Introduction to Media and Communication Studies

Curriculum guideline

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Course
CMNS 1221
Discontinued
No
Course code
CMNS 1221
Descriptive
Introduction to Media and Communication Studies
Department
Communications
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15
Max class size
35
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

and

Seminar: 2 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Learning activities

Instruction will primarily be lecture and discussion format. Lectures will also include critical engagement with excerpts from TV shows, films, news media, and digital media. Large and small group discussions give students an opportunity to work with the ideas and theories presented throughout the semester.
Some or all of the following methods may be used:

  • Lecture/seminar
  • Media (including video and documentary film)
  • Discussion of class readings and materials
  • Independent research
  • Group discussion and debate
  • Student-provided materials
Course description
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to a range of theories that seek to explain why we communicate as we do. The course establishes a general overview of the field of Communications from both theoretical and historical viewpoints. We will examine the rise of technology studies in Media and Communication Studies and consider the way in which communication technologies (from speech to the Internet) have refashioned both human consciousness and culture. Focus will also be given to specific sub-fields within the area of communications, including the study of popular culture, media analysis, film studies, advertising, and the political economy of communication.
Course content

Students will be exposed to a representative sample of current theories within the discipline of
media and communication studies. As an introductory course, content will provide a survey of
major trends and theories across the three major sub-fields of communication: communication
and technology, communication and culture, and the political economy of communications.


Topics may include:

  • Communications and Technology
  • The Toronto School
  • Media Ecology
  • The Frankfurt School
  • Mass and Popular Culture
  • Political Economy
  • Advertising and consumption practices
  • New Media and Society
  • Alternative Communications Infrastructure
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the major sub-fields of media and communication studies
  2. Summarize and explain major theories, message production, and audience reception
  3. Analyze issues in contemporary media and communication studies
  4. Evaluate how mass media and new (digital) media influence political, economic and social considerations
  5. Analyze how mass media and new (digital) media influence cultural production, social development, and interactions
  6. Explain and illustrate how technology influences communication
  7. Read and write competently within a variety of academic genres
  8. Assess communication theories for testability, usefulness, completeness, simplicity and presence of value assumptions
Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. The exact means of assessment will be responsive to the adjusting media landscape.

  • Short and mid-sized assignments: 25%
  • Research paper/presentation: 25%
  • Midterm exam: 20%
  • Final exam: 20%
  • Attendance and participation: 10%
Textbook materials

There is no assigned textbook for this course. Readings will be made available to students, including canonical readings and recent peer-reviewed journal articles.

Which prerequisite

CMNS 2200