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Communication Honours
The bachelor of arts degree with an honours in communication program is a special opportunity for advanced students. The program enables students to focus on a subject within communication that interests them by writing an extended research paper over two terms, or by taking four (4) additional upper level seminars. In either case, it is envisioned as a contribution to their personal development and satisfaction, as well as a step toward employment, or graduate studies.
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.
¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements
Applicants will have a minimum 3.00 Communication grade point average (CMNS GPA, CMNS UD GPA) and 3.00 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Cumulative grade point average (¶¡ÏãÔ°AV CGPA and ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV UD CGPA).
Continuance Requirements
A minimum 3.00 CMNS GPA and 3.00 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV CGPA is required to remain in good standing in the program.
CMNS course enrollment requires a C- grade or better in each prerequisite course.
Program Requirements
Students complete 132 units, as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete both of
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 |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
E101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
E101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and at least six 200 level CMNS courses, including
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: 24 units, and CMNS 110 and 130, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 201 or CMNS 260 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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: 24 units, and CMNS 110 and 130, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 201W or CMNS 260 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
An introduction to interpretive approaches in communication inquiry. Topics include ethics, paradigms, conceptualizing the research process, documentary research, historical methods, discourse or textual analysis, ethnographic research, and performative research. Prerequisite: 24 units, and CMNS 110 and 130, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 262 may not take CMNS 202 for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 253 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Distance Education | |||
Richard Smith |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
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, with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Steven Malcic Benjamin Anderson |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 223 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
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 with a minimum grade of C-.
and one of
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 with a minimum grade of C-.
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, with a minimum grade of C-.
and one of
any 200 level CMNS course.
* completion of this quantitative (Q) course satisfies part of the University's Q requirement.
Upper Division Requirements
There are two options for students to complete an Honours Program in Communication.
Option A: Honours Project
A minimum total of 60 upper division units is required, to include the following:
- nine upper division CMNS courses, at least six must be taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- including one of the following upper division CMNS "W" courses:
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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 304 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 one of CMNS 223W or 253W, with a minimum grade of C-. Writing.
Topics include the processes through which gendering of technologies takes place; information and communication technologies (ICTs), gender and public and private spheres; issues related to computerization of women's paid and unpaid work; and gender roles and the use of ICTs in relation to health; as well as the contributions which the study of gender and ICTs have made to theoretical debates within science, technology and society studies. Prerequisite: 60 units, including CMNS 253W with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and all of
Research design and techniques for the study of the introduction, uses and consequences of new media and technologies, new communication policies and practices in their socio-economic and cultural context, and communication in innovation and change. Prerequisite: 60 units including CMNS 253 (or 253W) with a minimum grade of C-, and two of CMNS 201W (201 or 260), CMNS 202 (or 262) or CMNS 261, both with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Preparation for honours research project, including literature review, ethics approval (if necessary), and presentation of work in progress at end of term. Minimum grade of "B" is required in order to continue in CMNS Honours Program (Option A), and take CMNS 498 in a future term. Prerequisite: Students accepted into honours program only.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD |
Intensive work in a particular topic in the general field of communication. Involves an extensive individual research project under the direct supervision of at least one CMNS faculty member, who will provide guidance and critical feedback as necessary. Presentation of completed project at end of term. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CMNS 497-5, Honours Research Proposal, with grade of "B" or higher.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD |
and
two other CMNS 400 level courses, at least one must be taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.
Directed study and field placement courses may not be used to meet any of these requirements.
*Students must complete at least 90 units with at least 20 units in upper division communication before enrolling in CMNS 497. A plan must be approved by the faculty member supervisor(s) and the honours co-ordinator before work is begun.
**Students must obtain a grade of B or higher in CMNS 497 in order to continue on with CMNS 498.
Students who obtain a grade of B- or lower in CMNS 497, but who still have an overall CGPA of 3.00 or higher, can still complete an honours degree through Option B.
Option B: Additional Upper Division Requirements
A minimum total of 60 upper division units is required, to include the following:
- eleven upper division CMNS courses, at least eight must be taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- including one of the following upper division CMNS "W" courses:
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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 304 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 one of CMNS 223W or 253W, with a minimum grade of C-. Writing.
Topics include the processes through which gendering of technologies takes place; information and communication technologies (ICTs), gender and public and private spheres; issues related to computerization of women's paid and unpaid work; and gender roles and the use of ICTs in relation to health; as well as the contributions which the study of gender and ICTs have made to theoretical debates within science, technology and society studies. Prerequisite: 60 units, including CMNS 253W with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and
Research design and techniques for the study of the introduction, uses and consequences of new media and technologies, new communication policies and practices in their socio-economic and cultural context, and communication in innovation and change. Prerequisite: 60 units including CMNS 253 (or 253W) with a minimum grade of C-, and two of CMNS 201W (201 or 260), CMNS 202 (or 262) or CMNS 261, both with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and
minimum of six CMNS 400 level courses, at least five must be taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.
Directed study and field placement courses may not be used to meet any of these requirements.
Elective Courses
Unless completing another program outside Communication (e.g., Minor, Major, Joint Major, Honours, Extended Minor), it is strongly recommended that students complete two upper division courses (minimum three units each) outside of Communication, with a minimum C- grade in each.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°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 ¶¡ÏãÔ°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. |
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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.