Media Arts and Cultures

This course will explore the cultural impact of the selected Latin American personalities that have had a significant influence on the notions of identity in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela. We will study the personalities of Eva Peron, Pablo Escobar, Che Guevara, Frida Kahlo, Selena and Hugo Chavez through film, music, literature, print media, the Internet and television series. Students will also examine the impact of the public figures’ death both at the local and the international level. There are no prerequisites for this course. Student who have taken CCS 3555 may not obtain credit for CCS 2666 or MAAC 2666.

This course is a survey of the history of Rock music from its origins in the late nineteenth century to the present day. Topics addressed include: the effects of technology in the music industry, role of African-American music in the development of popular music, the developments of Jazz, R&B, and early Rock and Roll, and the “white appropriation” of African-American music. The course finishes with a survey of recent trends of disco, new wave, heavy metal, rap and alternative music. Restriction: Credit may not be obtained for both FNAT 2792 and MAAC 2797.

Investigates key issues and theoretical approaches in the study of gender and media, with a particular focus on the ways in which popular media texts construct and communicate gender and sexuality. Using theories from media studies, cultural studies, queer studies, and gender studies, this course explores processes and practices of gender in media representations, media production and media consumption. Through readings, class discussions, presentations, and projects, students gain insight into the ways in in which gender and its intersections with sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, ability, age, and many other dynamics significantly impacts our cultural formations and media experience. Open to students who have completed 45 ch, or with permission of the instructor.

This course covers recent German cinema and media with a focus on acclaimed productions by new directors for film, television, and streaming platforms. The creative work of women directors, and themes of gender, subjectivity, and intimacy are especially highlighted. Other topics include: The Berlin School and its visual and narrative style, the continued preoccupation of filmmakers with the nation’s past, comedy and satire in Germany, and the influence of the 1970s (the feminist film movement, the New German Cinema, etc.) on the new generation. 

This course surveys the history and aesthetics of non-fiction filmmaking from the birth of cinema to the digital age. It will examine epistemological and ethical questions raised by documentary's encounter with reality and its attempt to present “the truth.” Films screened are drawn from an array of nations and range from the personal to the political as well as more experimental and avant-garde works. The course includes a film production component as students will apply what they have learned in class by producing a short non-fiction film as a final project. NOTE: Students can obtain credit for only one of MAAC 3075 and FILM 3075.

Discover the fundamentals of creating 3D characters and environments applicable to a variety of media such as games, VFX for film and television, and virtual reality. Develop a foundation in 3D modelling and texturing and build fluency with industry-standard tools and techniques. Gain experience with aestetic issues of look, style, and critical judgement in visual art.

Students produce more complex films, developing a project from beginning to end, working on each other’s projects, and gaining hands-on experience in a variety of skilled positions on a film’s crew. NOTE: Students can obtain credit for only one of MAAC 4001 and FILM 4001.

Seminar focusing on theoretical approaches to the study of popular culture. Topics and theories covered may rotate from year to year.

A reading and research course open to students qualifying for Honours in Media Arts & Cultures. To enrol in this course, students must first arrange for a professor to supervise their thesis. The course will result in the writing of an Honours Thesis, normally 40-60 pages in length. Student may not enrol in both MAAC 5000 and MAAC 5980.

A reading, research and creative practice course open to students qualifying for Honours in Media Arts & Cultures. To enrol in this course, students must first arrange for a professor to supervise their project. The course will result in the creation of a Media Arts Project along with a 10-15 page Project Paper. Students may not enrol in both MAAC 5000 and MAAC 5980.