Overview of the development and key theoretical areas within the field of Communication 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 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

Introduction to academic and practical communication research methods. Critically examine and practice basic application of qualitative and quantitative methods. Examine how research methods relate to theoretical approaches of communication and knowledge production. Ethical implications of research methods will be considered.

Introduction to principles of practice of professional and technical communication, using various written media. Examine how organizational culture and audience expectations shape communication in workplace contexts and plan, prepare and deliver professional and technical information in support of an organization's communications goals.

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 arguments; and, critically evaluate texts like news articles, videos, and essays. Prerequisite: Comm 271

Analyze everyday media like advertising, television, film, videogames, and magazines. Use interpretative tools such as psychoanalysis, Marxism, gender and queer theory to learn how media change our lives, what makes a book or TV show a success, what forces affect the images surrounding us, and what makes Canadian media unique. Prerequisite: COMM 271

Introduction to the theory and practice of Public Relations, with focus on the Canadian context. Consider the history and development of public relations, various professional roles and occupations in public relations, and key theories. Prepare public relations tools such as press releases, backgrounders, press kits, PR plans and speeches. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

Explore university-level essay composition and the skills related to critical reading, interpretation, and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent. NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

Theory and practice of communicating with other people in interpersonal and group situations, with an emphasis on professional settings. Topics include perception, listening, language, nonverbal communication, and group dynamics.

Introduction to the basic principles of visual design, including elements such as balance, proportion, colour, and positioning of images and text. Evaluate visual designs for their impact on audiences and receive basic instruction in the construction of images and deisgns using industry standard software.

Introduction to digital photography to support an organization's communications goals. Students will learn the basic composition elements of photographs and will practice selecting, producing and editing photographs for use in organizational communication, such as social media, websites, and print materials.

Theoretical and practical introduction to online communication and social media in the context of organizational communication. Examine the features of current online and social media tools, as well as the integration of social media campaigns in organizations' communications plans.

Study the implications of information technology for political, social and economic organization, individual psychology, and concepts of knowledge. Historical, ethical and legal implications will be discussed. Note: This course assumes only very basic familiarity with computers at the 'user' level. Familiarization with more advanced applications will be provided as required. Pre-requisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

Overview of the development of major communication systems throughout history, together with the historical and social contexts in which they occurred and changed. Focus on technological advancements and theoretical understanding of how advancements have shaped and reflected society and individuals. Consider theoretical perspectives on the role of communication in history. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

Examine the role of mass media in Canadian society including television, newspapers, magazines, film, books, and new technologies. Focus on the historical development, policies, financial issues, and audience reception of media in Canada. Consider the role of mass media in a global context and in relation to the United States. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent, or enrollment in MSPC program.

Theory and practice of the creation of effective documents in workplace settings. Examine the principles of effective document design and the techniques of editing written communication as well as the impact of document design on audience perception of messages and organizations.

Introduction to basic marketing communications and branding principles. Examine the integration of marketing practices in organizations and the strategies used to develop, maintain and change an organization's brand identity.

Overview of the process of project management. Topics will include the various factors involved in managing projects, including personnel, technology, and finances, as well as the communications strategies needed to support these projects. An introduction to event planning will also be included.

An in-depth examination of the impact of politics, economics, culture, and organizational structure on communications messages including the preparation of a communication plan for an organization that integrates all of these issues.

Overview of key strategies enabling students to find meaningful work in the field and creating entrepreneurial opportunities. Examine the importance of professionalism in organizational communication and practice presenting in person and in writing, for employment or securing other professional opportunities. Focus will be identifying opportunities and resources for contract work.

Experience in assisting with an organization's communications activities, developing skills and knowledge that apply and expand on the concepts learned throughout the Media Studies and Professional Communication diploma program. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of minimum of three terms of course work in MSPC program or permission of Associate Dean.