Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV

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Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Calendar | Spring 2016

Communication Major

Bachelor of Arts

The School of Communication has a long-standing tradition of critical, interdisciplinary approaches to the study of media and technology, with a commitment to social theory and political economy. The school bridges the critical and the applied in its undergraduate programs, and is committed to offering students the opportunities and the means to explore, analyze and critically evaluate the complexities and interplay between the numerous and diverse dimensions of communication.

Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Requirements

Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV is based on cumulative grade point average (CGPA), and available places. Every CMNS program applicant whose CGPA is greater than, or equal to, the annually announced requirement will be admitted. These requirements also apply to transfer or second degree students.

Internal University transfer requires a 2.50 or better CGPA, upon completion of at least 4 CMNS lower division courses (e.g., CMNS 110 and 130 and 2 CMNS 200-level courses), each with minimum C- grade.  A minimum 2.25 CGPA is required to remain in good standing in the program.

CMNS course enrolment requires a C- grade or better in each prerequisite course.

A minimum 2.25 CGPA and approval as a communication honours, major, joint major, extended minor, minor, or dialogue minor is required for entry into most communication upper division courses.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete both of

CMNS 110 - Introduction to Communication Studies (3)

An introduction to selected theories about human communication. This course is required for a major, honours or minor in communication. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Gary McCarron
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D118 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D119 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D120 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D121 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D122 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D123 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D125 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMNS 130 - Communication and Social Change (3)

An introduction to the forms, theories and institutions of communication as they relate to broader social change, with a focus on the political, economic and regulatory shifts characterizing Canadian and transnational media systems. This course is required for a major, honours or minor in communication.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
David Newman
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D115 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D116 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
David Newman
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Sat, 12:30–3:20 p.m.
Vancouver

and at least six 200 division CMNS courses (18 units), including at least two of

CMNS 260 - Empirical Communication Research Methods (3) *

An introduction to empirical research methods in diverse traditions of communication enquiry. Some methods recognize communication as everyday interactions; others analyze communication as a process; still others blend traditional scientific empiricism with analytical and critical methods derived from the arts and humanities. Topics include: ethics, paradigms, conceptualizing and operationalizing research, sampling, interviews, surveys, unobtrusive observation, content analysis, and the role of statistics in communication research. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 or 130. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan Marontate
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMNS 261 - Documentary Research in Communication (3)

Media and communication studies often utilize historical, governmental and corporate records. The course introduces the techniques necessary to analyze the primary source documents. Topics include: ethics; documentary discourse analysis; Canadian and international documentary searches on NGOs, governments, corporations; writing of policy briefs. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 or 130.

Section Day/Time Location
Distance Education
CMNS 262 - Design and Method in Qualitative Communication Research (3)

Examination of a wide range of approaches to research in media and cultural studies, including a discussion of ethical issues. Topics may include: historical methods, field work methods, textual analysis, case studies. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 or 130. Students who have credit for CMNS 286 in Spring 2004 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Daniel Ahadi
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Daniel Ahadi
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver

The remaining four 200 division CMNS courses must include at least one course from each of the following three areas of concentration.

* completion of this quantitative (Q) course satisfies half of the University's Q requirement for students admitted in fall 2006 or later (see Writing, Quantitative and Breadth Requirements below).

Media and Culture Concentration

Explores the history and contexts of media institutions, practices, texts and discourses with particular concern for the way they affect the meaning and experience of culture.

CMNS 220 - Understanding Television (3)

This course examines television, both as a medium of communication and an element of culture. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Zoe Druick
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D108 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
CMNS 221 - Media and Popular Cultures (3)

Focuses on communication for social change; historical and contemporary perspectives in consumer culture; technology, media and popular culture; media and identity; and communication as public education. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Anil Narine
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D105 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
CMNS 223W - Advertising as Social Communication (3)

An interdisciplinary examination of the significance of advertising as a social message system in our consumer society. The course proposes an analytical method for appreciating the changing styles and functions of advertising in the 20th century. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130. Stduents with credit for CMNS 223 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jody Baker
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMNS 235 - News Media, the Public, and Democracy (3)

Introduces students to the study of the relationship between public communication, information media practices and structures, and democracy. Examines the role of media and communication in existing and emerging democratic contexts, including print and electronic journalism, alternative media, public spheres, and the challenges of constructing and maintaining a democratic media and communication environment in Canadian and global contexts. Prerequisite: CMNS 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Shane Gunster
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Political Economy and Policy Concentration

Explores the contested economic, political, and regulatory processes shaping media institutions and communication processes.

CMNS 230 - The Cultural Industries in Canada: Global Context (3)

What do we mean when we talk about the 'cultural industries' today? This course explores the business structure and economics of the cultural sectors, the regulatory and policy frameworks, and their social and cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to develop, compare and contrast at least two sectors from the audio, print or visual industries. While the primary focus is on the Canadian case, students will be encouraged to look at other countries. Overriding themes explore the following: relationships between public and private sectors; independent and commercial creators; rights of creators versus distributors; specialty and general media; indigenous and global contents. Prerequisite: CMNS 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sylvia Blake
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMNS 240 - The Political Economy of Communication (3)

Examination of the political and economic processes that have generated the policies and structures of mass media, telecommunications and related industries; the relationship between the dichotomies of state and market, citizen and consumer, capitalism and democracy, global and local, and sovereignty and globalization in media industries and policies; overview of influences on State and international policies towards the media. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Enda Brophy
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Technology and Society Concentration

Analyzes topics within the broader field of communication through a focus on information and communication technologies and the knowledge society from the standpoint of scholarship in science and technology studies.

CMNS 253W - Introduction to Information Technology: The New Media (3)

An introduction to new communication/information technologies, seen as new media of communication: the technologies, their uses, and the social issues arising from them. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 or 130. Students with credit for CMNS 253 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Distance Education

Upper Division Requirements

Students may enrol in upper division courses only when prerequisites have been completed.

A minimum total of 45 upper division units is required. This includes the required upper division CMNS courses, any additional upper division CMNS courses completed, and any upper division courses completed to fulfil the required 40 units outside the school (see External Requirements below).

Students complete seven upper division CMNS courses (at least 28 units), at least two of which are 400  division CMNS courses. Directed study and field placement courses may not be used to meet this requirement.

Also, CMNS 304W or 323W are strongly recommended because the completion of one of these courses will entirely satisfy the University’s upper division writing requirement. (See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements below.)

External Requirements

In addition to the specified CMNS courses, students complete at least 40 units from disciplines other than communication including the following.

  • Two 3-unit breadth-humanities (B-HUM) courses, and two 3-unit breadth-social sciences (B-SOC) courses, with a minimum C- grade in each. All 4 courses must be from outside Communication. (CMNS 110 does not count in this area.)

  • Two 3-unit breadth-science (B-SCI) courses with a minimum C- grade in each.

  • Two upper division courses (minimum three units each) chosen from any department outside the school, with a minimum C- grade in each.

Note that no course may be used to satisfy more than two of the above  requirements; for example, an upper division breadth-science course may be used as one of the two B-SCI courses required, and one of the two upper division non-CMNS courses required.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

 

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 units as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.