This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. 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.
NEXT 240. Reading Technology, Media and Culture. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Builds on students’ ability to analyze texts, media and associated cultural productions, emphasizing critical thinking, relationships between forms and cultural contexts. Individual sections may focus on a particular theme, unifying question or interdisciplinary approach.
NEXT 275. AI, Texts and Cultures. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Explores the intersections of artificial intelligence and texts, conceived broadly (stories, films, other media) from historical, analytical and/or
creative perspectives. Individual sections may focus on a particular theme, unifying question or interdisciplinary approach. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
NEXT 383. Digital Studies. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. A survey of current topics in the critical study of digital media.
NEXT 491. Topics in Digital Studies: ____. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 201, ENGL 202, ENGL 203, ENGL 204, ENGL 205, ENGL 206, ENGL 211, ENGL 215, ENGL 236, ENGL 250, ENGL 291, ENGL 295 or NEXT 240. Focused study of specific topics in the critical study of digital media.