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Faculty of Arts
UNB Fredericton

Back to Culture and Media Studies

Culture and Media Studies

Media Arts and Cultures

Learn about media by making media

When you choose this program, you will think critically about media and its relationship to our wider culture. You will not only consider, critique, and engage intellectually with media, you will the learn tools and techniques used today to create media content. You will not only learn to see the water, you will dive deep and explore its depths.

You will examine the development of modern art, the changing nature of TV, contemporary practices in graphic design, the meaning of digital culture, how images communicate meaning, why social media is important, and much more.

We offer courses in the history and language of film, but also in film production.

You can explore the growing field of game studies, from early analysis of play and games in Western Culture to contemporary video game analysis and design.

In our classes, you will not only learn from reading textbooks but also from:

  • screening a film or watching a video
  • exploring a website
  • playing a game

You will write well-researched papers and give in-class presentations, but your assignments also include:

  • videos and films
  • photo essays
  • media remixes
  • animations
  • blogs
  • original video games
  • apps for mobile devices

We place a high value on developing university-level critical reading and writing skills. You will also use a variety of other media to learn and to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding.

Marshall McLuhan, the great Canadian media scholar, once said, “We don’t know who discovered water but we know it wasn’t a fish.” In other words, those who are most immersed in something often aren’t aware of what is all around them. People rarely give much thought to the incredible media ecosystem that envelops and involves them. Instead many are happy to be carried along wherever the tides and trends may lead.

We’ll teach you to be both a critical consumer and a creative producer, both a scholar of media and an author of media.

Program structure

Students interested in Media Arts and Cultures have a variety of options when choosing one of our programs. The most common program is the major, which requires 12 ch of introductory and intermediate level courses plus 30 ch of upper level courses (including certain required courses). Students can also choose the Film Production option within the major, or a double major with another discipline.

Media Arts and Cultures has an honours program (as well as joint honours). Students interested in the Film Production option can also complete that within the honours program.

For those majoring in other areas, there is minor in Media Arts and Cultures available that requires only 24 ch of MAAC courses.

Advising checklists


Where studying MAAC can lead you

  • graduate school
  • media production (including film, television and games production)
  • journalism (film, games and arts criticism)
  • social media & outreach
  • film & media programming
  • public relations

Culture and media studies alumni

Communications Agent – Class of 2017

Camille Coulombe

I graduated from the Media Arts and Cultures program in 2017. I now work as a communications agent for the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, an agricultural non-profit organization. I am in charge of coordinating various projects and staying in contact with our membership.

I also maintain the organizations website, social media and design jobs. I applied for my current position while I was still a Media Arts and Cultures student. I was hired in December of 2017 and worked part-time until I graduated in May, and I started full-time in June of that year. The Media Arts and Cultures program helped me gain confidence in my abilities, to not be afraid of stepping outside of your comfort zone and to push yourself to try new media techniques.


Actor/Event Producer – Class of 2012

Jennifer Ferris

I graduated from the Media Arts and Cultures program’s class of 2012. I work as an actor, event producer, freelance improv instructor, lead host at Second City and as an usher at TIFF. While my main goal is to become an actor, I also produce a number of live events, from comedy shows to high school improv competitions. I’ve been able to get my various jobs through networking and community involvement. I use my Media Arts and cultures degree all the time! I’m always using my graphic design skills to push my events to the next level. All of my creative knowledge makes me an asset to any project I work on.


Videographer - Class of 2015

Brock Jorgensen

I graduated from the Media Arts and Cultures program in 2015. I now work for the Atlantic Lottery, shooting music festivals, events, commercials and stills. I got my job by building up my personal brand over the years, stemming from my time doing film work.

This portfolio and expression helped me gain knowledge into the world of social content and how to execute it. My education in Media Arts and Cultures brought a new understanding of communications and work ethic. It taught me how to network and push boundaries when it came to cinema and photography.


Contact

Dr. Scott Preston
Associate Professor, Media Arts & Cultures
Department of Culture and Media Studies