An introduction to the multi-disciplinary nature of media studies including an exploration of the definitions of society, culture, the self, as well as an historical approach to human communications. Explores the impact of technological change on culture, especially Canadian culture, and the latest developments in information technologies (Internet, newsgroups, on-line publishing, e-mail). Lecture/discussion and computer lab. Prerequisites: none
Explores the interdependence of contemporary popular culture and mass media, and develops critical thinking skills for assessing the impact of media on culture. May focus on a particular medium (radio, print, TV, film, internet, music) or special topic (cyberculture, sports, local culture). Assignments may include media other than print. Prerequisites: none
An online exploration of emerging digital technologies and their impact on culture, education, commerce, politics and society. Development of hands-on skills in online course delivery, discussion forums, and webpage authoring. Familiarity with computing applications is an asset. Prerequisites: none
This course examines how selected media--mainly newspapers, magazines, television, and film--identify and address their audiences to represent significant social constructions: gender, ethnicity, and class. Participants will be challenged to distinguish between the representations of social issues in the media and their social realities. Prerequisites: none
An examination of the rhetorical strategies and ideologies in promotional communications: advertising, public relations, political and public service announcements, billboards, news reporting, infomercials, popular performance art, and propaganda, as well as an exploration of commonly-held assumptions in communities of discourse. Assignments include case studies on propaganda campaigns.
Lecture/discussion.
Prerequisites: none
This upper-level course explores media, its control and ownership, from a global perspective. Topics include: globalization; the public sphere; internet culture; patterns of ownership, control, and monopolization; alternative media; cultural imperialism; racism, assimilation, and creolization.
Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
This course examines the factors that shape the making of news within the context of journalistic practices, media ownership, and regulatory constraints. Examples will be drawn from Canadian and international sources. Students will also consider questions of journalistic style and ethics. Assignments will include case studies, feature writing, and audience research. Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
This upper-level course focuses on film as medium. Through an examination of films about film-making, students will explore the narrative, documentary, and propagandistic powers of film.
Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
An examination of the remarkable contribution of Canadian communications theorists who have established a rich tradition of inquiry into the political, social, economic, and artistic significance of communication technology, especially as related to Canadian society. Theorists include Harold Adams Innis, Marshall McLuhan, George Grant, Edmund Carpenter, Wilson Duff, Joyce Nelson, Arthur and Marilouise Kroker among others.
Lecture/discussion.
Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
Beginning with a survey of the powerful role public relations and promotion play in contemporary society, this upper-level course explores how different media may be used for advocacy and social activism. As a major assignment, students will analyze accessible media, and design a campaign to promote an issue of concern to them.
Prerequisites: MEDI 301 and 3rd year standing; or permission of the instructor.
Explores the complex relationship between technology and changing notions of identity. Taking as a starting point McLuhan's contention that media act as extensions of the human sensorium, including consciousness, students will consider how media and other technologies influence how we define ourselves, our social relations, and our cultural institutions. Prerequisites: MEDI 301 and 3rd year; or permission of the instructor.
In a course that balances theory and practice, participants will explore how new media / multimedia communicate in unique ways. Topics include: an overview of new media and an introduction to relevant media theory; hypertext markup language for the creation of webpages and websites; the creation and critique of the digital image; designing for digital sound; streaming video; multimedia presentation skills. The design and realization of a multimedia website, cd-rom, or installation will form a core component of the course. Prerequisites: MEDI 301 and 3rd year
In consultation with the Chair, students will articulate a media-related project that demonstrates a strong correlation between theory and practice. Students will be asked to submit a proposal in writing, outlining their project and reviewing the theory informing it, for a project which makes use of at least one non-print medium.
An examination of television as a medium of communication and an element of culture. In a given year, the focus of the course may be on television production and management in addition to an analysis of television's impact on culture. (3:0:0)
