School of Journalism and Communication
(Faculty of Public Affairs)
Communication and Media Studies (COMS) Courses
COMS 1000 [1.0 credit]
Introduction to Communication and Media Studies
The scope of communication studies including the history and structure of mass media, their relationship to social and cultural change, and basic issues of communication and cultural policy.
Introduction to Communication and Media Studies
The scope of communication studies including the history and structure of mass media, their relationship to social and cultural change, and basic issues of communication and cultural policy.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 1101 (no longer offered).
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week.
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week.
COMS 2003 [0.5 credit]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
The development of communication theory in the context of major social, economic and cultural periods and events. Emphasis on the central debates and traditions that have shaped and defined the field.
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
The development of communication theory in the context of major social, economic and cultural periods and events. Emphasis on the central debates and traditions that have shaped and defined the field.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2101 and COMM 2100 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week
COMS 2004 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Communication Research
Introduction to the scientific method as interpreted through major traditions in Communication and Media Studies. The course addresses the relationship between theory and evidence, research design, ethics and data management.
Introduction to Communication Research
Introduction to the scientific method as interpreted through major traditions in Communication and Media Studies. The course addresses the relationship between theory and evidence, research design, ethics and data management.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2000 (no longer offered), COMM 2001 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.
COMS 2200 [0.5 credit]
Big Data and Society
How big data and small data shape society. Databases as a form of media. Topics may include: data policy and regulation, the politics and ethics of big data, data and decision-making, and data as discourse.
Big Data and Society
How big data and small data shape society. Databases as a form of media. Topics may include: data policy and regulation, the politics and ethics of big data, data and decision-making, and data as discourse.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, or PAPM 1000, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 2300 [0.5 credit]
Communication as Propaganda
How business, government, and civil society actors have used media messages to persuade, influence, and manipulate the public. The impacts of propaganda on individuals and society, the roles of different media technologies in facilitating propaganda, and public resistance to propaganda.
Communication as Propaganda
How business, government, and civil society actors have used media messages to persuade, influence, and manipulate the public. The impacts of propaganda on individuals and society, the roles of different media technologies in facilitating propaganda, and public resistance to propaganda.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2301 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, or PAPM 1000, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, or PAPM 1000, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 2500 [0.5 credit]
Communication and Science
How expert knowledge (particularly scientific, medical, and technical) is communicated in the public realm. Topics may include scientific advances and new technologies, health risks, environmental/ climate change, and cultural/ideological positioning of science.
Communication and Science
How expert knowledge (particularly scientific, medical, and technical) is communicated in the public realm. Topics may include scientific advances and new technologies, health risks, environmental/ climate change, and cultural/ideological positioning of science.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, or PAPM 1000, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 2501 [0.5 credit]
Media Law
A survey of laws that affect the Canadian media including the development of freedom of expression, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and statutory and common-law limitations on freedoms of the press, including publication bans, libel and contempt of court.
Media Law
A survey of laws that affect the Canadian media including the development of freedom of expression, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and statutory and common-law limitations on freedoms of the press, including publication bans, libel and contempt of court.
Also listed as JOUR 2501.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2501 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, or PAPM 1000, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture three hours a week.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2501 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, or PAPM 1000, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture three hours a week.
COMS 2504 [0.5 credit]
Language and Communication
Some of the central topics in the study of language and communication as pursued by linguists and philosophers, including the nature of meaning, the connections between language, communication and cognition, and language as a social activity.
Language and Communication
Some of the central topics in the study of language and communication as pursued by linguists and philosophers, including the nature of meaning, the connections between language, communication and cognition, and language as a social activity.
Also listed as PHIL 2504, LING 2504.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2504 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): second-year standing.
Lectures three hours a week.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2504 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): second-year standing.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 2600 [0.5 credit]
Communication and Culture
An introduction to the major industries, institutions, regulatory frameworks and key organizations responsible for cultural production in Canada.
Communication and Culture
An introduction to the major industries, institutions, regulatory frameworks and key organizations responsible for cultural production in Canada.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2401 (no longer offered), COMM 2601 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies, or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies, or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 2700 [0.5 credit]
Global Media and Communication
An introduction to global media and communication, with an emphasis on debates about media power and expansion, digitalization, technology transfer, and societal implications/changes. Students will investigate historical and contemporary contexts of global and transnational communication through a variety of approaches and perspectives.
Global Media and Communication
An introduction to global media and communication, with an emphasis on debates about media power and expansion, digitalization, technology transfer, and societal implications/changes. Students will investigate historical and contemporary contexts of global and transnational communication through a variety of approaches and perspectives.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3405/JOUR 3405(no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1000, or JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, and second-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3001 [0.5 credit]
Quantitative Research in Communication
An introduction to basic statistical methods in media and communication studies.
Quantitative Research in Communication
An introduction to basic statistical methods in media and communication studies.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3001 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 2004, or PAPM 2000, and third-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture and lab three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 2004, or PAPM 2000, and third-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture and lab three hours a week.
COMS 3002 [0.5 credit]
Qualitative Research in Communication
An introduction to interpretive methods in media and communication studies.
Qualitative Research in Communication
An introduction to interpretive methods in media and communication studies.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3002 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 2004, or PAPM 2000, and third-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture and lab three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 2004, or PAPM 2000, and third-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture and lab three hours a week.
COMS 3100 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Political Management
Introduction to the field of political management. The institutional, legislative and ethical context in which party strategists, campaign managers, pollsters, lobbyists and civil society operate. Related administrative and communications skills.
Introduction to Political Management
Introduction to the field of political management. The institutional, legislative and ethical context in which party strategists, campaign managers, pollsters, lobbyists and civil society operate. Related administrative and communications skills.
Also listed as POLM 3000, PSCI 3410.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3100 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing.
Lectures three hours a week.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3100 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3108 [0.5 credit]
Media Industries and the Network Society
Examines the theoretical frameworks and major issues and debates relating to media industries and institutions in Canada and internationally.
Media Industries and the Network Society
Examines the theoretical frameworks and major issues and debates relating to media industries and institutions in Canada and internationally.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3108 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3109 [0.5 credit]
Communication, Culture and Identity
Examines the relationship between media, communication, and identity categories. The course explores identity formation as a cultural phenomenon including questions of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality.
Communication, Culture and Identity
Examines the relationship between media, communication, and identity categories. The course explores identity formation as a cultural phenomenon including questions of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3109 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3302 [0.5 credit]
Political Communication
Examines the relationship between various kinds of communication and political activity in a variety of contexts. Case studies will be drawn from speeches, political campaigns, and debates, using a variety of media forms, from photographs to web sites.
Political Communication
Examines the relationship between various kinds of communication and political activity in a variety of contexts. Case studies will be drawn from speeches, political campaigns, and debates, using a variety of media forms, from photographs to web sites.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3302 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3308 [0.5 credit]
Critical Studies of Consumer Culture
A critical analysis of major constructs and basic mechanisms of advertising, social marketing and other aspects of consumer culture. The course examines the social, political-economic and cultural implications of consumer culture.
Critical Studies of Consumer Culture
A critical analysis of major constructs and basic mechanisms of advertising, social marketing and other aspects of consumer culture. The course examines the social, political-economic and cultural implications of consumer culture.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3301(no longer offered) and COMM 3308 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week.
COMS 3310 [0.5 credit]
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations
A critical examination of keys aspects of public relations, including histories of PR, media representations of PR, gender and public relations, and the role of PR in business, politics and civil society.
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations
A critical examination of keys aspects of public relations, including histories of PR, media representations of PR, gender and public relations, and the role of PR in business, politics and civil society.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4304 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3311 [0.5 credit]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
Provides a historical overview of the development of media technologies, and an understanding of the place of media within the political, regulatory, and legal activities of different international regions (e.g., Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc.).
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
Provides a historical overview of the development of media technologies, and an understanding of the place of media within the political, regulatory, and legal activities of different international regions (e.g., Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc.).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3400 [0.5 credit]
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
Explores ethical problems and controversies relating to research in media and communication. Focuses on rights and responsibilities of researchers and practitioners as relates to media consumers, producers, and professional communicators in an age when communication circulates quickly within and across borders and other boundaries.
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
Explores ethical problems and controversies relating to research in media and communication. Focuses on rights and responsibilities of researchers and practitioners as relates to media consumers, producers, and professional communicators in an age when communication circulates quickly within and across borders and other boundaries.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3401 [0.5 credit]
Communications Regulation in Canada
Examines historical and contemporary issues in the regulation of communication practices and institutions in Canada.
Communications Regulation in Canada
Examines historical and contemporary issues in the regulation of communication practices and institutions in Canada.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3401 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations),or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations),or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3403 [0.5 credit]
Communication, Technology and Culture
Examines the relationship between communication technology and society, including factors that contribute to changes in the collection, storage and distribution of information and their cultural implications.
Communication, Technology and Culture
Examines the relationship between communication technology and society, including factors that contribute to changes in the collection, storage and distribution of information and their cultural implications.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3403 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture three hours a week.
COMS 3404 [0.5 credit]
Music Industries
An introduction to the structure and history of the music industries.
Music Industries
An introduction to the structure and history of the music industries.
Also listed as MUSI 3403.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3404 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): second year standing.
Lectures three hours a week.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3404 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): second year standing.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3406 [0.5 credit]
Media Audiences and Users
Examines the role of audiences in contemporary media industries. Topics include history of audience studies, ratings and the audience commodity, active audience theory, and media fandom.
Media Audiences and Users
Examines the role of audiences in contemporary media industries. Topics include history of audience studies, ratings and the audience commodity, active audience theory, and media fandom.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3407 [0.5 credit]
Comparative Media Studies
The comparative study of one or more media organizations and/or types of media content with reference to their operation, audiences, and impacts.
Comparative Media Studies
The comparative study of one or more media organizations and/or types of media content with reference to their operation, audiences, and impacts.
Also listed as JOUR 3407.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3407 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): Third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3407 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): Third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3410 [0.5 credit]
Visual Media and Communication
Examines the central importance of visual imagery in contemporary media, culture and everyday life. Draws connections between historical/contemporary explanations of ‘the visual,’ and how texts and technologies reflect the context and cultural values of the environments that produce them, and the challenges for regulation.
Visual Media and Communication
Examines the central importance of visual imagery in contemporary media, culture and everyday life. Draws connections between historical/contemporary explanations of ‘the visual,’ and how texts and technologies reflect the context and cultural values of the environments that produce them, and the challenges for regulation.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3411 [0.5 credit]
Alternative Media and Social Activism
Examines links between media and activism through the lens of past and present social movements and protest events. Addresses leading theories that help conceptualize various types of activist movements, with a focus on the role of media in shaping activist identity and political opportunity.
Alternative Media and Social Activism
Examines links between media and activism through the lens of past and present social movements and protest events. Addresses leading theories that help conceptualize various types of activist movements, with a focus on the role of media in shaping activist identity and political opportunity.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3412 [0.5 credit]
Communication and Health
The concept of health as a sociocultural phenomenon; the many ways that health issues are communicated, defined, represented, and framed.
Communication and Health
The concept of health as a sociocultural phenomenon; the many ways that health issues are communicated, defined, represented, and framed.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 3500 [0.5 credit]
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
Examines theoretical debates and issues facing the field of Communication and Media Studies today.
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
Examines theoretical debates and issues facing the field of Communication and Media Studies today.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2101, COMM 2102 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 2003 and third-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 2003 and third-year standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week.
COMS 3999 [0.0 credit]
Co-operative Work Term
Co-operative Work Term
COMS 4004 [0.5 credit]
Communication and Discourse
Examines the development of theory and methods related to discourse and its use in the analysis of images and texts.
Communication and Discourse
Examines the development of theory and methods related to discourse and its use in the analysis of images and texts.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4004 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4006 [0.5 credit]
Professional Communication Research
Students will work in a team-based environment to carry out empirical research in support of current faculty-led projects. In addition to learning advanced research techniques, students will develop project management and collaborative research skills.
Professional Communication Research
Students will work in a team-based environment to carry out empirical research in support of current faculty-led projects. In addition to learning advanced research techniques, students will develop project management and collaborative research skills.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4000 (no longer offered) COMM 4002 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 3001 or COMS 3002, and fourth-year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 3001 or COMS 3002, and fourth-year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
COMS 4306 [0.5 credit]
Media and Conflict
Media representations of conflict such as war and terrorism, and how they influence the collective imagination.
Media and Conflict
Media representations of conflict such as war and terrorism, and how they influence the collective imagination.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4306 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4307 [0.5 credit]
Politics, Communication, and the Publicity State
Examines the histories, key actors, issues and trends in political communication, including the shift of government communication from information to promotion, its reliance on publicity practices, issues and crisis management, and implications for democratic citizenship.
Politics, Communication, and the Publicity State
Examines the histories, key actors, issues and trends in political communication, including the shift of government communication from information to promotion, its reliance on publicity practices, issues and crisis management, and implications for democratic citizenship.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4307 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4311 [0.5 credit]
Environmental Communication
Examines environmental, animal, and earth observing media and pays special attention to the production of visual materials. The course explores the influence of media systems on the production, dissemination, and meaning of environmental observations and looks at sites of contemporary environmental contention.
Environmental Communication
Examines environmental, animal, and earth observing media and pays special attention to the production of visual materials. The course explores the influence of media systems on the production, dissemination, and meaning of environmental observations and looks at sites of contemporary environmental contention.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4312 [0.5 credit]
Crisis and Risk Communication
Examines crises and risks from the perspective of communication. The course explores the role of various media in shaping risk perceptions and constructions of crisis, the politics of crisis and risk management, symbolic dimensions in crisis construction, and ethical dilemmas.
Crisis and Risk Communication
Examines crises and risks from the perspective of communication. The course explores the role of various media in shaping risk perceptions and constructions of crisis, the politics of crisis and risk management, symbolic dimensions in crisis construction, and ethical dilemmas.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4313 [0.5 credit]
Screen Studies
Issues in the past, present and future of film, television and related media. Screens are examined as media that represent and shape values and culture, as technologies that are produced and purchased, and as objects that are regulated through policy.
Screen Studies
Issues in the past, present and future of film, television and related media. Screens are examined as media that represent and shape values and culture, as technologies that are produced and purchased, and as objects that are regulated through policy.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4315 [0.5 credit]
Communication and the Built Environment
How communication occurs in conjunction with the built environment, with special attention to cultural artefacts such as houses, schools, factories, prisons, office buildings, roads, parks, and the urban (and suburban) environment. Various models, theories, and philosophies of the built environment are considered.
Communication and the Built Environment
How communication occurs in conjunction with the built environment, with special attention to cultural artefacts such as houses, schools, factories, prisons, office buildings, roads, parks, and the urban (and suburban) environment. Various models, theories, and philosophies of the built environment are considered.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4316 [0.5 credit]
Indigenous Media in Global Contexts
Overview of Indigenous global media exploring film and film festivals, television networks, media arts, and the Internet. We will discuss struggles over mediated self-representation as well as debates over what constitutes Indigenous media relating to aesthetics, community affiliation, and identity.
Indigenous Media in Global Contexts
Overview of Indigenous global media exploring film and film festivals, television networks, media arts, and the Internet. We will discuss struggles over mediated self-representation as well as debates over what constitutes Indigenous media relating to aesthetics, community affiliation, and identity.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4317 [0.5 credit]
Digital Media and Global Network Society
Critical and institutional approaches to the expansion of digital media in the context of international media regulation, globalization, media concentration and ownership, and the global flows of networked communication and information.
Digital Media and Global Network Society
Critical and institutional approaches to the expansion of digital media in the context of international media regulation, globalization, media concentration and ownership, and the global flows of networked communication and information.
Prerequisite(s): Fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4337 [0.5 credit]
Communication and Public Affairs Strategies
This hands-on course teaches students how to develop, design, and execute a public affairs strategy. Emphasis on understanding the interaction between public institutions and stakeholders and how effective public affairs strategies can be designed to help organizations achieve goals through public or opinion leader persuasion.
Communication and Public Affairs Strategies
This hands-on course teaches students how to develop, design, and execute a public affairs strategy. Emphasis on understanding the interaction between public institutions and stakeholders and how effective public affairs strategies can be designed to help organizations achieve goals through public or opinion leader persuasion.
Also listed as PAPM 4000.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4401 [0.5 credit]
Global Internet Policy and Governance
Public interest and policy battles over critical internet resources and implications for development of the internet, citizens’ rights and freedoms, the economy, and democratic culture; common carriage, privacy, security and surveillance, access, speech rights, and diversity of information sources.
Global Internet Policy and Governance
Public interest and policy battles over critical internet resources and implications for development of the internet, citizens’ rights and freedoms, the economy, and democratic culture; common carriage, privacy, security and surveillance, access, speech rights, and diversity of information sources.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4401 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4403 [0.5 credit]
Digital Media Industries
Key approaches to the study of media as industries and how economics, markets and technologies intersect with social choices, politics and power to shape how decisions are made about the design, ownership, organization and control of media.
Digital Media Industries
Key approaches to the study of media as industries and how economics, markets and technologies intersect with social choices, politics and power to shape how decisions are made about the design, ownership, organization and control of media.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4403 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4405 [0.5 credit]
The Networked Self
How notions of identity are changing as we conduct our lives through networked media and communication such as social media, online search, the Internet of Things, and wearable devices. Subjectivity, personhood, posthumanism, algorithmic control, and privacy.
The Networked Self
How notions of identity are changing as we conduct our lives through networked media and communication such as social media, online search, the Internet of Things, and wearable devices. Subjectivity, personhood, posthumanism, algorithmic control, and privacy.
Prerequisite(s): Fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4406 [0.5 credit]
Open Government and Communication
The contemporary open government movement; how communication can be used to improve governance and to foster a more collaborative relationship between governments and citizens. Access to information, the challenges of open data, expectations of transparency, and models of citizen engagement/consultation.
Open Government and Communication
The contemporary open government movement; how communication can be used to improve governance and to foster a more collaborative relationship between governments and citizens. Access to information, the challenges of open data, expectations of transparency, and models of citizen engagement/consultation.
Prerequisite(s): Fourth-year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM and BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4407 [0.5 credit]
Communication and Critical Data Studies
Theoretical perspectives, ethical problems, and contemporary issues relevant to communication and data studies. Students will critically examine the rise of ‘big data’ and ‘datafication’ as socio-technical phenomena that have become a crucial part of our communication landscape.
Communication and Critical Data Studies
Theoretical perspectives, ethical problems, and contemporary issues relevant to communication and data studies. Students will critically examine the rise of ‘big data’ and ‘datafication’ as socio-technical phenomena that have become a crucial part of our communication landscape.
Prerequisite(s): Fourth-year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4408 [0.5 credit]
Creative Work
Contemporary trends affecting creative work in cultural industries. How careers in the arts, culture and media are increasingly desirable as a way for individual workers to find personal fulfillment and as a means of reinvigorating post-industrial economies.
Creative Work
Contemporary trends affecting creative work in cultural industries. How careers in the arts, culture and media are increasingly desirable as a way for individual workers to find personal fulfillment and as a means of reinvigorating post-industrial economies.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4410 [0.5 credit]
Mobile Media
Critical examination of the history, development, and expansion of mobile media and its impact on culture, connectivity, and practice; locative media practices, geo-coding, wireless communication, mobile technologies, and user experience in everyday life.
Mobile Media
Critical examination of the history, development, and expansion of mobile media and its impact on culture, connectivity, and practice; locative media practices, geo-coding, wireless communication, mobile technologies, and user experience in everyday life.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4411 [0.5 credit]
Algorithmic Culture
The ways in which computerized algorithms engage in the traditional work of culture: the sorting, classifying, and hierarchizing of people, places, objects, and ideas to produce new habits of thought, conduct, expression, and material outcomes.
Algorithmic Culture
The ways in which computerized algorithms engage in the traditional work of culture: the sorting, classifying, and hierarchizing of people, places, objects, and ideas to produce new habits of thought, conduct, expression, and material outcomes.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4412 [0.5 credit]
Game Studies
Games as media. The history of gaming and mediated play in terms of technology and form, industry, labour, gender and subcultural practice.
Game Studies
Games as media. The history of gaming and mediated play in terms of technology and form, industry, labour, gender and subcultural practice.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BPAPM related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4501 [0.5 credit]
Digital Media Practice
Students will be introduced to practice-based tools and techniques relevant in contemporary professional communication, such as basic web development, podcasting, and digital photography.
Digital Media Practice
Students will be introduced to practice-based tools and techniques relevant in contemporary professional communication, such as basic web development, podcasting, and digital photography.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
Seminar three hours a week.
COMS 4502 [0.5 credit]
Storytelling in the Digital Age
Students will learn to write compelling stories for the digital age. They will engage with examples of great storytelling across print and online platforms, from magazines and newspapers to blogs and podcasts, to gain a deeper understanding of what makes some stories stand out.
Storytelling in the Digital Age
Students will learn to write compelling stories for the digital age. They will engage with examples of great storytelling across print and online platforms, from magazines and newspapers to blogs and podcasts, to gain a deeper understanding of what makes some stories stand out.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
Seminar three hours a week.
COMS 4503 [0.5 credit]
Data Mining and Analytics
Introduction to a range of methods and practices in data mining and analytics. Techniques include data and text mining, data analysis (including sentiment and social network analysis), data visualization and modeling. Provides the opportunity to work with analytics and mapping software on students' own projects.
Data Mining and Analytics
Introduction to a range of methods and practices in data mining and analytics. Techniques include data and text mining, data analysis (including sentiment and social network analysis), data visualization and modeling. Provides the opportunity to work with analytics and mapping software on students' own projects.
Prerequisite(s): COMS 3001 and fourth year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
Seminar three hours a week.
COMS 4504 [0.5 credit]
Public Engagement and Consultation
Introduction to the challenges of conceptualizing and conducting public consultations. This includes audience or participant selection, a range of consultation techniques and formats, marketing and communication, analysis, as well as an awareness of policies and regulations governing consultations.
Public Engagement and Consultation
Introduction to the challenges of conceptualizing and conducting public consultations. This includes audience or participant selection, a range of consultation techniques and formats, marketing and communication, analysis, as well as an awareness of policies and regulations governing consultations.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
Seminar three hours a week.
COMS 4505 [0.5 credit]
Professional Writing and Speaking
Students will develop skills in professional written communication, such as press releases, blogs, op-eds, policy briefs, and speeches. Students will also hone their public speaking skills presenting their written work in different formats.
Professional Writing and Speaking
Students will develop skills in professional written communication, such as press releases, blogs, op-eds, policy briefs, and speeches. Students will also hone their public speaking skills presenting their written work in different formats.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
Seminar three hours a week.
COMS 4506 [0.5 credit]
Event Management and Community Partnerships
Introduction to the stages of event management for potential community partners. This includes conceptualization, marketing and sponsorships, production and financing, to risk management.
Event Management and Community Partnerships
Introduction to the stages of event management for potential community partners. This includes conceptualization, marketing and sponsorships, production and financing, to risk management.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.
Seminar three hours a week.
COMS 4602 [0.5 credit]
Children, Youth and Media
Historical and contemporary ways in which children and youth relate to the media and popular culture.
Children, Youth and Media
Historical and contemporary ways in which children and youth relate to the media and popular culture.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4602 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4603 [0.5 credit]
Diaspora and Communication
The impact of various forms of diasporic communication on the shaping of contemporary national and international society.
Diaspora and Communication
The impact of various forms of diasporic communication on the shaping of contemporary national and international society.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4603 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4604 [0.5 credit]
Media, Gender and Sexuality
Critical examination of the intersection of media and gender, including constructions of femininity, masculinity, and other issues of sexuality.
Media, Gender and Sexuality
Critical examination of the intersection of media and gender, including constructions of femininity, masculinity, and other issues of sexuality.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3601 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4605 [0.5 credit]
Media, Race and Ethnicity
Critical examination of how issues of race and ethnicity intersect with contemporary media.
Media, Race and Ethnicity
Critical examination of how issues of race and ethnicity intersect with contemporary media.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3602 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4606 [0.5 credit]
Global Media and Popular Culture
Key theories and concepts that have shaped the study of global media and its impact on popular cultures around the world.
Global Media and Popular Culture
Key theories and concepts that have shaped the study of global media and its impact on popular cultures around the world.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4607 [0.5 credit]
Communication and Food
Food in and as communication. Food and identity, food and culture, food environments, food systems, food politics, and food and community development.
Communication and Food
Food in and as communication. Food and identity, food and culture, food environments, food systems, food politics, and food and community development.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4608 [0.5 credit]
Sound Studies
How hearing and listening practices have changed over time, and the role of sound technology in shaping our understanding of each other, our world, and ourselves.
Sound Studies
How hearing and listening practices have changed over time, and the role of sound technology in shaping our understanding of each other, our world, and ourselves.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies, or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4800 [0.5 credit]
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
A selected topic not ordinarily treated in the regular course program. The choice of topic varies from year to year. Check with the Communication and Media Studies program regarding the topic offered.
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
A selected topic not ordinarily treated in the regular course program. The choice of topic varies from year to year. Check with the Communication and Media Studies program regarding the topic offered.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year Honours standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Lectures three hours a week.
COMS 4908 [1.0 credit]
Honours Research Essay
The Honours Research Essay (HRE) provides eligible students with an opportunity to complete an independent research essay under the supervision of a faculty member. The HRE must be completed over two consecutive academic terms, beginning in the fall term.
Honours Research Essay
The Honours Research Essay (HRE) provides eligible students with an opportunity to complete an independent research essay under the supervision of a faculty member. The HRE must be completed over two consecutive academic terms, beginning in the fall term.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 4908 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth year honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), with a CGPA of 10.0 or higher, or permission of the Undergraduate Supervisor.
Unscheduled.
Prerequisite(s): fourth year honours standing in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations), with a CGPA of 10.0 or higher, or permission of the Undergraduate Supervisor.
Unscheduled.
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca