This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
MATX 601. Texts and Textuality. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores theories of texts and textuality as they relate to the study of media, the arts and discourse of any kind.
MATX 602. History of Media, Art, and Text. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines the history of communication technologies in their social and cultural contexts, with an emphasis on the development of contemporary digital technology and new media. Students will explore how the interactions between communication practices and technologies are related to institutions, identity formation, cultural values, social practices and economic conditions.
MATX 603. Mass Media. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines the history of mass media and the leading theories, concepts and methods for mass media research.
MATX 604. Interdisciplinary Workshop. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment restricted to first-year MATX students. Students gain an understanding of current interdisciplinary theory and practice across media, art, and text. Examination of real-world examples provides a foundation for academic and professional careers in today’s interdisciplinary digital environment. Workshopping of students’ preliminary dissertation ideas, conference abstracts, teaching portfolios and professional websites develops content and skills needed for the MATX e-portfolio. Graded as pass/fail.
MATX 690. Seminar in Media, Art, and Text. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Graduate-level research and reading centered on interdisciplinary study.
MATX 696. Internship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits; may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Planned experiences approved by student's adviser under the supervision of professionals and evaluated by university faculty.
MATX 791. Directed Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits; may be repeated for credit. Focuses on a selected topic chosen by student and approved by student's adviser.
MATX 897. Dissertation Project. 1-12 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-12 credits; may be repeated for credit. Research and work leading to the completion of the dissertation project.