating amidst ¿the ruins of neoliberalism.¿ They also examine the toxic effects of this will to power by sifting patiently through the ruins of the Roy family: the relationship between parents and children; the relationship between/among siblings; their fear of abandonment; their desire for recognition; their desire for love.

  • MDST 5559

    New Course in Media Studies
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.84

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course provides the opportunity to offer a new course in the subject of Media Studies. If offered, topics will be listed on the course offerings page for the particular semester.

  • MDST 7220

    Documentary and the Politics of Truth
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    In an era of AI-generated content, deepfakes, and algorithmic bias, documentary media plays a crucial role in interrogating the politics of truth. This seminar explores how documentary engages with truthmaking and emerging technologies. Through key studies and films, students will examine how filmmakers expose and hide infrastructures of control, while provoking ethical dilemmas.

  • MDST 7559

    New Course in Media Studies
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.93

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course provides the opportunity to offer new topics in the subject of Media Studies.

  • MDST 7600

    Data and Democracy
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This graduate seminar will explore the ways that large-scale data collection, algorithmic processes, and artificial intelligence enhance or detract from the core values and practices of democracy. The course will cover the basics of data science, surveillance, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.