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Instruction offered by the Department of Communication and Culture in the Faculty of Arts.
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Communications Studies
201
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Introduction to Communications Studies
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A general mapping of the field, with an emphasis on its breadth in the areas of media studies, communication of science and technology, and rhetorical communication. The course also provides a general examination of how Communications Studies emerged during the 20th century and how the field relates to issues of social and cultural change.
Course Hours:
H(2-1)
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Communications Studies
361
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Spoken and Written Discourse
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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.
Course Hours:
H(2-2T)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Communications Studies 361 and 369 will not be allowed.
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Communications Studies
363
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Professional and Technical Communication
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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.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Completion of four or more full-course equivalents.
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Communications Studies
369
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Rhetorical Communication
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An introduction to the basic principles of rhetorical theory, criticism and practice. Students will learn rhetorical perspectives on elements of communication such as argumentation, persuasion, audience, situation, genre, and ethics. Tutorial sections will apply rhetorical theory to the criticism of samples of public communication. Students will exercise their rhetorical skills through in-class activities and assigned writing and oral presentations.
Course Hours:
H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 201.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit will not normally be allowed for both Communications Studies 369 and 361.
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Communications Studies
371
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Critical Media Studies
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Emphasizes major critical approaches in Communications Studies with the intent of introducing students to the theoretical foundations of media and mass communication related research. The course explores the contexts in which these theories arose, identifies their major strengths and weaknesses, and provides an appreciation of how critical theory engages the social world through research on communication and media. Areas to be covered include: the problem of communication (Durham, Mattelart, etc.), the culture industry (Adorno, the Frankfurt School), the Canadian school (McLuhan), structuralism and semiotics (Barthes), Cultural Studies (Hall, Williams), postmodernism (Lyotard, Harvey, etc.).
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 201; or Urban Studies 253 and one of Urban Studies 311, 313 or Geography 351.
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Communications Studies
381
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Communications History
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A general survey of how various communication systems and practices developed through history, and of the social contexts within which they emerged, transformed, and adapted through time. Within this framework, the course examines major technological developments in the history of human communication and uses theory to understand their origins and impacts on social organization and everyday life.
Course Hours:
H(2-1)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communications Studies 201.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Communications Studies 381 and 380 will not be allowed.
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Communications Studies
383
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Introduction to Public Relations
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The role of public relations in group communication within and among various sectors of society, including business, government, educational and cultural organizations. Alternative approaches to public relations theory and practice. Canadian examples and case studies will be used where possible, and ethical standards in public relations will be emphasized.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Communications Studies 483)
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Communications Studies
401
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Special Topics in Communications Studies
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See the Schedule of Classes for current topic(s).
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
407
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Experiential Learning in Communications
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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.
Course Hours:
H(0-4)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 201 and consent of the Department.
Notes:
Open to Majors in the BA Communications Studies only, including students in the Bachelor of Communications Studies.
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Communications Studies
435
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Mass Communications and Canadian Society
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Introduces students to theoretical literature on various aspects of the media, including public policy questions such as the concentration of media ownership, Canadian content requirements, censorship, the role of the media during elections, and the problems and opportunities that might be brought by advances in technology.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 201 or Canadian Studies Major or Minor status.
Also known as:
(formerly Communications Studies 335)
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Communications Studies
463
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Rhetoric and Professional Communication
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Theory and criticism of professional communication. Using rhetorical perspectives, the course will cover social-cultural perspectives on professional communication. Students will critique samples of professional communication arising from a variety of organizational contexts in a variety of media and genres. The course may also incorporate some degree of experiential learning and professional communication practice.
Course Hours:
H(2-2T)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 363 or 369, or both 361 and consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Communications Studies 463 and 401.02 will not be allowed.
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Communications Studies
469
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Rhetorical History and Criticism
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A study of rhetorical thought and action from the classical period to the modern age, with an emphasis on the interaction between rhetoric and philosophical, social, and political change. Theories will be applied to the criticism of historical and contemporary public communication.
Course Hours:
H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 361 or 369.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Communications Studies 469 and 461 will not be allowed.
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Communications Studies
471
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Audience and Reception
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Approaches the communications process from the point of view of the audience. Students will be introduced to the history of media research dealing with the public and the audience, and consider the changes in theoretical and research paradigms from administrative approaches to those centred on fan practices and subcultures. Topics may include public opinion, uses and gratifications, reception theory, constructivism, shopping, consumption and subjectivity, fan cultures, experiential marketing, and culture jamming.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 371 or consent of the Department.
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Communications Studies
473
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Popular Culture
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A Communications Studies approach to the study of popular culture, including music, sport, television, film, comics, literature, gaming, theatre and public performance, the Internet and social networking, fashion, and advertising. Students will be introduced to critical tools for the deconstruction and evaluation of the social and cultural significance of popular cultural texts.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 371 or consent of the Department.
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Communications Studies
475
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Media and Cultural Industries
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Considers the role and nature of media and cultural industries, offering students understanding of their role in the production and circulation of popular culture and information. Among those industries that could be examined are television, radio, newspapers and other print media, film, sound recording, book publishing and advertising.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 371 or consent of the Department.
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Communications Studies
481
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Advanced Topics in New Media and Society
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Examines the nature, origins and social implications of new media with a focus on the Internet. Evolving forms of interpersonal, group and public communication based on the Internet will be assessed in terms of the role they play in identity formation, cultural integration, learning, political participation, commerce and work.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Communications Studies 371, 381, or Science, Technology and Society 341.
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Communications Studies
501
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Research in Selected Topics
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Supervised individual study of a special topic.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
Students should contact the Office of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs) at least two weeks prior to the first day of classes to arrange an independent study course.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
503
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Advanced Special Topics in Communications Studies
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Advanced special topics in Communications Studies.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications Studies 201 plus one of 369, 371, 381, or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
505
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Communications Studies Research Project
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An inquiry-based course focused on an advanced exploration of, and apprenticeship in, research within the field. Students will apply and deepen their understanding of topic-specific theories and methods learned at the 400-level. Discussion of research communication will include communication to the public, within organizations, and to academic audiences.
Course Hours:
H(0-3S)
Prerequisite(s):
General Studies 313 plus one of Communications Studies 369, 371 or 381 or consent of the Department.
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Communications Studies
580
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Advanced BCS/BFS Project
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An advanced research project incorporating both scholarly bibliographic techniques and research techniques appropriate to media production. The project will be produced in a medium appropriate to the student's specialization: print, radio, television, video, film, or multimedia.
Course Hours:
F(0-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to the Bachelor of Communications Studies program or Bachelor of Film Studies. General Studies 300 and one of Communications Studies 369, 371, 381 or one of Film 321, 323, 331 or 333, and first year of SAIT Communication Arts diploma program or equivalent. Students must present their SAIT transcript to the Undergraduate Programs Office for consent to register in this course. An unofficial transcript will suffice.
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: General Studies 313.
Notes:
Offered jointly by the Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Open to students in the Bachelor of Communications Studies and Bachelor of Film Studies programs only.
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Communications Studies
591
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Senior Seminar in Communication
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With reference to a special topic, this course explores the variety of ways in which communication builds social and cultural values. Students will undertake a major project that will integrate their understanding of communication theory, history and methodology. See individual course outlines for current topics.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Communications 369, 371, 381, and General Studies 313 or consent of the Department; OR one of Communications Studies 441, 451, or 461.
Notes:
Restricted to students in the Communications Studies Major program.
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Graduate Courses
Note: Not all courses will be offered each year.
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Communications Studies
601
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Interdisciplinary Approaches to Communications Studies
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An overview of theories, problematics and approaches in the field of communications studies.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
603
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Media Studies
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Theories and perspectives in the study of media production, industries, genres, and reception.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
605
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Organizational Communication
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An examination of the application of theory and methodology of administrative communication processes in complex organizations.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
607
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Socio-Cultural Approaches to Communication
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Theoretical perspectives on communication as a symbolic process that produces and reproduces shared meanings, social practices, and social structures.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
609
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Communication Law
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An examination of the operation of Canadian law as it relates to the areas of telecommunications, broadcasting and other media.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
613
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Communication Theory
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An examination of the major perspectives in communication theory through a historical analysis of classic works and an overview of contemporary approaches and applications.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
615
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Research Methods
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A survey of research methods appropriate to the study of communication and culture.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
619
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Communication and Cultural Industries
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An analysis of the governmental and social contexts which inform the current development of telecommunications, communications, cultural industries and new media in Canada.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
623
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Social Contexts of Technology
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Theoretical perspectives for understanding central debates in the study of science and technology in their social, political, cultural, and communication contexts.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
625
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Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
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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.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
627
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Media and Politics
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An examination of political communication in traditional and new media, focusing on the interrelationships of media, political thought, and behaviour.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
629
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Communication Management
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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.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
641
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Intercultural and International Communication
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An examination of cultural/communication issues and practices in Canadian and international contexts. Examines the role of media systems in processes of culture, development and identity formation.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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Communications Studies
703
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Selected Topics in Media and Film Studies
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Topics will vary based on current research and faculty expertise.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
705
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Selected Topics in Social Contexts of Science and Technology
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Topics will vary based on current research and faculty expertise.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
707
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Selected topics in Socio-Cultural Approaches to Communication
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Topics will vary based on current research and faculty expertise.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
711
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Directed Studies
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A research project under the direction of a faculty member.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
Notes:
May be repeated for credit once.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
713
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PhD Theory Seminar
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A theory seminar than enables PhD students to focus their research interests and to explore theories that are relevant to their areas of specialization.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
Notes:
Open only to PhD students in Communications Studies and Culture and Society.
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Communications Studies
717
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Selected Topics in Communication
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A variety of communication topics based on faculty expertise.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Communications Studies
790
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Master's Project
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A full year course required of all MCS students. Students develop a major research project under the supervision of a faculty member, on the basis of their particular interest.
Course Hours:
F(0-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Program Director.
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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION