Northwestern University made headlines in 2022 with the announcement of a new degree program: the Bachelor of Arts in Meme Studies. The news quickly went viral, with some praising the university for recognizing the cultural significance of memes, while others dismissed it as a joke. But now, in 2023, as the first cohort of students embark on their meme-filled journey, the question remains: is the meme degree at Northwestern a joke, or the future of higher education?
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What is the Meme Degree?
For those who missed the initial announcement, the Bachelor of Arts in Meme Studies is a new degree offered by Northwestern’s School of Communication. The program aims to explore the cultural and social implications of internet memes, from their origins on message boards to their explosive popularity on social media platforms. Students in the program take classes in internet culture, social media marketing, and meme history, among other topics.
But what exactly does one do with a degree in memes? According to the program’s website, graduates will be prepared for careers in fields such as advertising, social media management, and digital content creation. The program also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and cultural analysis, which could be useful in a variety of industries.
The Response
As with any new degree program, the meme degree at Northwestern has generated a range of responses from both the public and academia.
The Critics
Some have dismissed the meme degree as a gimmick, arguing that it trivializes higher education and reinforces the idea that millennials and Gen Z are obsessed with internet culture. One op-ed in the Chicago Tribune called the program “a joke that’s not funny,” arguing that it won’t prepare students for meaningful careers and will only add to the perception that universities are “indoctrination factories.”
The Supporters
Others, however, have praised Northwestern for embracing a new and emerging field of study. Proponents argue that memes are a significant part of modern culture and that understanding their impact and influence is crucial for anyone working in media or advertising. Some have even suggested that the meme degree may be the first step towards a broader recognition of internet culture in academia.
“The meme degree might seem silly to some, but it’s actually a really innovative way to explore the intersection of technology, culture, and communication,” says Dr. Sarah Roberts, a professor of information studies at UCLA. “It’s important for universities to be forward-thinking and open to new fields of study, and I think Northwestern is setting a great example.”
The Future of Higher Education?
So, is the meme degree at Northwestern a joke, or a sign of things to come?
It’s difficult to say at this point. The meme degree is certainly unique, but it’s not the first program to explore emerging fields of study. Other universities have offered degrees in video game design, social media management, and even cannabis studies.
What the meme degree does represent, however, is a recognition of the importance of internet culture in today’s society. Memes are no longer just silly pictures with clever captions; they are a form of communication and a reflection of our collective values and beliefs. As such, understanding memes and their impact is increasingly important for anyone working in media or advertising.
Whether or not the meme degree becomes a widespread phenomenon remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: it’s an exciting time to be studying communication and media.
Student Voices
Of course, the most important voices in the debate over the meme degree are those of the students themselves. So, what do they think?
According to Northwestern’s School of Communication, the first cohort of meme degree students is enthusiastic and engaged. They are excited to explore the cultural significance of memes and to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
“I chose the meme degree because I love memes and I think they have a lot to teach us about the world we live in,” says first-year student Emma Johnson. “I’m excited to learn more about how they work and how we can use them to communicate more effectively.”
Other students echo this sentiment, saying that the meme degree is a unique opportunity to explore a field that is often dismissed as trivial or unserious.
“I think the meme degree is a really innovative program that shows Northwestern is willing to take risks and embrace new ideas,” says sophomore Alex Lee. “I’m excited to see where this degree takes me.”
Final Thoughts
The meme degree at Northwestern may have started as a joke, but it has since become a serious program of study that is attracting enthusiastic students and generating debate across the academic world. Whether or not the meme degree becomes a widespread phenomenon remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: it’s a sign of the changing times and the increasing importance of internet culture in our society.
