Communication Studies 

A survey of the great revolutions in human communication of speech, literacy, printing and electronic communication. Examines how new media of communication come into being, their impact on earlier forms of communication, their impact on society, and the influence society and culture have on communication technologies. Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 1001 or ICS 1001.

This course will explore the nature and evolution of media since the development of the Internet. The course will provide students with a framework for thinking about media institutions and technologies.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 2001 or ICS 2001.

A general introduction to the study of Western popular music as both a cultural industry and as a form of communication which presents students with an overview of post-war popular music genres from rock n’ roll to contemporary dance music.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 2101 or ICS 2101.

This course will focus on the study of comics and manga (Japanese comic books and graphic novels). Students will analyze the history of comics and the industry in both North America and Japan. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues pertaining to: gender, culture, readership, characterizations, artwork, fan communities, and creative workers.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 2103 or ICS 2103.

This course will offer students a hands-on introduction to New Media Production through Digital Storytelling.

Combining classroom lectures, computer lab time, hands-on filming and audio recording experience, this course provides students with experience in creating rich digital narratives while exploring topics related to the development of new media. Students will gain practical experience with a variety of digital tools.

Health communication is the study of messages that create meaning in relation to physical, mental and social well-being. Interdisciplinary research is conducted in the scientific, interpretive (humanities) and critical-cultural traditions.

This course examines theories of interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication relevant to a variety of professionals in the health field. Students will review theories and contexts of communication (interpersonal, organizational, mass, social media and intercultural), relations of power in communication settings, strategies of persuasion, the relationship between attitudes and behaviour, and the importance of representation in our understanding of the changing nature of health, health delivery and health issues in society.

Students cannot take both COMS 2201 and HEAL 2201. Students in the Bachelor of Health cannot take COMS 2201.

This class focuses on theoretical approaches to studying political, social, and cultural implications communication processes, contexts and technologies.

Students will explore both historical and contemporary approaches to the field, emphasising the relevance of theory to our digital and everyday lives. Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 3001 or ICS 3001.

This course provides students with an advanced introduction to conducting web-based research and the use of electronic research tools.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 3003 or ICS 3003.

Introduction to production techniques related to to radio and web podcasting. Students will explore aspects of production through individual and group projects as well as in class presentations. Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 3004 or ICS 3004.

This course will explore the emerging importance of copyright as a pertinent regulatory issue facing both the communication industries and western society. We will examine the development of copyright and its transformation as a result of technological, economic and cultural changes in the global cultural industries. Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 2005 or ICS 3005.

Introduction to video production techniques. Students will explore aspects of production through individual and group projects as well as in class presentations. Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 3006 or ICS 3006.

New technologies and do it yourself (D.I.Y) culture have a long, intertwined history. This class will examine the origins, technologies, techniques and representations of D.I.Y in contemporary culture. Students will examine “lofi” practices such as circuitbending, hardware hacking and tinkering as forms of culture and communication.

Exploration of specialized topics in media studies, technology and society, or communication policy issues.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 3101 or ICS 3101.

This course will focus on the salience of gender in understanding media and communication. Course topics may include a focus on gender and the following: production, media texts (TV shows, movies, anime, blogs, forums, comic books, video games, etc.), reception of media, content, communication technologies, and communication practices.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 3102 or ICS 3102.

This seminar provides majors with the opportunity to do basic research in an area of special interest.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 4001 or ICS 4001.

Course lectures and hands-on lab experience will guide students through the use of analytic tools and critical evaluation in the practical design and evaluation of online digital content.

Using industry standard tools and established and contemporary media-monitoring methods, students will gain practical experience creating, measuring and analyzing digital data.

An advanced seminar in media studies, technology and society, or communication policy issues. Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 4101 or ICS 4101.

This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed study of contemporary issues and debates in the fields of communication and media.  Credit can only be obtained for one of COMS 4103 or ICS 4103.

Promotional culture is central to our lives. Not merely in marketing, advertising and politics, but also the ways in which we interact to promote ourselves, our practices, and our tastes through traditional and social media. This course examines both the history of advertising and modern branding culture in our quest to understand mediated promotionalism.

The course critically examines the social practices involved in promotionalism and is focused on the role of different media of communication in these processes.