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Media and Cultural Studies

Analyze the poetics, politics, and production of media.

By viewing systems of power through traditional and non-traditional frameworks, you will learn how to critique media and cultural artifacts and produce your own original work.

Aligned with the college’s commitment to internationalism, multiculturalism, and community service, our department applies theories and methods drawn from the humanities and social sciences to the study and production of film, new media, journalism, photography, and more.

Why study media and culture at Macalester?

Our department offers an innovative 10-course major that includes opportunities for students to combine analysis, criticism, and production.

Students who major in media and cultural studies will develop a working knowledge of the methods used by media and cultural studies historians and critics, an ability to explicate a specific body of culture or type of media in depth, and an appreciation for different kinds of media. They will also have opportunities to produce original work.

The minor concentrates on media studies and offers opportunities for critical research as well as for pre-professional experience in media production. Our on-campus Interdisciplinary Media Lab provides a space and equipment for audio and video production and instruction.

Graduates have found employment in the media, in government, and in social and cultural institutions as well as opportunities for further study in doctoral programs and professional schools.

Life after Macalester

  • Recent Employers

      • Macalester College

      • Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

      • Stonefox Design

      • Wisconsin Public Television

      • Ecolab Inc.

      • The Gotham Group

      • FilmNorth

      • Washtenaw County Public Health

      • Franchesca “Chescaleigh” Ramsey

      • Smokeball

      • Fredrickson Learning

      • SW News Media

      • Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center

      • The Saint Paul Hotel

      • Green Dot Public Schools

      • USA Today

      • Hamline University

      • Whitefish Mountain Resort

      • Hays

      • AEI Capital Corporation

      • Human Horizon Films

      • Stink Studios

      • IME Guards

      • Streamline USA

      • Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP)

      • Teaching Assistant Program in France

      • KIPP Bayview Academy

      • The Radmin Company

      • The Temple/Midtown Atlanta

      • Copperworks Distilling Co.

      • The Wedding Shoppe

      • TPT – Twin Cities PBS

      • MBC

      • US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

      • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

      • Walker Art Center

      • MN Judicial Branch

      • WFNU Frogtown Community Radio

      • National Eating Disorders Association

      • Whole Foods

      • Olson

      • Center for German and European Studies

      • WXPR Public Radio

      • Ramsey County Public Health WIC

      • Self Employed
  • Recent Graduate Schools

    • University of Wisconsin/Madison

    • University of Minnesota/Twin Cities

    • Columbia University

    • University of Texas/Austin

Media and cultural studies in the cities

Students have interned with media companies and local arts and nonprofit organizations such as Advocates for Human Rights, Ananya Dance Theater, Film North, St. Paul Neighborhood Network.

The Twin Cities hosts annual film festivals, including the MSP Film Festival and the Arab Film Festival at locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The Twin Cities are home to a rich media and cultural landscape, including many major museums; print and digital publications; performance spaces; music venues; public radio and television stations, often located just a few miles from campus.