Courses
Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.
Note: Only required courses are offered every year, and other courses are typically offered on a two-year rotation. Students may register in any MEDI or DIGI course with permission of the Department.
MEDI 100 (3) Introduction to Media Studies and Communication
This course introduces the history, theories, and basic concepts of traditional and new media. It explores media culture, content, audiences, law and policy, ownership, content producers, the effects of media convergence, and globalization. A hybrid of critical analysis and hands-on application merges the theoretical and practical streams of the discipline. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 111 (3) History of Communication
An introduction to the multi-disciplinary nature of media studies including an exploration of the definitions of society, culture, the self, as well as an historical approach to human communications. Explores the impact of technological change on culture, and the latest developments in information technologies (Internet, newsgroups, on-line publishing, e-mail). (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
MEDI 113 (3) Emerging Digital Communications
An exploration of emerging digital technologies and their impact on culture, education, commerce, politics and society. Development of hands-on skills in the use of e-mail, newsgroups, web-site authoring, and multimedia. Familiarity with computing applications is an asset. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. (1:0:2)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 115 (3) Popular Culture and Mass Media
Explores the interdependence of contemporary popular culture and mass media, and develops critical thinking skills for assessing the impact of media on culture. May focus on a particular medium or special topic. Assignments may include media other than print. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. MEDI 115 was formerly called MEDI 112; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 200 (3) Media, Audience and Society
An examination of how selected media - mainly newspapers, magazines, television, and film - identify and address their audiences to represent significant social constructions: gender, ethnicity and class. Participants are challenged to distinguish between the representations of social issues in the media and their social realities. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 205 (3) Promotion, Persuasion and Propaganda
An examination of the strategies and ideologies in promotional communications: advertising, public relations, political and public service announcements, billboards, news reporting, infomercials, popular performance art, and propaganda. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 211 (3) Understanding Television
An examination of television as a medium of communication and an element of culture. In a given year, the focus of the course may be on television production and management in addition to an analysis of television's impact on culture. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. 'C' in English 12.
MEDI 215 (3) Popular Culture Genres
An exploration of global popular culture genres, such as Manga/Anime, Bande Dessinée, or Hip Hop, with some historical background and an examination of inherent co-cultural formations. The course might explore a single global popular culture genre or differences and crossovers between genres. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 265 (3) Introduction to Game Studies
An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of videogames, examining their cultural, educational, and social functions within contemporary settings. By playing, analyzing, and theorizing about videogames, we will examine debates surrounding how they function within contemporary social contexts. Readings will include contemporary videogame theory and interaction with contemporary commercial videogames. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 300 (3) Research Methods in Media Studies
This course reviews basic principles of research methodology. Students will be presented with the purpose and theories behind various methodological approaches, and will identify and evaluate the relevance of various research methods and approaches in media and cultural analysis. Students will also learn to critically evaluate research findings. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 200 and third-year standing.
MEDI 301 (3) Studies in Global Media
An exploration of the media, its control and ownership, from a global perspective. Topics include globalization; the public sphere; international trade agreements and regulatory bodies (WTO, IMF, etc.); internet culture; patterns of ownership, control and monopolization; alternative media; cultural imperialism; racism, assimilation and creolization. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 302 (3) Making the News
An exploration of the history of journalism with an emphasis on the evolution of print, photography, radio, film, television, and the internet as media for the mass dissemination of news, information, and opinion. Students also consider questions of journalistic style and ethics. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 303 (3) Documenting Culture
This course explores culture from a visual perspective. It examines ways to understand and create visual material and locates various forms of documentary and persuasive visual practices in dynamics of power, space, and identity. Students will engage in written and hands-on projects from a critical academic perspective. (1.5:1.5:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 311 (3) Film About Media
A focus on film as medium. Through an examination of films about film-making, students explore the narrative, documentary, and propagandistic powers of film. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 312 (3) Studies in Canadian Media
An exploration of Canadian media and communications. Topics include cultural nationalism, regulation and policy, popular culture, media ownership and political economy, and emerging trends and issues. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 315 (3) Music, Culture and Technology
This course explores the inter-dependent nature of music and culture within a media-rich society, incorporating the examination of musical taste and identity. It will also investigate how technology has influenced the use and production of music. An interdisciplinary approach allows students to incorporate written, production, and performance skills. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 115 and third-year standing
MEDI 401 (3) Public Relations, Advocacy and the Media
A survey of the powerful role public relations and promotion play in contemporary society. An exploration of how different media may be used for advocacy and social activism. As a major assignment, students analyze accessible media, and design a campaign to promote an issue of concern to them. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 402 (3) Technology and Identity
An exploration of the complex relationship between technology and changing notions of identity. Students consider how media and other technologies influence how we define ourselves, our social relations, and our cultural institutions. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 415 (3) Media and Cultural Studies
Focusing on media, this course investigates how culture impacts individual experiences, everyday life, social relations and power through readings on the intersections of race, class, gender and ability. Students will explore how media experiences contribute to cultural attitudes and beliefs and will consider ways in which to address this relationship. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 115 and third-year standing.
MEDI 490 (3) Independent Project
In consultation with the Chair, students articulate a media-related project that demonstrates a strong correlation between theory and practice. Students submit a proposal outlining their project and reviewing the theory informing it, for a project that makes use of at least one non-print medium. See Chair for more detailed guidelines. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 495 (3) Senior Media Studies Project
This course allows students to develop skills required for the completion of a senior-level project involving digital media. Topics include project proposals, management and design, teamwork and collaboration, technical skill development, audience analysis, promotion and presentation, and research. (0:2:1)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.