Communications Studies COMS
Instruction offered under the direction of the Faculty of Communication and Culture. For information visit the Faculty of Communication and Culture website, , or contact the Communication and Culture Faculty Office, 220-6343.
Additional interdisciplinary courses are offered under the course headings African Studies; Canadian Studies; Central and East European Studies; Development Studies; East Asian Studies; Film Studies, General Studies; Innovation Studies, Latin American Studies; Law and Society; Museum and Heritage Studies; Northern Planning and Development Studies; Science, Technology and Society; South Asian Studies; and Women's Studies.
Junior Course
Communications Studies 201 H(2-1)
Introduction to Communications Studies
An overview of the major theoretical and methodological traditions in the field and key concepts in areas such as language philosophy, semiotics, rhetoric, visual communication, mass media research, and interpersonal, small group and organizational communication.
Senior Courses
Communications Studies 335 H(3-0)
(formerly Canadian Studies 335)
Mass Communications and Canadian Society
Introduces students to the theoretical literature on various aspects of the media, including public policy questions such as the concentration of media ownership, Canadian content requirements, censorship, the role of the media during elections, and the problems and opportunities that might be brought by advances in technology.
Note: Until August 15, enrolment is restricted to Majors and Minors in Canadian Studies and Communications Studies.
Communications Studies 361 H(2-2T)
Spoken and Written Discourse
An introduction to the principles of written and spoken discourse as informed by both classical and modern rhetorical theory. Tutorials provide extensive practice in producing various forms of discourse.
Prerequisites: Completion of the Effective Writing Requirement.
Communications Studies 363 H(3-0)
Professional and Technical Communication
An introduction to professional and technical communication, both written and oral. Students will learn the rhetorical dimensions of workplace settings as well as the process of planning, composing, and delivering professional and technical communication for various audiences.
Prerequisites: Second year standing and completion of the Effective Writing Requirement.
Communications Studies 365 H(3-0)
Writing About the Fine Arts
This course is designed to help fine arts students formulate and justify in lucid prose their appraisals of works of art. The study of prose models will be integrated with extensive practice in writing.
Prerequisites: Completion of the Effective Writing Requirement.
Note: Students taking this course should have some background in Fine Arts.
Communications Studies 367 H(3-0)
Introduction to Visual Culture
An examination of visual modes of communication. Students will be introduced to the concepts of visual literacy and will learn to evaluate visual media as communication. Topics will include the elements of visual messages, the relation of visual communication to language, and the role of images in shaping culture.
Note: Until August 15, enrolment is restricted to students in the Communications Studies and Film Studies Major and Minor programs.
Communications Studies 381 H(3-0)
History of Communications
A study of the technologies of communication from a historical perspective. Considers the influences on society of developments in communications technology, including orality, literacy, printing, mass media, telecommunications and information technology. The theories of McLuhan, Innis, Ong and related theories of technology and history will be studied.
Corequisites: Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communications Studies 201.
Note: Credit for both Communications Studies 381 and 380 will not be allowed. Restricted to students in the Communications Studies Major and Minor programs. Until August 15, enrolment is restricted to Majors in Communications Studies.
Communications Studies 401 H(3-0)
Special Topics in Communications Studies
See Master Timetable for current topic(s).
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Communications Studies 403 H(3-0)
Special Topics in Media Studies
See the Master Timetable for current topic(s).
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 441 or consent of the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs).
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Communications Studies 405 H(3-0)
Special Topics in Rhetoric and Discourse
See the Master Timetable for current topic(s).
Prerequisites: Either Communications Studies 461 or both 361 and consent of the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs).
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Communications Studies 407 H(0-4)
Experiential Learning in Communications
Provides students with the opportunity to combine interests in communications research and theory with experiential learning opportunities in an organization. Involves placement in a communication-related position that will allow students to connect their education with community experience.
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 201 and consent of the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs).
Note: Open to Majors in the BA Communications Studies only.
Communications Studies 441 H(3-0)
Cultural Studies in Communications
A survey of major approaches to the study of human communication in the cultural and critical traditions, including semiotic models of communications processes and interpretive methods of research. The course considers the intellectual context in which these research traditions emerge and are applied.
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 201.
Note: Restricted to students in the Communications Studies Major and Minor programs. Until August 15, enrolment is restricted to Majors in Communications Studies.
Communications Studies 451 H(3-0)
Research in Communications
A survey of major approaches to the study of human communication in the empirical traditions, including models of communications processes and methods of applied research. The course considers the intellectual context in which these research traditions emerge and are applied.
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 201.
Corequisites: Prerequisite or Corequisite: Any full or half course in statistics (including but not limited to Anthropology 307, Applied Psychology 301, Political Science 399, Psychology 312, Sociology 311) or consent of the Faculty.
Note: Restricted to students in the Communications Studies Major program.
Communications Studies 461 H(2-2T)
History and Applications of Rhetoric
A study of key rhetorical theories from their roots in the classical period to the modern age, with an emphasis on the development of theories in response to changes in social, political and philosophical climate. Theories will be applied to the production of both spoken and written discourse.
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 201 and 361.
Note: Restricted to students in the Communications Studies Major and Minor programs. Until August 15, enrolment is restricted to Majors in Communications Studies.
Communications Studies 463 H(3-0)
(formerly Communications Studies 401.02)
Advanced Professional and Technical Communication
An inquiry-based course in which students apply rhetorical theory and communication research in professional and/or technical contexts. Topics include persuasion and argumentation, editing, and the use of technology. The main term project involves producing documents for clients or organizations outside of the classroom.
Communications Studies 483 H(3-0)
Introduction to Public Relations
The role of public relations in group communication within and among various sectors of society, including business, government, educational and cultural organizations. Alternative approaches to public relations theory and practice. Canadian examples and case studies will be used where possible, and ethical standards in public relations will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 201 or consent of the Faculty.
Communications Studies 501 H(3-0)
Research in Selected Topics
Supervised individual study of a special topic.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs).
Note: Students should contact the Office of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs) prior to the first day of classes to arrange an independent study course.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Communications Studies 537 H(2-2T)
Visual Research and New Media Production
Provides an introduction to new media production with an emphasis on the digitization of still, slide and video material for multimedia presentation. Students are encouraged to have source material in advance.
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 367 or consent of the Faculty.
Communications Studies 567 H(3-1T)
(Anthropology 567)
Advanced Studies in Visual Culture
Advanced studies in visual communication with special attention to historical and theoretical aspects of visual practices. Students will explore diverse expressions of visuality and undertake applied visual research and production. Topics may include the social production of visual discourse, visual media and social change, visual anthropology, and strategies for visual research.
Prerequisites: Communications Studies 367 or Anthropology 411 or consent of the Faculty of Communication and Culture.
Communications Studies 580 F(0-3)
Advanced Communications Project
An advanced research project incorporating both scholarly bibliographic techniques and research techniques appropriate to media production. The project will be produced in a medium appropriate to the student's specialization: print, radio, television, video film, or multimedia.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Bachelor of Communications Studies program or the Bachelor of Film Studies Program.
Corequisites: Prerequisites or Corequisites: General Studies 300, second year of the relevant Southern Alberta Institute of Technology diploma program, or equivalent transfer credit, and one of Communications Studies 441, 451, 461, Film 403, or 461.
Note: Offered jointly by the Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Open to students in the Bachelor of Communications Studies or Bachelor of Film Studies programs majors only.
Communications Studies 591 H(3S-0)
Senior Seminar in Communication
With reference to a special topic, this course explores the variety of ways in which communication builds social and cultural values. Students will undertake a major project that will integrate their understanding of communication theory, history and methodology. See individual course outlines for current topics.
Prerequisites: One of Communications Studies 441, 451, or 461 or consent of the Faculty.
Note: Restricted to students in the Communications Studies Major program.
Graduate Courses
Note: Courses numbered 615-789 will be offered on the basis of student needs and contingent upon the availability of staff resources.
Communications Studies 601 H(3S-0)
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Communications Studies
A foundation seminar that provides an introduction to the field of communication theories and approaches.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 603 H(3S-0)
Critical Perspectives on Television and Film
A seminar that explores theories and perspectives with regard to television and film.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 605 H(3S-0)
Organizational Communication
An examination of the application of theory and methodology of administrative communication processes in complex organizations.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 609 H(3S-0)
Communication Law
An examination of the operation of Canadian law as it relates to the areas of telecommunications, broadcasting and other media.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 613 H(3S-0)
Communication Theory
An examination of the major perspectives in communication theory through a historical analysis of classic works and an overview of contemporary approaches and applications.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 615 H(3S-0)
Communication Research Methods
Designed to provide a fundamental understanding of empirical research in communication. Focus will be on published, data-based research.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 619 H(3S-0)
Communication and Cultural Industries: Policy and Development
An analysis of the governmental and social contexts which inform the current development of telecommunications, communications, cultural industries and new media in Canada.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 623 H(3S-0)
Social and Economic Impacts of Communication and Information Technologies
An examination of the social context of information and communication technologies with regard to patterns of knowledge, power and social relationships.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 625 H(3-0)
Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
An examination of the theory and research concerning communication processes in face-to-face and small group interaction. Provides opportunities to develop effective practical skills.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 627 H(3S-0)
Mass Media and Democracy in North America
A discussion of how politicians use the media to campaign for office and retain power. Also considers the effects of communication technologies on the nature of democratic politics.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 629 H(3S-0)
Communication Management
An examination of communication management in business organizations. Looks at topics such as marketing, public relations and advertising in the context of rapidly changing business environments.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 641 H(3S-0)
Intercultural and International Communication
An examination of cultural/communication issues and practices in Canadian and international contexts. Examines the role of media systems in processes of culture, development and identity formation.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Communications Studies 711 H(3S-0)
Directed Studies
A research project under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
Note: May be repeated for credit once.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Communications Studies 717 H(3S-0)
Selected Topics in Communication
A variety of communication topics based on faculty expertise.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Program Director.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT