The Department of Communication and Media Studies offers two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Communication and the other in Media Studies. These two degree programs are distinct in several ways. In terms of focus, the Communication degree program takes a broad view of communication including the examination of face-to-face contexts as well as mediated ones. The Media Studies degree program more specifically focuses on media writing, criticism, and production. Another difference in these degree programs occurs at the senior level. Media Studies majors prepare a Senior Project (intended to serve as a portfolio of their writing and/or production work) and participate in a Service Learning Practicum (working for a community organization in a media capacity). Communication majors take two senior seminars. One seminar is chosen from a list of topics and the other is a Capstone seminar designed to be a culmination of their undergraduate work and as a transition to graduate studies. Aside from the differences that make each program unique, the programs share a common core of courses that serve as a foundation for both. The two programs also embrace a liberal arts philosophy. This means that the emphasis is on critical thinking rather than vocational training.