Course Descriptions

Media Studies

Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.

MEDI 111 (3) History of Communication

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, and the latest developments in information technologies (Internet, newsgroups, on-line publishing, e-mail). (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.

MEDI 112 (3) Popular Culture and Mass Media

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 or special topic. Assignments may include media other than print. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

MEDI 113 (3) Emerging Digital Communications

An exploration of emerging digital technologies and their impact on culture, education, commerce, politics and society. Development of hands-on skills in the use of e-mail, newsgroups, web-site authoring, and multimedia. Familiarity with computing applications is an asset. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. (1:0:2)

Prerequisite: None.

MEDI 200 (3) Media, Audience and Society

An examination of how selected media - mainly newspapers, magazines, television, and film - identify and address their audiences to represent significant social constructions: gender, ethnicity and class. Participants are challenged to distinguish between the representations of social issues in the media and their social realities. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

MEDI 205 (3) Promotion, Persuasion and Propaganda

An examination of the strategies and ideologies in promotional communications: advertising, public relations, political and public service announcements, billboards, news reporting, infomercials, popular performance art, and propaganda. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. (2:0:1)

Prerequisite: None.

MEDI 211 (3) Understanding Television

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)

Prerequisite: Min. 'C' in English 12.

MEDI 265 (3) Game Theory & Analysis

An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of videogames, examining their cultural, educational, and social functions within contemporary settings. By playing, analyzing, and theorizing about videogames, we will examine debates surrounding how they function within contemporary social contexts. Readings will include contemporary videogame theory and interaction with contemporary commercial videogames. (2:1:0)

Prerequisite: None.

MEDI 301 (3) Studies in Global Media

An exploration of the media, its control and ownership, from a global perspective. Topics include globalization; the public sphere; international trade agreements and regulatory bodies (WTO, IMF, etc.); internet culture; patterns of ownership, control and monopolization; alternative media; cultural imperialism; racism, assimilation and creolization. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

MEDI 302 (3) Making the News

An exploration of the history of journalism with an emphasis on the evolution of print, photography, radio, film, television, and the internet as media for the mass dissemination of news, information, and opinion. Students also consider questions of journalistic style and ethics. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

MEDI 311 (3) Film About Media

A focus on film as medium. Through an examination of films about film-making, students explore the narrative, documentary, and propagandistic powers of film. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

MEDI 312 (3) Studies in Canadian Media

An exploration of Canadian media and communications. Topics include cultural nationalism, regulation and policy, popular culture, media ownership and political economy, and emerging trends and issues. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

MEDI 401 (3) Public Relations, Advocacy and the Media

A survey of the powerful role public relations and promotion play in contemporary society. An exploration of how different media may be used for advocacy and social activism. As a major assignment, students analyze accessible media, and design a campaign to promote an issue of concern to them. (3:0:0)