Society for Cinema and Media Studies

Definition

The Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS) is an organization dedicated to the study and teaching of cinema and media across disciplines. Founded in 1959, SCMS plays a crucial role in fostering scholarly research, discussion, and education regarding film, television, and new media, influencing how these forms are critiqued and understood historically and culturally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SCMS publishes the journal 'Cinema Journal', which features scholarly articles on various topics related to cinema and media studies.
2. The organization hosts an annual conference where scholars present their research, engage in discussions, and network with peers.
3. SCMS offers various awards recognizing outstanding work in cinema and media studies, including the best article and book awards.
4. The society encourages interdisciplinary approaches to cinema and media studies, welcoming contributions from fields such as sociology, history, cultural studies, and more.
5. SCMS plays a vital role in shaping the academic landscape of film and media education through its resources and advocacy for curriculum development.

Review Questions

• How has the Society for Cinema and Media Studies influenced academic research in television criticism?
  • The Society for Cinema and Media Studies has significantly influenced academic research in television criticism by promoting interdisciplinary approaches that combine insights from various fields like cultural studies, sociology, and history. By providing a platform for scholars to present their findings at conferences and publish in 'Cinema Journal', SCMS encourages a rich dialogue about television's role in society. This has helped to elevate television criticism as a serious academic discipline that examines the cultural significance of TV programming.
• Discuss the role of SCMS in fostering scholarly discussion around emerging media technologies in relation to traditional cinema.
  • SCMS plays a crucial role in fostering scholarly discussion around emerging media technologies by encouraging research that explores how these technologies intersect with traditional cinema. The society provides opportunities for scholars to analyze new forms of media such as streaming platforms, virtual reality, and social media, examining how they affect audience engagement and narrative structures. This inclusive approach helps to expand the understanding of how cinema evolves with technological advancements while maintaining connections to its historical roots.
• Evaluate the impact of SCMS on the development of critical frameworks used in analyzing both film and television content.
  • The Society for Cinema and Media Studies has had a profound impact on the development of critical frameworks used in analyzing both film and television content by promoting diverse theoretical perspectives. Through its publications and conferences, SCMS encourages scholars to apply various methodologies—such as feminist theory, postcolonial studies, and critical race theory—to examine how different narratives are constructed. This emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches enriches the analysis of visual media by acknowledging different social contexts and power dynamics inherent in film and television.

Related terms

Film Studies: An academic discipline that examines film as an art form, including its history, theory, criticism, and cultural impact.

Media Theory: A field of study that explores the social, cultural, and psychological effects of media on society and individuals.

Cinematic Discourse: The language and techniques used in film and media to convey meaning, including narrative structure, visual style, and sound design.