March 27-28, 2026 | Critical Themes: New Constructions

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March 27-28, 2026 | Critical Themes New Constructions

Dear MA Media Studies community,

In honor of the Media Studies Program’s 50th anniversary, the Graduate students of Parsons MA in Media Studies invite you to the revival of the Critical Themes in Media Studies Conference, taking place on March 27-28, 2026.

We are thrilled to welcome keynote speakers Mike Pepi (“Institutions After Slop?” - 27/3 @ 6PM, Starr Foundation Hall) and Shannon Mattern (“Fugitives, Neighbors, Satellites, Parasites: New Schools for Media Study” - 28/3 @ 7PM, Kellen Auditiorium), for the kickoff and closing of the conference.

We are also excited to be showcasing the works of graduate students from various programs and universities, with a workshop preceding the kickoff keynote (27/3) and a full day of panels (28/3). Find the detailed schedule and locations here.

This year's theme, New Constructions—Building for The Moment, reflects the multiple and overlapping crises that structure both our sociopolitical environment and the state of media studies.

Through the theme of New Constructions, the conference addresses what emergent, under-common, and radical possibilities can be collectively imagined, manufactured, programmed, accounted for, and held to account in a moment when the new calls to us with fierce urgency. In the spirit of Deleuze’s famous provocation from the dawn of the digital age: “There is no need to fear or hope, but only to look for new weapons.”

For all inquiries regarding the conference, please contact criticalthemes@newschool.edu. This conference was put together by the Critical Themes programming group, with the support of the Media Studies program. We hope to see you there!

Warmly,

MA Media Studies

SCHEDULE & VENUES

About the MA, Media Studies

The Masters of Art in Media Studies program of the School of Art, Media, & Technology in Parsons combines media theory, research, and production studies, preparing students to contribute to a complex and rapidly changing media landscape. Studying in the world’s media capital, New York City, our students acquire critical insights and technical skills in rigorous topical courses taught by leading scholars and creative professionals. Our alumni find careers in a wide range of fields, from media curating and communications to film and media-making to media research and scholarship to industry leadership and innovation.

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