Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV

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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 Communication (CMNS) GPA, upon completion of at least 2 CMNS lower division courses at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV, each with minimum C- grade. 

A minimum 2.25 CMNS GPA is required to remain in good standing in the program.

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

A minimum 2.25 CMNS GPA 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
Daniel Ahadi
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D116 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D117 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D118 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D119 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D121 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 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
Jody Baker
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D117 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D118 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Enda Brophy
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver

and at least six 200 division CMNS courses, including at least two of

CMNS 260 - Empirical Communication Research Methods (4) *

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 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 3:30–5:20 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 Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Anis Rahman
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

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.

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
Itrath Syed
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Vancouver
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 4:30–5:20 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
Martin Laba
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D107 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D109 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D110 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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. Students with credit for CMNS 223 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jody Baker
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 1:30–2:20 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
Adel Iskandar
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver

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 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 2:30–3:20 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
Dal Yong Jin
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver

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 Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Frederik Lesage
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Upper Division Requirements

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

A minimum total of 44 upper division units is required, to include the following:

  • seven upper division CMNS courses, at least four must be taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV.
  • minimum of two 400 level CMNS courses, at least one must be taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV.

CMNS 304W - Communication in Everyday Life (4)

An examination of a range of theories of everyday language focused on specific forms of discursive practice, including gossip, humour, religion, and sarcasm. Prerequisite: 45 units, including one of CMNS 220, 221, 223, 223W, 235. Students with credit for CMNS 304 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Terry Neiman
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Vancouver
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Vancouver
Terry Neiman
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
or CMNS 323W - Cultural Dimensions in Advertising (4)

A cultural-historical examination of contemporary advertising practices as well as a critical exploration of their impact upon different aspects of the consumer society, such as children's culture, pharmaceutical marketing, globalization, political communication and new media. Prerequisite: 45 units including two of CMNS 220, 221, 223 (or 223W), 226, 230, 235, or 240. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jody Baker
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Directed study and field placement courses may not be used to meet this requirement.

External Requirements

Students must complete two upper division courses (minimum three units each) outside of Communication, with a minimum C- grade in each. Courses used to satisfy this requirement may also be used to satisfy the upper division course requirements for another program (major or minor).

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 Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements 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 for School of Communication

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 as upper division work. The School of Communication requires that a minimum of 16 upper division CMNS units (four CMNS upper division courses, including at least one 400 division CMNS course) must be taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV. Directed study and field placement courses may not be used to meet this requirement.

Elective Courses

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