Communications Studies, Bachelor of Arts

Program Information

Credential:

Bachelor's Degree

Duration:

2 years at RDC - 2 years at most universities

Delivery:

Main Campus

Program Cost Estimates:

Program Cost Estimates (pdf)

Contact Information

Contact Name:

Dr. Tim Heath

Contact Title:

Associate Dean

Contact Phone:

403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630

Contact Email:

inquire@rdc.ab.ca

Department Information

For more information on the Communications program, visit the Communications Department.

University Transfer Program

Two-Year University Transfer Program:

RDC offers the first two years of the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communications Studies

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

Related Careers

A degree in Communications Studies provides students with skills and knowledge that can apply across a variety of professional situations, from the corporate world to the not-for-profit sector to academic institutions.

The following list provides some career areas that draw Communication Studies graduates for employment:

Advertising
Counselling
Industrial Relations
Public Relations
Management
Radio and Television
Publishing and Printing
Journalism
Languages and Linguistics
Writing
Consulting
Social Services
Government and Civil Service
International Relations
Banking and Finance
Research
Investment Dealing
Retail Sales
Administration
Law Enforcement and Corrections
Real Estate
Recreation
Armed Forces
Insurance
Urban Planning

Graduates may also go on to professional studies (in fields such as law, business, education, etc.) or may continue to graduate studies (in a Master's or Doctoral program) in Communication Studies or another academic discipline such as Sociology or Women's Studies.

B.A. graduates generally have superior skills in conceptual analysis, evaluation and critical reasoning, leadership motivation, and interpersonal and communication skills.

The Program

For a general discussion of the B.A. program, click here.

Communication Studies provides an awareness of the impact of media, understanding of research and practice involving media, and research and practice in discourse.

Transfer Features

Visit the Bachelor of Arts page for transfer features.

Requirements

Admission Requirements:

Visit the Bachelor of Arts page for admission requirements.

Program Content

University of Calgary

For the Compulsory Core Requirements that must be completed in the courses of a four-year degree, see general information for the B.A. program.

Credits below = U of C credits. RDC credits may differ from U of C credits. Check the Alberta Transfer Guide for transfer credit information.

Suggested Year 1 Pattern

COMM 271, COMM 369, & COMM 375 or COMM 383 (9 credits)
ENGL 219 & ENGL 220 (6 credits)
Open Options (12 credits)
Science Option (3 credits)

Year 1 Course Descriptions

COMM 271

This course provides an overview of the development and key theoretical areas whithin the field of Communications Studies; with focus on how communication can serve as an agent of social and cultural change. Major topics to be studied include language; rhetoric; mass media; cultural studies; interpersonal and oral communication; and organizational communication. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1

COMM 369

Understand how the ideas of Aristotle and other theorists apply to your work and the media by learning effective persuasion; audience and situational analysis; rhetorical theory; and ethics. Discuss current events; apply classic techniques to improve written and oral arugments; and; critically evaluate texts like news articles; videos; and essays. Prerequisite or Co-Requisite: Comm 271 Note: Students cannot receive credit for both Comm 361 and Comm 369

COMM 381

This course provides an overview of the development of major systems of communication throughout history; in conjunction with the historical and social contexts in which these developments took place and have shifted over time. Focus will be given both to technological advancements and a theoretical understanding of how these advancements have shaped and reflected both society and individuals. A variety of theoretical perspectives on the role of communication in history will be considered. Pre-requisite: ELA 30-1

COMM 383

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of Public Relations; with special focus on the Canadian context of public relations. The course will overview the history and development of public relations; the various professional roles and jobs in public relations; and key theories of public relations. Practical applications will include preparation of public relations texts such as press releases; backgrounders; press kits; PR plans and speeches. Pre-requisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent

ENGL 219

The focus is on formal preparation for university level essay writing and the skills related to critical reading; interpretation; and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

Suggested Pattern Year 2

Refer to Academic Advising Planning Guides