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Modern Culture and Media
The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Culture and Media at Brown University offers a critical and creative exploration of media, visual culture, and cultural theory in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical inquiry with hands-on practice, allowing students to examine how media forms such as film, television, digital platforms, and art intersect with social structures, identities, and political life. With foundations in critical theory, film studies, and cultural analysis, students gain the tools to question how images, narratives, and technologies shape contemporary experience and discourse.
The curriculum is structured to balance analytical rigor with creative production. Students engage deeply with scholarly literature while also producing films, writing screenplays, or experimenting with interactive media. The department encourages bold thinking and originality, offering pathways to explore topics such as race, gender, postcolonial theory, and media history through a transdisciplinary lens. Collaborative learning, faculty mentorship, and access to Brown’s state-of-the-art production facilities help students connect theory to practice in ways that are both intellectually challenging and socially relevant.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Modern Culture and Media
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Media and Culture
- Introduction to Modern Culture and Media
- History of Film and Visual Media
- Theories of Culture and Communication
- Academic Writing in Cultural Studies
Year 2 – Intermediate Critical and Creative Practices
- Film Analysis and Interpretation
- Media Production: Sound and Image
- Critical Race and Media Studies
- Theory and History of Narrative
Year 3 – Advanced Inquiry and Practice
- Contemporary Cultural Theory
- Screenwriting or Digital Media Studio
- Global Media Systems
- Research Methods in Media Studies
Year 4 – Capstone and Specialization
- Senior Seminar in Media Criticism
- Independent Research or Creative Thesis
- Experimental Cinema or Gender and Media
- Advanced Topics in Cultural Studies
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program enter diverse career paths across the media, creative, academic, and nonprofit sectors. Many pursue roles in film and television production, screenwriting, or media consulting, while others work in cultural institutions, education, or digital content strategy. The program also serves as a strong foundation for graduate studies in film theory, media studies, communications, or cultural criticism. Its emphasis on analytical thinking and creative innovation equips students for careers that require strong communication skills, media literacy, and cultural awareness, such as public relations, publishing, museum curation, and documentary filmmaking.
Why Choose This Program
Brown University’s Modern Culture and Media program stands out for its rigorous interdisciplinary approach, integration of theory and practice, and emphasis on critical media literacy. The open curriculum allows students to build a personalized academic journey, supported by a faculty engaged in groundbreaking research and creative work. Small seminar-style classes promote deep dialogue, while access to high-quality production resources enables hands-on exploration. The program is ideal for students passionate about media, society, and artistic expression, who seek to understand and influence the cultural forces shaping our world through thoughtful critique and innovative creation.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
