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This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

School of Journalism and Communication
(Faculty of Public Affairs)
613-520-7408
http://carleton.ca/sjc

This section presents the requirements for programs in:

Program Requirements

Communication and Media Studies
B.Co.M.S. Honours (20.0 credits)

A. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (9.0 credits):
1.  1.0 credit from:1.0
COMS 1001 [0.5]
Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 1002 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media
JOUR 1001 [0.5]
Foundations: Journalism in Context
JOUR 1002 [0.5]
Foundations: Practicing Journalism in a Diverse Society
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
COMS 2003 [0.5]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2004 [0.5]
Introduction to Communication Research
3.  1.5 credits in:1.5
COMS 3001 [0.5]
Quantitative Research in Communication
COMS 3002 [0.5]
Qualitative Research in Communication
COMS 3500 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
4. 2.5 credits, including at least 1.0 credit at the 3000-level, chosen from:2.5
FYSM 1217 [0.5]
Selected Topics in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2200 [0.5]
Big Data and Society
COMS 2300 [0.5]
Communication as Propaganda
COMS 2500 [0.5]
Communication and Science
COMS 2501 [0.5]
Media Law
COMS 2504 [0.5]
Language and Communication
COMS 2600 [0.5]
Communication and Culture
COMS 2700 [0.5]
Global Media and Communication
COMS 3100 [0.5]
Introduction to Political Management
COMS 3108 [0.5]
Media Industries and the Network Society
COMS 3109 [0.5]
Communication, Culture and Identity
COMS 3302 [0.5]
Political Communication
COMS 3308 [0.5]
Critical Studies in Advertising and Consumer Culture
COMS 3310 [0.5]
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations
COMS 3311 [0.5]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
COMS 3400 [0.5]
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
COMS 3401 [0.5]
Communications Regulation in Canada
COMS 3403 [0.5]
Communication, Technology and Culture
COMS 3404 [0.5]
Music Industries
COMS 3406 [0.5]
Media Audiences and Users
COMS 3407 [0.5]
Comparative Media Studies
COMS 3410 [0.5]
Visual Media and Communication
COMS 3411 [0.5]
Alternative Media and Social Activism
COMS 3412 [0.5]
Communication and Health
COMS 3800 [0.5]
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
5.  2.5 credits from:2.5
COMS 4004 [0.5]
Communication and Discourse
COMS 4306 [0.5]
Media and Conflict
COMS 4307 [0.5]
Politics, Communication, and the Publicity State
COMS 4311 [0.5]
Environmental Communication
COMS 4312 [0.5]
Crisis and Risk Communication
COMS 4313 [0.5]
Screen Studies
COMS 4315 [0.5]
Communication and the Built Environment
COMS 4316 [0.5]
Indigenous Media in Global Contexts
COMS 4317 [0.5]
Digital Media and Global Network Society
COMS 4337 [0.5]
Communication and Public Affairs Strategies
COMS 4401 [0.5]
Global Internet Policy and Governance
COMS 4403 [0.5]
Digital Media Industries
COMS 4405 [0.5]
The Networked Self
COMS 4406 [0.5]
Open Government and Communication
COMS 4407 [0.5]
Communication and Critical Data Studies
COMS 4408 [0.5]
Creative Work
COMS 4410 [0.5]
Mobile Media
COMS 4411 [0.5]
Algorithmic Culture
COMS 4412 [0.5]
Game Studies
COMS 4602 [0.5]
Children, Youth and Media
COMS 4603 [0.5]
Diaspora and Communication
COMS 4604 [0.5]
Media, Gender and Sexuality
COMS 4605 [0.5]
Media, Race and Ethnicity
COMS 4606 [0.5]
Global Media and Popular Culture
COMS 4607 [0.5]
Communication and Food
COMS 4608 [0.5]
Sound Studies
COMS 4800 [0.5]
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 4908 [1.0]
Honours Research Essay
6.  0.5 credit from:0.5
COMS 4006 [0.5]
Professional Communication Research
COMS 4501 [0.5]
Digital Media Production
COMS 4502 [0.5]
Storytelling in the Digital Age
COMS 4503 [0.5]
Visualizing Social Media: Hashtags, keywords, & conversations
COMS 4504 [0.5]
Engaging the Public: Stakeholders, participation & consultation
COMS 4505 [0.5]
Professional Writing and Speaking
COMS 4506 [0.5]
Event Management and Community Partnerships
B. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (11.0 credits):
7.  8.0 credits in electives not in Communication and Media Studies8.0
8.  3.0 credits in free electives3.0
Total Credits20.0

Communication and Media Studies
B.Co.M.S. Combined Honours (20.0 credits)

Students already admitted to the B.Co.M.S. may register for a combined honours degree in Communication and Media Studies and any other discipline offered within the B.A. Honours degree as a Combined Honours.

A. Credits Included in the Communication Studies Major CGPA (7.0 credits)
1.  1.0 credit from:1.0
COMS 1001 [0.5]
Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 1002 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media
JOUR 1001 [0.5]
Foundations: Journalism in Context
JOUR 1002 [0.5]
Foundations: Practicing Journalism in a Diverse Society
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
COMS 2003 [0.5]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2004 [0.5]
Introduction to Communication Research
3.  1.5 credits in:1.5
COMS 3001 [0.5]
Quantitative Research in Communication
COMS 3002 [0.5]
Qualitative Research in Communication
COMS 3500 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
4.  1.5 credits from the following, including at least 0.5 credit at the 3000-level:1.5
FYSM 1217 [0.5]
Selected Topics in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2200 [0.5]
Big Data and Society
COMS 2300 [0.5]
Communication as Propaganda
COMS 2500 [0.5]
Communication and Science
COMS 2501 [0.5]
Media Law
COMS 2504 [0.5]
Language and Communication
COMS 2600 [0.5]
Communication and Culture
COMS 2700 [0.5]
Global Media and Communication
COMS 3100 [0.5]
Introduction to Political Management
COMS 3108 [0.5]
Media Industries and the Network Society
COMS 3109 [0.5]
Communication, Culture and Identity
COMS 3302 [0.5]
Political Communication
COMS 3308 [0.5]
Critical Studies in Advertising and Consumer Culture
COMS 3310 [0.5]
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations
COMS 3311 [0.5]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
COMS 3400 [0.5]
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
COMS 3401 [0.5]
Communications Regulation in Canada
COMS 3403 [0.5]
Communication, Technology and Culture
COMS 3404 [0.5]
Music Industries
COMS 3406 [0.5]
Media Audiences and Users
COMS 3407 [0.5]
Comparative Media Studies
COMS 3410 [0.5]
Visual Media and Communication
COMS 3411 [0.5]
Alternative Media and Social Activism
COMS 3412 [0.5]
Communication and Health
COMS 3800 [0.5]
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
5.  2.0 credits from:2.0
COMS 4004 [0.5]
Communication and Discourse
COMS 4006 [0.5]
Professional Communication Research
COMS 4306 [0.5]
Media and Conflict
COMS 4307 [0.5]
Politics, Communication, and the Publicity State
COMS 4311 [0.5]
Environmental Communication
COMS 4312 [0.5]
Crisis and Risk Communication
COMS 4313 [0.5]
Screen Studies
COMS 4315 [0.5]
Communication and the Built Environment
COMS 4316 [0.5]
Indigenous Media in Global Contexts
COMS 4317 [0.5]
Digital Media and Global Network Society
COMS 4337 [0.5]
Communication and Public Affairs Strategies
COMS 4401 [0.5]
Global Internet Policy and Governance
COMS 4403 [0.5]
Digital Media Industries
COMS 4405 [0.5]
The Networked Self
COMS 4406 [0.5]
Open Government and Communication
COMS 4407 [0.5]
Communication and Critical Data Studies
COMS 4408 [0.5]
Creative Work
COMS 4410 [0.5]
Mobile Media
COMS 4411 [0.5]
Algorithmic Culture
COMS 4412 [0.5]
Game Studies
COMS 4501 [0.5]
Digital Media Production
COMS 4502 [0.5]
Storytelling in the Digital Age
COMS 4503 [0.5]
Visualizing Social Media: Hashtags, keywords, & conversations
COMS 4504 [0.5]
Engaging the Public: Stakeholders, participation & consultation
COMS 4505 [0.5]
Professional Writing and Speaking
COMS 4506 [0.5]
Event Management and Community Partnerships
COMS 4602 [0.5]
Children, Youth and Media
COMS 4603 [0.5]
Diaspora and Communication
COMS 4604 [0.5]
Media, Gender and Sexuality
COMS 4605 [0.5]
Media, Race and Ethnicity
COMS 4606 [0.5]
Global Media and Popular Culture
COMS 4607 [0.5]
Communication and Food
COMS 4608 [0.5]
Sound Studies
COMS 4800 [0.5]
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 4908 [1.0]
Honours Research Essay
B. Additional Requirements (13.0 credits)13.0
6. The requirements from the other discipline must be satisfied
7. Sufficient credits in free electives to total 20.0 credits for the program.
Total Credits20.0

Communication and Media Studies
B.Co.M.S. (15.0 credits)

The B.Co.M.S. is for students in second year or above who have been previously in the B.Co.M.S. Honours.

A. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (6.0 credits):
1.  1.0 credit from:1.0
COMS 1001 [0.5]
Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 1002 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media
JOUR 1001 [0.5]
Foundations: Journalism in Context
JOUR 1002 [0.5]
Foundations: Practicing Journalism in a Diverse Society
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
COMS 2003 [0.5]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2004 [0.5]
Introduction to Communication Research
3.  1.5 credits in:1.5
COMS 3001 [0.5]
Quantitative Research in Communication
COMS 3002 [0.5]
Qualitative Research in Communication
COMS 3500 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
4. 2.5 credits, including at least 1.0 credit at the 3000 level, chosen from:2.5
FYSM 1217 [0.5]
Selected Topics in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2200 [0.5]
Big Data and Society
COMS 2300 [0.5]
Communication as Propaganda
COMS 2500 [0.5]
Communication and Science
COMS 2501 [0.5]
Media Law
COMS 2504 [0.5]
Language and Communication
COMS 2600 [0.5]
Communication and Culture
COMS 2700 [0.5]
Global Media and Communication
COMS 3100 [0.5]
Introduction to Political Management
COMS 3108 [0.5]
Media Industries and the Network Society
COMS 3109 [0.5]
Communication, Culture and Identity
COMS 3302 [0.5]
Political Communication
COMS 3308 [0.5]
Critical Studies in Advertising and Consumer Culture
COMS 3310 [0.5]
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations
COMS 3311 [0.5]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
COMS 3400 [0.5]
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
COMS 3401 [0.5]
Communications Regulation in Canada
COMS 3403 [0.5]
Communication, Technology and Culture
COMS 3404 [0.5]
Music Industries
COMS 3406 [0.5]
Media Audiences and Users
COMS 3407 [0.5]
Comparative Media Studies
COMS 3410 [0.5]
Visual Media and Communication
COMS 3411 [0.5]
Alternative Media and Social Activism
COMS 3800 [0.5]
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
B. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (9.0 credits):
5.  7.0 credits in electives not in communication and media studies7.0
6.  2.0 credits in free electives.2.0
Total Credits15.0

Specialization in Global Media and Communication
B.G.In.S. Honours (20.0 credits)

A. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (12.0 credits)
1.  4.5 credits in: Core Courses4.5
GINS 1000 [0.5]
Global History
GINS 1010 [0.5]
International Law and Politics
GINS 1020 [0.5]
Ethnography, Globalization and Culture
GINS 2000 [0.5]
Ethics and Globalization
GINS 2010 [0.5]
Globalization and International Economic Issues
GINS 2020 [0.5]
Global Literatures
GINS 3010 [0.5]
Global and International Theory
GINS 3020 [0.5]
Places, Boundaries, Movements and Global Environmental Change
GINS 4090 [0.5]
Honours Seminar in Global and International Studies
2.  0.0 credit in: International Experience Requirement Preparation
GINS 1300 [0.0]
International Experience Requirement Preparation
3.  7.5 credits in: the Specialization
a. 1.5 credits in: Foundations1.5
COMS 1001 [0.5]
Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 1002 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media
COMS 2700 [0.5]
Global Media and Communication
b. 1.0 credit in: Introductory Theory and Methods1.0
COMS 2003 [0.5]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2004 [0.5]
Introduction to Communication Research
c. 2.0 credits in: Advanced Theory and Methods2.0
COMS 3001 [0.5]
Quantitative Research in Communication
COMS 3002 [0.5]
Qualitative Research in Communication
COMS 3400 [0.5]
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
COMS 3500 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
d. 3.0 credits from: Advanced Core3.0
(at least 1.0 credits at the 3000 level)
COMS 3108 [0.5]
Media Industries and the Network Society
COMS 3109 [0.5]
Communication, Culture and Identity
COMS 3311 [0.5]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
COMS 4306 [0.5]
Media and Conflict
COMS 4316 [0.5]
Indigenous Media in Global Contexts
COMS 4317 [0.5]
Digital Media and Global Network Society
COMS 4401 [0.5]
Global Internet Policy and Governance
COMS 4406 [0.5]
Open Government and Communication
COMS 4603 [0.5]
Diaspora and Communication
COMS 4605 [0.5]
Media, Race and Ethnicity
COMS 4606 [0.5]
Global Media and Popular Culture
COMS 4908 [1.0]
Honours Research Essay
B. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (8.0 credits)
4.  8.0 credits in: free electives8.0
C. Additional Requirements
5. The International Experience requirement must be met.
6. The Language requirement must be met.
Total Credits20.0

Stream in Global Media and Communication
B.G.In.S. (15.0 credits)

A. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (8.0 credits)
1.  4.0 credits in: Core Courses4.0
GINS 1000 [0.5]
Global History
GINS 1010 [0.5]
International Law and Politics
GINS 1020 [0.5]
Ethnography, Globalization and Culture
GINS 2000 [0.5]
Ethics and Globalization
GINS 2010 [0.5]
Globalization and International Economic Issues
GINS 2020 [0.5]
Global Literatures
GINS 3010 [0.5]
Global and International Theory
GINS 3020 [0.5]
Places, Boundaries, Movements and Global Environmental Change
2.  4.0 credits from: the Stream4.0
a. Foundations
COMS 1001 [0.5]
Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 1002 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media
COMS 2700 [0.5]
Global Media and Communication
b. Introductory Theory and Methods
COMS 2003 [0.5]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2004 [0.5]
Introduction to Communication Research
c. Advanced Theory and Methods
COMS 3001 [0.5]
Quantitative Research in Communication
COMS 3002 [0.5]
Qualitative Research in Communication
COMS 3500 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
d. Advanced Core
COMS 3108 [0.5]
Media Industries and the Network Society
COMS 3109 [0.5]
Communication, Culture and Identity
COMS 3311 [0.5]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
B. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (7.0 credits)
3.  7.0 credits in: free electives7.0
C. Additional Requirements
4. The Language requirement must be met.
Total Credits15.0

Minor in Communication and Media Studies (4.0 credits)

This Minor is open to all undergraduate degree students in programs other than Communication and Media Studies, and B.G.In.S. Global Media and Communication.

Requirements:
1.  1.0 credit from:1.0
COMS 1001 [0.5]
Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 1002 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media
JOUR 1001 [0.5]
Foundations: Journalism in Context
JOUR 1002 [0.5]
Foundations: Practicing Journalism in a Diverse Society
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
COMS 2003 [0.5]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2004 [0.5]
Introduction to Communication Research
3. 2.0 credits, including at least 1.5 credit at the 3000 level, chosen from:2.0
FYSM 1217 [0.5]
Selected Topics in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2200 [0.5]
Big Data and Society
COMS 2300 [0.5]
Communication as Propaganda
COMS 2500 [0.5]
Communication and Science
COMS 2501 [0.5]
Media Law
COMS 2504 [0.5]
Language and Communication
COMS 2600 [0.5]
Communication and Culture
COMS 2700 [0.5]
Global Media and Communication
COMS 3100 [0.5]
Introduction to Political Management
COMS 3108 [0.5]
Media Industries and the Network Society
COMS 3109 [0.5]
Communication, Culture and Identity
COMS 3302 [0.5]
Political Communication
COMS 3308 [0.5]
Critical Studies in Advertising and Consumer Culture
COMS 3310 [0.5]
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations
COMS 3311 [0.5]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
COMS 3400 [0.5]
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
COMS 3401 [0.5]
Communications Regulation in Canada
COMS 3403 [0.5]
Communication, Technology and Culture
COMS 3404 [0.5]
Music Industries
COMS 3406 [0.5]
Media Audiences and Users
COMS 3407 [0.5]
Comparative Media Studies
COMS 3410 [0.5]
Visual Media and Communication
COMS 3411 [0.5]
Alternative Media and Social Activism
COMS 3412 [0.5]
Communication and Health
4. The remaining requirements of the major discipline(s) and degree must be satisfied.
Total Credits4.0

Journalism and Communication and Media Studies
B.J. Combined Honours (20.0 credits)

This program is available only to students registered in the Bachelor of Journalism program.

A. Credits Included in the Journalism Major CGPA (8.0 credits):
1.  6.0 credits in:6.0
JOUR 1001 [0.5]
Foundations: Journalism in Context
JOUR 1002 [0.5]
Foundations: Practicing Journalism in a Diverse Society
JOUR 2201 [1.0]
Fundamentals of Reporting
JOUR 2202 [0.5]
Digital Journalism Toolkit
JOUR 2501 [0.5]
Media Law
JOUR 3207 [0.5]
Audio Journalism
JOUR 3208 [0.5]
Video Journalism
JOUR 3225 [0.5]
Reporting in Depth
JOUR 3235 [0.5]
Digital Journalism
JOUR 3300 [0.5]
Media Ethics in a Digital World
JOUR 4001 [0.5]
Journalism Now - and Next
2.  2.0 credits from - Journalism Publications and/or Specialized Journalism and/or Professional Skills and/or Investigating Journalism (at least 0.5 credit must be taken from Journalism Publications courses and at least 0.5 credit must be taken from the Specialized Journalism courses)2.0
Journalism Publications
JOUR 4003 [0.5]
The Digital Hub: Advanced Multimedia
JOUR 4004 [0.5]
The Digital Hub: Advanced Audio
JOUR 4005 [0.5]
The Digital Hub: Advanced Video
Specialized Journalism
JOUR 4300 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Special Topic
JOUR 4301 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and the Markets
JOUR 4302 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society
JOUR 4303 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Health and Science
JOUR 4304 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science
JOUR 4305 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S.
JOUR 4306 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World
JOUR 4309 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture
JOUR 4308 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture
JOUR 4310 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law
JOUR 4311 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court
Professional Skills
JOUR 4400 [0.5]
Professional Skills: Special Topic
JOUR 4401 [0.5]
Professional Skills: Data Storytelling
JOUR 4402 [0.5]
Professional Skills: Longform Writing
JOUR 4403 [0.5]
Professional Skills: Strategic Communication
JOUR 4404 [0.5]
Professional Skills: Freelancing for Media Professionals
Investigating Journalism
JOUR 4500 [0.5]
Investigating Journalism: Special Topic
JOUR 4501 [0.5]
Investigating Journalism: Gender, Identity and Inequality
JOUR 4502 [0.5]
Investigating Journalism: Journalism and Conflict
JOUR 4503 [0.5]
Investigating Journalism: Journalism, Indigenous Peoples and Canada
JOUR 4504 [0.5]
Investigating Journalism: The Media and International Development
JOUR 4505 [1.0]
Investigating Journalism: The Power and Politics of Government
B. Credits Included in the Communication and Media Studies Major CGPA (7.0 credits):
3.  1.0 credit in:1.0
COMS 2003 [0.5]
Theoretical Foundations in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 2004 [0.5]
Introduction to Communication Research
4.  1.5 credits in:1.5
COMS 3001 [0.5]
Quantitative Research in Communication
COMS 3002 [0.5]
Qualitative Research in Communication
COMS 3500 [0.5]
Current Issues in Communication and Media Theory
5. 2.5 credits, including at least 0.5 credit at the 3000 level, chosen from:2.5
COMS 2200 [0.5]
Big Data and Society
COMS 2300 [0.5]
Communication as Propaganda
COMS 2500 [0.5]
Communication and Science
COMS 2501 [0.5]
Media Law
COMS 2504 [0.5]
Language and Communication
COMS 2600 [0.5]
Communication and Culture
COMS 2700 [0.5]
Global Media and Communication
COMS 3100 [0.5]
Introduction to Political Management
COMS 3108 [0.5]
Media Industries and the Network Society
COMS 3109 [0.5]
Communication, Culture and Identity
COMS 3302 [0.5]
Political Communication
COMS 3308 [0.5]
Critical Studies in Advertising and Consumer Culture
COMS 3310 [0.5]
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations
COMS 3311 [0.5]
Media and Communication in Regional Contexts
COMS 3400 [0.5]
Ethical Controversies in Media and Communication
COMS 3401 [0.5]
Communications Regulation in Canada
COMS 3403 [0.5]
Communication, Technology and Culture
COMS 3404 [0.5]
Music Industries
COMS 3406 [0.5]
Media Audiences and Users
COMS 3407 [0.5]
Comparative Media Studies
COMS 3410 [0.5]
Visual Media and Communication
COMS 3411 [0.5]
Alternative Media and Social Activism
COMS 3412 [0.5]
Communication and Health
6.  2.0 credits from:2.0
COMS 4004 [0.5]
Communication and Discourse
COMS 4006 [0.5]
Professional Communication Research
COMS 4306 [0.5]
Media and Conflict
COMS 4307 [0.5]
Politics, Communication, and the Publicity State
COMS 4311 [0.5]
Environmental Communication
COMS 4312 [0.5]
Crisis and Risk Communication
COMS 4313 [0.5]
Screen Studies
COMS 4315 [0.5]
Communication and the Built Environment
COMS 4316 [0.5]
Indigenous Media in Global Contexts
COMS 4317 [0.5]
Digital Media and Global Network Society
COMS 4337 [0.5]
Communication and Public Affairs Strategies
COMS 4401 [0.5]
Global Internet Policy and Governance
COMS 4403 [0.5]
Digital Media Industries
COMS 4405 [0.5]
The Networked Self
COMS 4406 [0.5]
Open Government and Communication
COMS 4407 [0.5]
Communication and Critical Data Studies
COMS 4408 [0.5]
Creative Work
COMS 4410 [0.5]
Mobile Media
COMS 4411 [0.5]
Algorithmic Culture
COMS 4412 [0.5]
Game Studies
COMS 4501 [0.5]
Digital Media Production
COMS 4502 [0.5]
Storytelling in the Digital Age
COMS 4503 [0.5]
Visualizing Social Media: Hashtags, keywords, & conversations
COMS 4504 [0.5]
Engaging the Public: Stakeholders, participation & consultation
COMS 4505 [0.5]
Professional Writing and Speaking
COMS 4506 [0.5]
Event Management and Community Partnerships
COMS 4602 [0.5]
Children, Youth and Media
COMS 4603 [0.5]
Diaspora and Communication
COMS 4604 [0.5]
Media, Gender and Sexuality
COMS 4605 [0.5]
Media, Race and Ethnicity
COMS 4606 [0.5]
Global Media and Popular Culture
COMS 4607 [0.5]
Communication and Food
COMS 4608 [0.5]
Sound Studies
COMS 4800 [0.5]
Special Topic in Communication and Media Studies
COMS 4908 [1.0]
Honours Research Essay
C. Additional Requirements (5.0 credits)
7.a. 0.5 credit from:0.5
HIST 1301 [0.5]
Conflict and Change in Early Canadian History
HIST 1302 [0.5]
Rethinking Modern Canadian History
HIST 2301 [0.5]
Canadian Political History
HIST 2304 [1.0]
Social and Cultural History of Canada (See Item 8 below)
HIST 2311 [0.5]
Environmental History of Canada
b. 0.5 credit from:0.5
INDG 1010 [0.5]
Introduction to Indigenous Peoplehood Studies
INDG 1011 [0.5]
Introduction to Indigenous-Settler Encounters
INDG 2011 [0.5]
Contemporary Indigenous Studies
8. Approved electives to make up a total of 20.0 credits. Students who take HIST 2304 to fulfill Item 7a will have 0.5 credits less to complete.4.0
Total Credits20.0

Communication and Media Studies
B.A. Combined Honours (20.0 credits)

Students enrolled in a single discipline within a B.A. Honours program may add Communication and Media Studies as a second discipline within a B.A. Combined Honours. Communication and Media Studies course requirements for the B.A. Combined Honours are the same as those for the B.Co.M.S. Combined Honours.

Communication and Media Studies (COMS) Courses

COMS 1001 [0.5 credit]
Foundations in Communication and Media Studies

An exploration of past and present media, patterns of change, and key approaches to their study.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for COMS 1000, COMM 1101.
Lecture and discussion groups.

COMS 1002 [0.5 credit]
Current Issues in Communication and Media

An exploration of communication and media in relation to contemporary political, technological and cultural issues, with a focus on Canada.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for COMS 1000, COMM 1101.
Lecture and discussion groups.

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.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2101 (no longer offered) and COMM 2100 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1001 and COMS 1002, 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2000 (no longer offered), COMM 2001 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1001 and COMS 1002, 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): Second-year standing or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
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.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2301 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1001 or COMS 1002 or JOUR 1001 or 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.
Prerequisite(s): second-year standing or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
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.
Also listed as JOUR 2501, MPAD 2501.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2501 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1001 or COMS 1002 or JOUR 1001 or 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.
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.

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.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2401 (no longer offered), COMM 2601 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1001 or COMS 1002 or JOUR 1001 or 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.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3405/JOUR 3405 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): COMS 1001 or COMS 1002 or JOUR 1001 or 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

COMS 3002 [0.5 credit]
Qualitative Research in Communication

An introduction to interpretive methods in media and communication studies.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.
Lectures and discussion 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.
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.

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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

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.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3109 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing and enrollment in Communication and Media Studies (including BGInS related specializations and streams) or in the Minor in Critical Race Studies, 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

COMS 3308 [0.5 credit]
Critical Studies in Advertising and 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.

COMS 3310 [0.5 credit]
Critical Perspectives of Public Relations

A critical examination of key 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

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.).
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 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.
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.

COMS 3401 [0.5 credit]
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.

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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

COMS 3404 [0.5 credit]
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.

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.
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 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.
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.

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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
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.
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.

COMS 3800 [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.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in Communication and Media Studies or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lecture three hours a week.

COMS 3999 [0.0 credit]
Co-operative Work Term

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

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.
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.

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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.
Workshop three hours a week.

COMS 4305 [0.5 credit]
Media and Religion

Critical examination of the ways religion mediates communicative practices, engages with media technologies, and is mediated in mainstream or popular culture. Topics may include: secularization and post-secularization; the politics of representation; religious organizations as communicative actors; fundamentalism.
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 4306 [0.5 credit]
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.

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.
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.

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.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing and enrollment in Communication and Media Studies or in the Minor in Environmental and Climate Humanities, or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 4501 [0.5 credit]
Digital Media Production

This workshop introduces practice-based tools and techniques relevant in contemporary professional communication, such as basic web development, podcasting, and digital photography.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Workshop three hours a week.

COMS 4502 [0.5 credit]
Storytelling in the Digital Age

In this workshop students learn to write compelling stories for the digital age. They 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Workshop three hours a week.

COMS 4503 [0.5 credit]
Visualizing Social Media: Hashtags, keywords, & conversations

This workshop introduces 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. Opportunity to work with analytics and mapping software on students' own projects.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): COMS 3001 and fourth-year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Workshop three hours a week.

COMS 4504 [0.5 credit]
Engaging the Public: Stakeholders, participation & consultation

This workshop introduces 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Workshop three hours a week.

COMS 4505 [0.5 credit]
Professional Writing and Speaking

In this workshop students 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Workshop three hours a week.

COMS 4506 [0.5 credit]
Event Management and Community Partnerships

This workshop introduces the stages of event management for potential community partners. This includes conceptualization, marketing and sponsorships, production and financing, to risk management.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in B.Co.M.S. Honours and permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Workshop 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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

COMS 4605 [0.5 credit]
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.

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.
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
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.

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

Regulations

The regulations presented in this section apply to all Bachelor of Communication Studies (B.Co.M.S.) programs.

In addition to program requirements, B.Co.M.S. students must satisfy the Academic Regulations of the University, and the same Breadth requirements that apply to students enrolled in B.A. programs, described below. Students should consult with the School of Journalism and Communication when selecting courses and planning their program.

B.A. Regulations

The regulations presented below apply to all Bachelor of Arts programs. In addition to the requirements presented here, students must satisfy the University regulations common to all undergraduate students including the process of Academic Performance Evaluation (consult the Academic Regulations of the University section of this Calendar).

First-Year Seminars

B.A. degree students are strongly encouraged to include a First-Year Seminar (FYSM) during their first 4.0 credits of registration. Students are limited to 1.0 credit in FYSM and can only register in a FYSM while they have first-year standing in their B.A. program. Students who have completed the Enriched Support Program (ESP) or who are required to take a minimum of one English as a Second Language (ESLA) credit are not permitted to register in a FYSM.

Breadth Requirement

Among the credits presented at graduation, students in both the B.A. and the B.A. Honours degrees and B.Co.M.S. are required to include 3.0 breadth credits, including 1.0 credit from each of three of the four Breadth Areas identified below. Credits that fulfil requirements in the Major, Minor, Concentration or Specialization may be used to fulfil the Breadth Requirement.

Students admitted with a completed university degree are exempt from breadth requirements.

Students in the following interdisciplinary programs are exempt from the B.A. breadth requirement.

  • African Studies
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Environmental Studies
  • Human Rights
  • Human Rights and Social Justice
Breadth Area 1: Culture and Communication

American Sign Language, Art History, Art and Culture, Communication and Media Studies, Comparative Literary Studies, Digital Humanities, English, Film Studies, French, Journalism, Media Production and Design, Music, Performance in Public Sphere, and Languages (Arabic, English as a Second Language, German, Greek, Hebrew, Indigenous Languages, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

Subject codes: ARAB, ARTH, ASLA, CHIN, CLST, COMS, DIGH, ENGL, ESLA, FILM, FINS, FREN, GERM, GREK, HEBR, ITAL, JAPA, JOUR, KORE, LANG, LATN, MPAD, MUSI, PIPS, PORT, RUSS, SPAN

Breadth Area 2: Humanities

African Studies, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Archaeology, Canadian Studies, Child Studies, Classical Civilization, Critical Race Studies, Directed Interdisciplinary Studies, Disability Studies, Environmental and Climate Humanities, European and Russian Studies, History, Human Rights, Humanities, Indigenous Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Linguistics, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Philosophy, Religion, Sexuality Studies, South Asian Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies.

Subject codes: AFRI, ALDS, ARCY, CDNS, CHST, CLCV, CRST, DBST, DIST, EACH, EURR, HIST, HUMR, HUMS, INDG, LACS, LING, MEMS, PHIL, RELI, SAST, SXST, WGST

Breadth Area 3: Science, Engineering, and Design

Architecture, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Health Sciences, Industrial Design, Information Resource Management, Information Technology (BIT), Information Technology (ITEC), Interactive Multimedia and Design, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Network Technology, Optical Systems and Sensors, Photonics, Statistics, Physics, and Technology, Society, Environment.

Subject codes: AERO, ARCC, ARCH, ARCN, ARCS, ARCU, BIOC, BIOL, BIT, CHEM, CIVE, CMPS, COMP, ECOR, ELEC, ENSC, ENVE, ERTH, FOOD, HLTH, IDES, IMD, IRM, ISCI, ISCS, ISYS, ITEC, MAAE, MATH, MECH, NET, NEUR, NSCI, OSS, PHYS, PLT, SREE, STAT, SYSC, TSES

Breadth Area 4: Social Sciences

Anthropology, Business, Cognitive Science, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geomatics, Global and International Studies, Global Politics, Interdisciplinary Public Affairs, International Affairs, Law, Migration and Diaspora Studies, Political Management, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Public Affairs and Policy Management, Social Work, Sociology/Anthropology, Sociology

Subject codes: ANTH, BUSI, CGSC, CRCJ, ECON, ENST, GEOG, GEOM, GINS, GPOL, INAF, IPAF, LAWS, MGDS, PADM, PAPM, POLM, PSCI, PSYC, SOCI, SOWK

Declared and Undeclared Students

Degree students are considered "Undeclared" if they have been admitted to a degree but have not yet selected and been accepted into a program within that degree. The status "Undeclared" is available only in the B.A. and B.Sc. degrees. See the Open Studies program section of this Calendar for recommended registration information. Normally, Undeclared students are required to be eligible to enter a program within their degree before reaching second year standing. Undeclared students should consult Academic Advising Centre for guidance in planning their studies prior to registration.

Change of Program Within the B.A. Degree

Students may transfer to a program within the B.A. degree, if upon entry to the new program they would be in Good Standing . Other applications for change of program will be considered on their merits; students may be admitted to the new program in Good Standing or on Academic Warning. Students may apply to declare or change their program within the B.A. Degree at the Registrar's Office according to the published deadlines. Acceptance into a program or into a program element or option is subject to any enrollment limitations, specific program, program element or option requirements, as published in the relevant Calendar entry.

Minors, Concentrations and Specializations

Students may apply to the Registrar's Office to be admitted to a minor, concentration or specialization during their first or subsequent years of study. Acceptance into a minor, concentration or specialization is subject to any specific requirements of the intended Minor, Concentration or Specialization as published in the relevant Calendar entry. Acceptance into a Concentration or Specialization requires that the student be in Good Standing.

Mention : Français

Students registered in certain B.A. programs may earn the notation Mention : Français by completing part of their requirements in French and by demonstrating a knowledge of the history and culture of French Canada. The general requirements are listed below. For more specific details consult the departmental program entries.

Students in a B.A. Honours program must present:

  1. 1.0 credit in French language;
  2. 1.0 credit devoted to the history and culture of French Canada;
  3. 1.0 credit at the 2000- or 3000-level and 1.0 credit at the 4000-level in the Honours discipline taken in French.

Students in a B.A. program must present:

  1. 1.0 credit in advanced French;
  2. 1.0 credit devoted to the history and culture of French Canada;
  3. 1.0 credit at the 2000- or 3000-level in the Major discipline taken in French.

Students in Combined Honours programs must fulfil the Mention : Français requirement in both disciplines.

Courses taught in French (Item 3, above) may be taken at Carleton, at the University of Ottawa on the Exchange Agreement, or at a francophone university on a Letter of Permission. Students planning to take courses on exchange or on a Letter of Permission should take careful note of the residence requirement for a minimum number of Carleton courses in their programs. Consult the Academic Regulations of the University section of this Calendar for information regarding study on Exchange or Letter of Permission.

Co-operative Education

For more information about how to apply for the Co-op program and how the Co-op program works please visit the Co-op website.

All students participating in the Co-op program are governed by the Undergraduate Co-operative Education Policy.

Undergraduate Co-operative Education Policy

Admission Requirements

Students can apply to co-op in one of two ways; directly from high school or after beginning a degree program at Carleton.

If a student is admitted to co-op from high school, their grades will be reviewed two terms to one year prior to their first work term to ensure they continue to meet the academic requirements after their 1st or 2nd year of study. The time at which evaluation takes place depends on the program of study. Students will automatically be notified via their Carleton email account if they are permitted to continue.

Students not admitted to Carleton University with the co-op option on their degree can apply for admission via the co-operative education program website. To view application deadlines, visit carleton.ca/co-op.

Admission to the co-op option is based on the completion of 5.0 or more credits at Carleton University, the CGPA requirement for the students' academic program as well as any course prerequisites. The articulated CGPA for each program is the normal standard for assessment. Please see the specific degree program sections for the unique admission and continuation requirements for each academic program.

Participation Requirements

COOP 1000

Once a student has been given admission or continuation confirmation to the co-op option s/he must complete and pass COOP 1000 (a mandatory online 0.0 credit course). Students will have access to this course a minimum of two terms prior to their first work term and will be notified when to register.

Communication with the Co-op Office

Students must maintain contact with the co-op office during their job search and while on a work term. All email communication will be conducted via the students' Carleton email account.

Employment

Although every effort is made to ensure a sufficient number of job postings for all students enrolled in the co-op option of their degree program, no guarantee of employment can be made. Carleton's co-op program operates a competitive job search process and is dependent upon current market conditions. Academic performance, skills, motivation, maturity, attitude and potential will determine whether a student is offered a job. It is the student's responsibility to actively conduct a  job search in addition to participation in the job search process operated by the co-op office. Once a student accepts a co-op job offer (verbally or written), his/her job search will end and access to co-op jobs will be removed for that term. Students that do not successfully obtain a co-op work term are expected to continue with their academic studies. The summer term is the exception to this rule. Students should also note that hiring priority is given to Canadian citizens for co-op positions in the Federal Government of Canada.

Registering in Co-op Courses

Students will be registered in a Co-op Work Term course while at work. The number of Co-op Work Term courses that a student is registered in is dependent upon the number of four-month work terms that a student accepts.

While on a co-op work term students may take a maximum of 0.5 credit throughout each four-month co-op work term. Courses must be scheduled outside of regular working hours.

Students must be registered as full-time before they begin their co-op job search (2.0 credits). All co-op work terms must be completed before the beginning of the final academic term. Students may not finish their degree on a co-op work term.

Work Term Assessment and Evaluation

To obtain a Satisfactory grade for the co-op work term students must have:

  1. A satisfactory work term evaluation by the co-op employer;
  2. A satisfactory grade on the work term report.

Students must submit a work term report at the completion of each four-month work term. Reports are due on the 16th of April, August, and December and students are notified of due dates through their Carleton email account.

Workplace performance will be assessed by the workplace supervisor. Should a student receive an unsatisfactory rating from their co-op employer, an investigation by the co-op program manager will be undertaken. An unsatisfactory employer evaluation does not preclude a student from achieving an overall satisfactory rating for the work term.

Graduation with the Co-op Designation

In order to graduate with the co-op designation, students must satisfy all requirements for their degree program in addition to the requirements according to each co-op program (i.e. successful completion of three or four work terms).

Note: Participation in the co-op option will add up to one additional year for a student to complete their degree program.

Voluntary Withdrawal from the Co-op Option

Students may withdraw from the co-op option of their degree program during a study term ONLY. Students at work may not withdraw from the work term or the co-op option until s/he has completed the requirements of the work term.

Students are eligible to continue in their regular academic program provided that they meet the academic standards required for continuation.

Involuntary or Required Withdrawal from the Co-op Option

Students may be required to withdraw from the co-op option of their degree program for one or any of the following reasons:

  1. Failure to achieve a grade of SAT in COOP 1000
  2. Failure to pay all co-op related fees
  3. Failure to actively participate in the job search process
  4. Failure to attend all interviews for positions to which the student has applied
  5. Declining more than one job offer during the job search process
  6. Continuing a job search after accepting a co-op position
  7. Dismissal from a work term by the co-op employer
  8. Leaving a work term without approval by the Co-op manager
  9. Receipt of an unsatisfactory work term evaluation
  10. Submission of an unsatisfactory work term report

Standing and Appeals

The Co-op and Career Services office administers the regulations and procedures that are applicable to all co-op program options. All instances of a student's failure during a work term or other issues directly related to their participation in the co-op option will be reported to the academic department.

Any decision made by the Co-op and Career Services office can be appealed via the normal appeal process within the University.

International Students

All International Students are required to possess a Co-op Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before they can begin working. It is illegal to work in Canada without the proper authorization. Students will be provided with a letter of support to accompany their application. Students must submit their application for their permit before being permitted to view and apply for jobs on the Co-op Services database. Confirmation of a position will not be approved until a student can confirm they have received their permit. Students are advised to discuss the application process and requirements with the International Student Services Office.

Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Honours: Co-op Admission and Continuation Requirements 

  • Maintain full-time status in each study term (2.0 credits);
  • Be eligible to work in Canada (for off-campus work)
  • Have successfully completed COOP 1000 [0.0]

In addition to the following:

  1. Registered as a full-time student in the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Honours program;
  2. Obtained and maintained an overall CGPA of 9.00 or higher.

Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Honours students must successfully complete three (3) work terms to obtain the Co-op designation.

Work Term Course: COMS 3999
Work/Study Pattern:

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5
TermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPattern
FallSFallSFallSFallW/SFallS
WinterSWinterSWinterSWinterW/SWinter 
Summer SummerWSummerWSummerS

Legend
S
: Study
W: Work
O: Optional
* indicates recommended work study pattern
** student finds own employer for this work-term.

Admissions Information

Admission Requirements are for the 2021-22 year only, and are based on the Ontario High School System. Holding the minimum admission requirements only establishes eligibility for consideration. The cut-off averages for admission may be considerably higher than the minimum. See also the General Admission and Procedures section of this Calendar. An overall average of at least 70% is normally required to be considered for admission. Some programs may also require specific course prerequisites and prerequisite averages and/or supplementary admission portfolios. Higher averages are required for admission to programs for which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available. The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program by program basis. Consult admissions.carleton.ca for further details.

Note: Courses listed as recommended are not mandatory for admission. Students who do not follow the recommendations will not be disadvantaged in the admission process.

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies

Admission Requirements

First Year

B. Co.M.S.  (Honours)

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including a minimum of six 4U or M courses. The six 4U or M courses must include a 4U course in English (or anglais ). For applicants whose first language is not English, the requirement of English can also be met under the conditions outlined in the section English Language Requirements in the Admissions Requirements and Procedures section of this Calendar.

The cut-off average for admission will be set annually and will normally be above the minimum requirement. Applicants falling slightly below the cut-off average will be considered on an individual basis to determine whether there are special circumstances that would permit their admission. Students who feel that their high school grade average does not reflect their potential may apply to the Enriched Support Program (see the Enriched Support Program section of this Calendar).

B. Co.M.S.

Access to the B.Co.M.S. degree is limited to B.Co.M.S. (Honours) students who apply to transfer.

Advanced Standing

Applications for admission to the second or subsequent years will be assessed on their merits. Advanced standing will be granted only for those courses that are determined to be appropriate.

Co-op Option


Direct Admission to the First Year of the Co-op Option

Applicants must:

  1. meet the required overall admission cut-off average and prerequisite course average. These averages may be higher than the stated minimum requirements;
  2. be registered as a full-time student in the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Honours);
  3. be eligible to work in Canada (for off-campus work placements).

Meeting the above requirements only establishes eligibility for admission to the program. The prevailing job market may limit enrolment in the co-op option. Students should also note that hiring priority is given to Canadian citizens for co-op positions in the Public Service Commission.


Note: continuation requirements for students previously admitted to the co-op option and admission requirements  for the co-op option after beginning the program are described in the Co-operative Education Regulations section of this Calendar.