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Instruction offered by the Department of Communication, Media and Film Studies in the Faculty of Arts.
Note: Communication and Media Studies (COMS)Â courses were formerly named Communications Studies (COMS). All are COMS courses and considered equivalent for prerequisite purposes.
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Communication and Media Studies
201
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Introduction to Communication and Media Studies
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A general mapping of the field, with an emphasis on its breadth in the areas of media studies, communication of science and technology, and rhetorical communication. The course also provides a general examination of how Communications Studies emerged during the twentieth century and how the field relates to issues of social and cultural change.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-1)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 201 and Communications Studies 201 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
203
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New Media
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An introduction to the social, political and cultural aspects of new media. Students will examine the social factors that influence the use of new media, as well as the effects of new media on different spheres of social life. Topics to be examined include the historical development of new media; participatory cultures; copyright and Internet law; creative industries; and surveillance and governance in new media.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-1)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 203 and either Science, Technology, and Society 341 or Communications Studies 203 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
363
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Professional and Technical Communication
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An introduction to professional and technical communication in diverse media. Students will learn the rhetorical dimensions of workplace settings as well as the process of planning, composing, and delivering professional and technical communication for various audiences.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
24 units.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 363 and Communications Studies 363 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Preference in enrolment is given to Majors and Minors in the Department of Communications, Media and Film Studies, majors in Geography, and students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Culture, the Haskayne School of Business and the Schulich School of Engineering. Some sections of this course will be offered online.
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Communication and Media Studies
369
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Rhetorical Communication
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An introduction to the basic principles of rhetorical theory, criticism and practice. Students will learn rhetorical perspectives on elements of communication such as argumentation, persuasion, audience, situation, genre, and ethics. Students will apply rhetorical theory to the criticism of samples of public communication and will practice their rhetorical skills through in-class activities and assigned writing and oral presentations.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication and Media Studies 201 or Communications Studies 201.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 369 and either Communications Studies 361 or 369 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Preference in enrolment is given to Majors and Minors in Communication and Media Studies and the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies.
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Communication and Media Studies
371
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Critical Media Studies
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Emphasizes major critical approaches in communication and media studies with the intent of introducing students to the theoretical foundations of media and mass communication related research. The course explores the contexts in which these theories arose, identifies their major strengths and weaknesses, and provides an appreciation of how critical theory engages the social world through research on communication and media. Areas to be covered include: the problem of communication (Durham, Mattelart, etc.), the culture industry (Adorno, the Frankfurt School), the Canadian school (McLuhan), structuralism and semiotics (Barthes), Cultural Studies (Hall, Williams), postmodernism (Lyotard, Harvey, etc.).
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-1)
Prerequisite(s):
Communication and Media Studies 201 or Communications Studies 201.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 371 and Communications Studies 371 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
381
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Communications History
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A general survey of how various communication systems and practices developed through history, and of the social contexts within which they emerged, transformed, and adapted through time. Within this framework, the course examines major technological developments in the history of human communication and uses theory to understand their origins and impacts on social organization and everyday life.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-1)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication and Media Studies 201 or Communications Studies 201.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 381 and either Communications Studies 380 or 381 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
383
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Introduction to Public Relations
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The role of public relations in group communication within and among various sectors of society, including business, government, educational and cultural organizations. Alternative approaches to public relations theory and practice. Canadian examples and case studies will be used where possible, and ethical standards in public relations will be emphasized.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 383 and either Communications Studies 383 or 483 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
435
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Mass Communications and Canadian Society
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Introduces students to theoretical literature on various aspects of the media, including public policy questions such as the concentration of media ownership, Canadian content requirements, censorship, the role of the media during elections, and the problems and opportunities that might be brought by advances in technology.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communication and Media Studies 201 or Communications Studies 201 or admission to a Major or Minor in either Canadian Studies or Film Studies.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 435 and either Communications Studies 435 or 335 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
463
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Rhetorical Communication in Online Environments
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Rhetorical theory, criticism, production, and editing of professional communication in online environments (organizational websites and blogs, professional uses of social media, project management applications, collaborative writing applications, corporate and community discussion forums and intranets). Experiential learning through team projects that critique and develop an organization’s online content.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Communication and Media Studies 363, 383, 369, Communications Studies 363, 383, or 369.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 463 and Communications Studies 463 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
469
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Rhetorical History and Criticism
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A study of rhetorical thought and action from selected periods, cultures, and authors from the classical period to the modern age, with an emphasis on the interaction between rhetoric and philosophical, social, and political change. Theories will be applied to the criticism of historical and contemporary public communication.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Communication and Media Studies 369 or Communications Studies 369.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 469 and either Communications Studies 461 or 469 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
471
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Audience and Reception
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Approaches the communications process from the point of view of the audience. Students will be introduced to the history of media research dealing with the public and the audience, and consider the changes in theoretical and research paradigms from administrative approaches to those centred on fan practices and subcultures. Topics may include public opinion, uses and gratifications, reception theory, constructivism, shopping, consumption and subjectivity, fan cultures, experiential marketing, and culture jamming.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communication and Media Studies 371 or Communications Studies 371.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 471 and Communications Studies 471 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
473
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Popular Culture
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A Communication and Media Studies approach to the study of popular culture, including music, sport, television, film, comics, literature, gaming, theatre and public performance, the Internet and social networking, fashion, and advertising. Students will be introduced to critical tools for the deconstruction and evaluation of the social and cultural significance of popular cultural texts.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communication and Media Studies 371 or Communications Studies 371.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 473 and Communications Studies 473 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
477
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Food Culture and Communication
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A theoretical and experiential introduction to food cultures as processes and products of communication. Students will examine how food is constructed and represented through text, film, television, art, and tourism. Political and economic constructions of food culture, security, and sustainability will also be explored.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 477 and either Communications Studies 401.03 or 477 will not be allowed.
Notes:
This course may involve off-campus field trips during class time, and students are responsible for transportation arrangements and costs. Alternatively, the course may be packaged along with others as part of a Study Abroad opportunity requiring an application and pre-term study and preparation. Contact the instructors or the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Study Abroad program for more information.
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Communication and Media Studies
481
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Advanced Topics in New Media and Society
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Examines the nature, origins and social implications of new media with a focus on the Internet. Evolving forms of interpersonal, group and public communication based on the Internet will be assessed in terms of the role they play in identity formation, cultural integration, learning, political participation, commerce and work.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Communication and Media Studies 371, 381, Communications Studies 371, 381 or Science, Technology and Society 341.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 481 and Communications Studies 481 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
491
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Introduction to Acoustic Communications and Acoustic Ecology
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Concepts, techniques and applications of the fields of Acoustic Communications (the ways in which speech and music convey meaning) and Acoustic Ecology (the effects of sound in natural and human environments). These interdisciplinary areas weave together communication theory, cognitive psychology, sociology, musicology, physical sciences, health sciences and aesthetics.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 491 and either Communications Studies 391 or Communication and Media Studies 401.12 will not be allowed.
Notes:
There is no scheduled tutorial or lab, but some field work (off campus) and research out of class time is required.
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Communication and Media Studies
501
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Research in Selected Topics
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Supervised individual study of a special topic.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 501 and Communications Studies 501 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Students who wish to propose a topic must secure a supervisor and have the topic approved by the Department at least two weeks prior to the first day of classes.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communication and Media Studies
505
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Communication and Media Studies Research Project
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An inquiry-based course focused on an advanced exploration of, and apprenticeship in, research within the field. Students will apply and deepen their understanding of topic-specific theories and methods learned at the 400 level. Discussion of research communication will include communication to the public, within organizations, and to academic audiences.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-3S)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Communication and Culture 313 or Communication and Media Studies 313 or Communications Studies 313; and one of Communication and Media Studies 369, 371, 381, 393, Communications Studies 369, 371, 381, or 393.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 505 and Communications Studies 505 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies
507
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Experiential Learning in Communications and Media
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Supervised individual study through guided experiential learning. Provides students with the opportunity to combine interests in communications research and theory with experiential learning opportunities in an organization or university unit. Involves a communication-related placement or project that engages students in critical reflection on community experience in the context of their formal education.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-4)
Prerequisite(s):
Communication and Media Studies 201 or Communications Studies 201; and one additional course labelled Communication and Media Studies or Science, Technology and Society 341, 421, and admission to a majors or minor program in the Department of Communication, Media and Film and consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media 507 and either Communications Studies 407 or 507 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Students should contact the Department of Communication, Media and Film Studies at least two weeks prior to the first day of classes to arrange an independent study course.
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Communication and Media Studies
580
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Advanced BCMS/BFS Project
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An advanced research project incorporating both scholarly bibliographic techniques and research techniques appropriate to media production. The project will be produced in a medium appropriate to the student's specialization: print, radio, television, video, film, or multimedia.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(0-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies program or Bachelor of Film Studies program. One of Communication and Media Studies 369, 371, 381 or one of Communications Studies 369, 371, 381 or one of Film 321, 323, 331 or 333; and first year of SAIT Communication Arts diploma program or equivalent.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 580 and Communications Studies 580 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Offered jointly by the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Students must present their diploma transcript to the Arts Students’ Centre for consent to register in this course. An unofficial transcript will suffice.
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Communication and Media Studies
591
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Senior Seminar in Communication and Media
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With reference to a special topic, this course explores the variety of ways in which communication builds social and cultural values. Students will undertake a major project that will integrate their understanding of communication theory, history and methodology. See individual course outlines for current topics.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
78 units, including Communication and Media Studies 313, 369, 371, 381, or Communications Studies 313, 369, 371, 381, and admission to the BA in Communication and Media Studies.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 591 and Communications Studies 591 will not be allowed.
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Graduate Courses
These courses are offered by the Graduate Program in the Department of Communication, Media and Film Studies in the Faculty of Arts.
Note: Not all courses will be offered each year. Registration is open to graduate students admitted into the program. All other students require consent of the Department’s Graduate Program Director.
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Communication and Media Studies
601
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Interdisciplinary Approaches to Communication and Media Studies
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An overview of theories, problematics and approaches in communication and media.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 601 and either Communications Studies 601 or Culture and Society 601 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 601)
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Communication and Media Studies
605
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Organizational Communication
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An examination of the application of theory and methodology of administrative communication processes in complex organizations.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 605 and Communications Studies 605 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 605)
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Communication and Media Studies
607
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Socio-Cultural Approaches to Communication and Media Studies
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Theoretical perspectives on communication and culture as symbolic processes that produce and reproduce shared meanings, social practices, and social structures.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 607 and Communications Studies 607 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 607)
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Communication and Media Studies
609
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Communication Law
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An examination of the operation of Canadian law as it relates to the areas of telecommunications, broadcasting and other media.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 609 and Communications Studies 609 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 609)
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Communication and Media Studies
613
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Communication and Cultural Theory
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An examination of the major perspectives in communication and cultural theory through a historical analysis of classic works and an overview of contemporary approaches and applications.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 613 and either Communications Studies 613 or Culture and Society 613 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 613)
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Communication and Media Studies
617
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Representation and Identity
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An investigation of various issues related to representation and identity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 617 and Culture and Society 603 will not be allowed
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 617)
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Communication and Media Studies
619
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Communications and Cultural Industries
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An analysis of the governmental and social contexts which inform the current development of telecommunications, communications, cultural industries and new media in Canada.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 619 and Communications Studies 619 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 619)
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Communication and Media Studies
623
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Social Contexts of Science and Technology
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Theoretical perspectives for understanding central debates in the study of science and technology in their social, political, cultural, and communication contexts.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 623)
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Communication and Media Studies
625
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Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
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An examination of theory and research concerning communication processes in face-to-face and small group interaction. Provides opportunities to develop effective practical skills.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 625)
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Communication and Media Studies
627
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Media and Politics
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An examination of political communication in traditional and new media, focusing on the interrelationships of media, political thought, and behaviour.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 627 and Communications Studies 627 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 627)
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Communication and Media Studies
629
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Communication Management
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An examination of communication management in business organizations. Looks at such topics as marketing, public relations and advertising in the context of rapidly changing business environments.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 629 and Communications Studies 629 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 629)
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Communication and Media Studies
631
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Social and Media Activism
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A critical overview of how digital media are being taken up by social justice movements and the implications of these new media practices in relation to politics and activism.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 631 and Culture and Society 607 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 621)
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Communication and Media Studies
641
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Intercultural and International Communication
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An examination of cultural/communication issues and practices in Canadian and international contexts. Examines the role of media systems in processes of culture, development, and identity formation.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 641 and Communications Studies 641 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 641)
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Communication and Media Studies
713
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PhD Theory Seminar
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A seminar that enables PhD students to focus their research interests and to explore theories relevant to their areas of specialization.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 713 and Communications Studies 713 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Open only to PhD students in Communication and Media Studies.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 713)
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Communication and Media Studies
717
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Selected Topics in Communication, Media and Film
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A variety of communication, media and film topics based on faculty expertise.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 717)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communication and Media Studies
790
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Master’s Project
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A full year course required of all MCS students. Students develop a major research project under the supervision of a faculty member, on the basis of their particular interest.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(0-6)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Communication and Media Studies 790 and Communications Studies 790 will not be allowed.
Also known as:
(formerly Communication and Culture 790)
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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION