Media Arts and Sciences
Stacey Moran
About this opportunity
The Media Arts and Sciences program (offered as both BS and BA) within The GAME School (Games, Arts, Media, and Engineering) educates students at the intersection of technology, creativity, and critical thinking. The program offers concentrations in art, design, education, film, interactive media, graphic information technology, media processing, and music.
The GAME School educates the next generation of learners and empowers them with technofluency, including its development, application, and implications. We prepare students to be socially aware, critically thinking global citizens who strive to bring about positive change in a society that will be increasingly shaped by revolutions in new technologies.
Students in the Media Arts and Sciences program work closely with faculty to develop technical skills, creative vision, and critical thinking abilities while engaging with both established and emerging media, technologies, and methodologies.
Thesis
Barrett students in Media Arts and Sciences are encouraged to develop thesis projects that demonstrate technofluency: technical proficiency, creativity, and critical engagement with the social, cultural, and ethical implications of media technologies.
The specific requirements, format, and scope of both the creative component and the written element will be determined by the Thesis Director in consultation with the committee, based on the nature of the individual project. Your Thesis Director has primary control over these varying requirements, ensuring they are appropriate for your specific project.
Students are encouraged to view examples of previous projects through the Barrett Digital Collection* and to attend the annual GAME School capstone showcase to see the range of work being produced by their peers.
* Note: these projects are categorized under varying terms.
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Research Thesis |
Creative Thesis |
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Committee Formation
Thesis Director: The Director must be a full-time faculty member in the GAME School with expertise in the project area. It is strongly recommended that students choose a faculty member with whom they have previously worked, such as in upper-division courses or through honors contracts. The Director provides primary guidance throughout the thesis process.
Second Committee Member: The Second Committee Member may be any ASU faculty member or qualified professional in a related field. They assist with research support, reviewing drafts, and providing feedback.
Third Committee Member (optional): A Third Committee Member can offer insights from multiple disciplines, industry, or the larger community. With agreement from the Thesis Director, students may apply for the External Examiner Program, which provides funding for an expert outside of ASU to serve as a Third Committee Member.
Types of Projects
Media Arts and Sciences encourages thesis projects that align with Barrett's five thesis pillars. The following are suggestions to inspire your thinking, but your specific project may take many forms as determined in collaboration with your Thesis Director:
1. Research
Projects focusing on original research, such as:
- Research on media technologies and methodologies
- User experience studies
- Analysis of media representation and impact
- Historical research on media evolution
- Studies on the social implications of emerging technologies
2. Creative Project
Original creative work, such as:
- Interactive media experiences
- Digital art installations
- Films or animations
- AR/VR experiences
- Music and sound design projects
- Educational technology applications
- Data visualization projects
3. Community Enrichment and Service
Projects benefiting the community through service, such as:
- Educational media addressing local social issues or community groups
- Media campaigns for nonprofit organizations
- Technology solutions for community challenges
Students who are interested in community-engaged projects are encouraged to work with their Thesis Director to discuss, identify, and carry out best practices, particularly those related to ethics, that are essential to this approach.
4. Global Engagement
Projects developing global awareness and engagement, such as:
- Media exploring cultural exchange
- Interactive experiences addressing global challenges
- Collaborative projects with international partners
- Media designed to foster cross-cultural understanding
- Topics developed from ASU study abroad programs.
For this thesis pillar, students should consider study abroad programs to bolster this approach.
5. Personal and Professional Development
Projects focusing on skills for career preparation, such as:
- Industry-ready portfolio pieces
- Entrepreneurial media ventures
- Professional development tools or resources
- Career-focused research in media industries
Written Component
All thesis projects must include a written component that demonstrates scholarly engagement with the companion creative or technical work. The format, length, and specific requirements of this written component will be determined by your Thesis Director based on the nature of your project. Some possible approaches include:
- Critical Analysis: An examination of how the project relates to historical precedents, contemporary practice, and theoretical frameworks.
- Technical Documentation: Detailed documentation of research methods, development processes, and technical decisions.
- Design Document: Comprehensive documentation of project conception, development, and implementation with theoretical context.
- Research Paper: A scholarly examination of topics related to the project’s focus area.
- Project Reflection: Critical reflection on the development process, design decisions, and lessons learned.
Your Thesis Director will provide guidance on the appropriate format, length, and scholarly approach for your specific project.
Defense Format
0While defense formats may vary based on your Thesis Director's preferences and the nature of your project, a defense typically takes shape as a formal presentation of the creative/technical work and the project's analytical and research-based elements. The student's presentation is followed by a Q&A with committee members, audience questions, and a reporting of the outcome of the defense. These are public events and students may invite guests.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation criteria will be established by your Thesis Director and committee members based on the specific nature and goals of your project. It is important to discuss evaluation criteria with your Thesis Director early in the process to ensure clear expectations. While criteria will vary, some aspects that may be considered include:
- Technical proficiency appropriate to the medium and project goals.
- Creative innovation and originality.
- Integration of research with creative/technical practice.
- Critical engagement with social, cultural, and ethical implications.
- Quality of written analysis and documentation.
- Ability to articulate creative and scholarly choices during the defense.
- Ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively to committee and audience questions during the defense.
Academic Preparation
Students should begin preparing for their thesis early in their academic career:
First and Second Years:
- Complete foundational coursework in your concentration.
- Develop technical, creative, and analytical skills.
- Begin exploring areas of interest through honors contracts.
- Attend GAME School capstone showcases and Barrett thesis symposia.
Junior Year:
- Take upper-division courses in your area of specialization.
- Connect with potential thesis directors.
- Begin developing thesis ideas.
- Complete the mandatory Barrett Thesis Workshop.
- Complete the prospectus.
Senior Year:
- Register for thesis credits.
- Work closely with your committee to develop and complete your project.
- Prepare for and complete your defense.
Recommended Timeline
- Junior Year, Fall Semester: Attend the Barrett Thesis Workshop and begin exploring potential thesis topics.
- Junior Year, Spring Semester: Identify a Thesis Director, finalize committee, and complete the prospectus.
- Senior Year, Fall Semester: Register for first semester thesis credits (AME 492) and begin project work.
- Senior Year, Spring Semester: Register for second semester thesis credits, complete your project, schedule and prepare for your defense.
Other Honors Opportunities
The GAME School offers various opportunities for honors students to enhance their academic experience, including honors contracts, independent study with faculty, internships, and study abroad.
College
Herberger Institute for Design and the ArtsCampus
Tempe