Modern Media: The Good, the Bad, & the Future

Network news, Youtube vloggers, The Washington Post posting to TikTok. What is “modern” about media today? How can we consume—and create—media in more mindful, ethical, transformative ways? In this course you will learn about both traditional “mass media,” like newspapers and broadcast journalism, and the many types of “new media” which have exploded over the digital age, including social media.

Leading the way together, the two program instructors represent different areas of experience and expertise: Eileen G'Sell has a vibrant and ongoing history of consistent, topical publication and participation in short and long-form culture criticism; John R. Green has an eminent history—four Emmys, a Dupont and Peabody Award—in mass media news and documentary production.

In the News

Happy medium

First-years have a lot to learn about media literacy in 2023 — but so do the rest of us. Arts & Sciences’ Eileen G’Sell, co-teaching a new course on media, explains why.

How to Sign Up

The sign-up process with priority review for first-year programs and seminars begins on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 4 p.m. (CT). To participate in priority review, please submit your application in the first 24 hours after applications open or by Friday, May 17, 2024, at 4 p.m. (CT). The link to the application form will be available on the First-Year Programs homepage during that time. You will need your WUSTL Key to apply. For each of the Ampersand Programs you wish to rank in your top four choices, you will need to complete a separate statement of interest (no more than 500 words) answering a program specific question. For Modern Media: The Good, the Bad, & the Future the 2024 application: Please choose to write 250-500 words on one of the following prompts: 1) Note one recent example of modern media that excites or fascinates you. Why is this the case?; 2) To what extent do you feel represented by modern mass media today? Why or why not?; 3) Name one particular change or trend in modern media that you deem worthy of critique. Why?

First-Year Programs Homepage

The Courses

Fall & Spring Semesters

In the fall, students will gain a nuanced grasp of past and current exigencies related to journalism, publishing, documentary, and news reportage. In the spring, students will learn how to create their own media within a variety of relevant genres—short form reportage, thought pieces, video documentary, social media "stories," and more—to consider what is “good” and “bad” about both traditional and new media categories. The highlight of the program is an educational trip in late May to New York City, offering an in-depth look behind the scenes with executives and media creators at several major hubs—including network TV news and documentary, print and digital publishing, social media, and podcast.

Additional program costs: The travel component of this course—a trip to New York City—costs approximately $3,000. Need-based financial support is available.

Modern Media: The Good, the Bad, & the Future