“I Can Study That?!”: The Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media Major at Pace University

The Major

This week’s featured program is the brand-new major in Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media at Pace University. From the website:

CREATE YOUR OWN SEAT AT THE TABLE

The BA in Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media is an interdisciplinary writing major offering courses and experiences in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences’ departments of English, Film and Screen Studies, and Performing Arts. You will generate new work continuously, helping you to develop a disciplined, self-regulated writing process, culminating with the creation of a writing portfolio to ready you for the next step into a professional career as a writer in film, television, theater, and media, with a focus on stories promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Students enrolled in the major take coursework in fields that require them to gain a broad understanding of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and disability as well as their history within entertainment. Students also take coursework in playwriting, screenwriting, and writing for television.  

Two Interesting Courses

PAST 252 The History of Diversity and Equity in American Entertainment

This course examines numerous movements in the struggle for diversity and equality in both theater and film. It examines racial/ethnic history and dynamics, politics, and marketplace reality and perception, as well as other factors influencing diversity and equity.

PAGE 272  Theater for Social Change

This course will introduce students to the new international field of Theatre and Social Change. Students will read and research historical and contemporary theatre companies that do this kind of theatre. They will develop, in small groups, a short piece reflecting their own concerns for theatre and social change. Students will also examine the different environments, reasons, ethics, and structures of theatre and social change, in American and international culture. This emphasis is on exposing the students the reasons and methodology of creating and working in theatre that effects change.

Five Possible Complementary Minors at Pace University

• • African and African-American Studies Minor
  • Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Minor
  • Film Studies Minor
  • Latina-Latino Studies Minor
  • Women’s and Gender Studies Minor

Unique Opportunities within the Major

Students can apply for the Pace Storytelling for Equity and Inclusion Fellowship for their sophomore or junior year. The fellowship grants each student $11,000, and includes commitments in the spring semester, a summer internship, and follow-up commitments the following fall. 

Sample Similar Programs

• • This program is unique!