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 University of Calgary Calendar 2017-2018 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION Course Descriptions C Communication and Media Studies COMS
Communication and Media Studies COMS
COMS 201 203 313 363 369 371 381 383 393 401 413 435 463 469 471 473 475 477 481 491 501 503 505 507 580 590 591 601 603 605 607 609 613 615 617 619 623 625 629 631 641 711 713 717 790
 

Instruction offered by the Department of Communication, Media and Film Studies in the Faculty of Arts.

Note: Communication and Media Studies (COMS) courses were formerly named Communications Studies (COMS). For prerequisite purposes, all Communication and Media Studies (COMS) courses are equivalent to the former Communications Studies (COMS) courses with the same number.
 
Junior Courses
 
Communication and Media Studies 201       Introduction to Communication and Media Studies
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       New Media
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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Senior Courses
 
Communication and Media Studies 313       Communication Research Methods

A critical introduction to communication research methods. Students will explore, practice and critique selected quantitative and qualitative research methods and perspectives on the processes of knowledge production.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Communication and Media Studies 201 or Communications Studies 201 or admission to Bachelor of Film Studies.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 313 and any of Communications Studies 313, Communication and Culture 313, General Studies 313, Development Studies 407, Northern Planning and Development Studies 407 or Women's Studies 313 will not be allowed.
Notes: Students are recommended to take Communication and Media Studies 313 in their second year.
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Communication and Media Studies 363       Professional and Technical Communication
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, students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Culture, the Haskayne School of Business and the Schulich School of Engineering. Most sections of this course will be offered online.
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Communication and Media Studies 369       Rhetorical Communication

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       Critical Media Studies
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       Communications History
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       Introduction to Public Relations
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 393       Critical Perspectives on Health and Science
Examines the construction and communication of health and science as socio-cultural phenomena and interrogates the ways in which health and science issues are communicated, defined, represented and framed, particularly within contemporary media.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Communication and Media Studies 201 or Communications Studies 201.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 393 and either Communications Studies 393 or Science, Technology and Society 421 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies 401       Special Topics in Communication and Media Studies
Critical study of contemporary topics or issues related to communications media, technology, culture, or discourse. Past topics have included gaming, the music industry, feminism, video activism, propaganda, fan cultures, and women in sport.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communication and Media Studies 413       Advanced Research Methods
An in-depth study of selected methods for social and cultural research. Students will design and carry out empirical research applying these methods.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Communication and Media Studies 313 or Communications Studies 313.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 413 and Communications Studies 413 will not be allowed.
Notes: This course is strongly recommended for students who intend to apply to Honours or graduate programs or to seek employment in research-intensive industries.
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Communication and Media Studies 435       Mass Communications and Canadian Society
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.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 435 and either Communications Studies 335 or 435 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies 463       Rhetorical Communication in Online Environments

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       Rhetorical History and Criticism
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       Audience and Reception
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       Popular Culture
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 475       Media and Cultural Industries
Considers the role and nature of media and cultural industries, offering students understanding of their role in the production and circulation of popular culture and information. Among those industries that could be examined are television, radio, newspapers and other print media, film, sound recording, book publishing and advertising.
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 475 and Communications Studies 475 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies 477       Food Culture and Communication
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. A supplementary fee will be assessed to cover additional costs associated with this course.  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 University of Calgary Study Abroad program for more information.
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Communication and Media Studies 481       Advanced Topics in New Media and Society
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       Introduction to Acoustic Communications and Acoustic Ecology
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       Research in Selected Topics
Supervised individual study of a special topic.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
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 503       Advanced Special Topics in Communication and Media Studies
Advanced study of contemporary topics or issues related to communications media, technology, culture or discourse.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Communication and Media Studies 369, 371 or 381; or one of Communications Studies 369, 371 or 381.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communication and Media Studies 505       Communication and Media Studies Research Project
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       Experiential Learning in Communications and Media
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 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       Advanced BCMS/BFS Project

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 University of Calgary 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 590       Honours Thesis
Supervised individual research and preparation of an Honours thesis.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Communication and Media Studies 313 or Communications Studies 313 and admission to the Honours Program.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 590 and either Communication and Culture 590 or Communications Studies 590 will not be allowed.
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Communication and Media Studies 591       Senior Seminar in Communication and Media
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.
 
Communication and Media Studies 601       Interdisciplinary Approaches to Communication and Media Studies
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 603       Critical Media Studies
Theories and perspectives in the study of media production, industries, genres, and reception.  
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 603 and Communications Studies 603 will not be allowed.
Also known as: (formerly Communication and Culture 603)
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Communication and Media Studies 605       Organizational Communication
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       Socio-Cultural Approaches to Communication and Media Studies
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       Communication Law
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       Communication and Cultural Theory
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 615       Research Methods
A survey of research methods appropriate to the study of communication and media.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 615 and Communications Studies 615 will not be allowed.
Also known as: (formerly Communication and Culture 615)
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Communication and Media Studies 617       Representation and Identity
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       Communications and Cultural Industries
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       Social Contexts of Science and Technology
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       Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
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       Media and Politics
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       Communication Management
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       Social and  Media Activism
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       Intercultural and International Communication
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 711       Directed Studies
A research project under the direction of a faculty member.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Communication and Media Studies 711 and Communications Studies 711 will not be allowed.
Also known as: (formerly Communication and Culture 711)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communication and Media Studies 713       PhD Theory Seminar
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       Selected Topics in Communication, Media and Film
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       Master’s Project
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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