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Media Studies Department
Degree Major Requirements Map

First Year

MEDI 100

Introduction to Media Studies and Communication

This course introduces the history, theories, and basic concepts of traditional and new media. It explores media culture, content, audiences, law and policy, ownership, content producers, the effects of media convergence, and globalization. A hybrid of critical analysis and hands-on application merges the theoretical and practical streams of the discipline. Prerequisite: None.

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MEDI 110

Introduction to Media Production

An introduction to the fundamental concepts, concerns, genres, and technologies of digital media. Students produce introductory digital projects (Web, photography, video, and audio) exploring these four formats. Students from other fields are invited to explore interdisciplinary applications that complement their chosen discipline.MEDI 110 was formerly called DIGI 110; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or equivalent.

plus one from
MEDI 111

History of Communication

An introduction to the multi-disciplinary nature of media studies including an exploration of the definitions of society, culture, the self, as well as an historical approach to human communications. Explores the impact of technological change on culture, and the latest developments in information technologies (Internet, newsgroups, on-line publishing, e-mail). Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.

MEDI 113

Emerging Media Technologies

An exploration of technologies at the forefront of media and their impact on contemporary culture, education, commerce, politics, and health. These technologies build on earlier media and are examined in the context of larger shifts in how we govern, do business, care for and teach each other, and express ideas. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or equivalent.

MEDI 115

Popular Culture and Mass Media

Explores the interdependence of contemporary popular culture and mass media, and develops critical thinking skills for assessing the impact of media on culture. May focus on a particular medium or special topic. Assignments may include media other than print. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line.MEDI 115 was formerly called MEDI 112; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: None.

MEDI 165

Introduction to Game Studies

An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of videogames, examining their cultural, educational, and social functions within contemporary settings. By playing, analyzing, and theorizing about videogames, we will examine debates surrounding how they function within contemporary social contexts. Readings will include contemporary videogame theory and interaction with contemporary commercial videogames.

MEDI 203

Documenting Visual Culture

This course explores culture from a visual perspective. It examines ways to understand and create visual material and locates various forms of documentary and persuasive visual practices in the dynamics of power, space, and identity. Students will engage in written and hands-on projects from a critical academic perspective.MEDI 202 was formerly called MEDI 303; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: MEDI 100.

MEDI 215

Popular Culture Genres

An exploration of global popular culture genres, such as Manga/Anime, Bande Dessinée, or Hip Hop, with some historical background and an examination of inherent co-cultural formations. The course might explore a single global popular culture genre or differences and crossovers between genres. Prerequisite: None.

Second Year

one from
MEDI 200

Media, Audience and Society

An examination of how selected media - mainly newspapers, magazines, television, and film - identify and address their audiences to represent significant social constructions: gender, ethnicity and class. Participants are challenged to distinguish between the representations of social issues in the media and their social realities.

MEDI 205

Promotion, Persuasion and Propaganda

An examination of the strategies and ideologies in promotional communications: advertising, public relations, political and public service announcements, billboards, news reporting, infomercials, popular performance art, and propaganda. Prerequisite: None.

MEDI 230

Interactive Communication

An interdisciplinary exploration of digital media from a variety of perspectives including social, cultural, economic, and artistic. Topics include the impact of digital technologies on culture and communication, sociological effects of technology on the individual, and emerging philosophies of technology. Principles of media theory, human factors, and usability are introduced. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.

plus two from
MEDI 220

Web Production I

An introduction to the fundamental concepts, technologies, and practices involved in current Web markup languages. Students will be exposed to a range of concepts and issues in this field with a focus on professional best practices. Students will complete their own projects to demonstrate their knowledge of these skills.MEDI 220 was formerly called DIGI 220; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.

MEDI 221

Client-side Web Scripting

This course explores industry-standard tools, such as JavaScript, used to code dynamic Web-based media. Students will learn object-oriented programming language fundamentals and progressive enhancement to develop interactivity for their own HTML and CSS content. Students custom-build scripts and incorporate external libraries to become familiar with a range of developer resources.MEDI 221 was formerly called DIGI 221; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 220.

MEDI 260

Immersive Media

Focusing on the Web, students will investigate the concepts and practices of immersive media through industry-standard software and a series of labs, assignments, and a major project. Storytelling, character development, 3-D modelling, animation, game development, and rich media interfaces are introduced.MEDI 260 was formerly called DIGI 260; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.

MEDI 270

Audio Production 1

An introduction to digital audio concepts, practices, and technologies including software and production techniques, elements of field recording, interviewing, microphone use, and editing. Students will complete projects based on topics of their own choosing that build technical proficiencies and creative expression.MEDI 270 was formerly called DIGI 270; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.

MEDI 280

Video Production 1

An introduction to digital video production utilizing current concepts, practices, and technologies. Students will be exposed to all aspects of digital video production with a focus on essential equipment and skills. Students will complete projects that build solid technical proficiencies while developing creative expression.MEDI 280 was formerly called DIGI 280; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.

Upper Years

MEDI 300

Research Methods in Media Studies

This course reviews basic principles of research methodology. Students will be presented with the purpose and theories behind various methodological approaches, and will identify and evaluate the relevance of various research methods and approaches in media and cultural analysis. Students will also learn to critically evaluate research findings. Prerequisite: MEDI 200 and third-year standing.

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MEDI 302

Making the News

An exploration of the history of journalism with an emphasis on the evolution of print, photography, radio, film, television, and the internet as media for the mass dissemination of news, information, and opinion. Students also consider questions of journalistic style and ethics. Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

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MEDI 310

Media Literacy

What does it mean to be media literate today and how do we decode and assess influence regarding privacy, safety, identity, representation, bias, credibility, and accuracy? This course looks at academic discussion of these concepts, contemporary debates and examples, and invites discussion about the nature of informed citizenship on/offline.MEDI 310 was formerly called DIGI 301; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 100.

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MEDI 496

Senior Media Project

This course requires students to harness technical and research skills learned in the degree to complete a capstone media project. This includes market and audience research, project planning, a pitch, technical proficiencies, and promotion. Students choose their topic and format, which can build on work for credit in another class.MEDI 496 was formerly called DIGI 496; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in one of the following: MEDI 300, MEDI 320, MEDI 370, MEDI 380; and third-year standing.

plus six from
MEDI 301

Studies in Global Media

An exploration of the media, its control and ownership, from a global perspective. Topics include globalization; the public sphere; international trade agreements and regulatory bodies (WTO, IMF, etc.); internet culture; patterns of ownership, control and monopolization; alternative media; cultural imperialism; racism, assimilation and creolization. Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

MEDI 311

Film About Media

A focus on film as medium. Through an examination of films about film-making, students explore the narrative, documentary, and propagandistic powers of film. Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

MEDI 312

Studies in Canadian Media

An exploration of Canadian media and communications. Topics include cultural nationalism, regulation and policy, popular culture, media ownership and political economy, and emerging trends and issues. Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

MEDI 315

Music, Culture and Technology

This course explores the inter-dependent nature of music and culture within a media-rich society, incorporating the examination of musical taste and identity. It will also investigate how technology has influenced the use and production of music. An interdisciplinary approach allows students to incorporate written, production, and performance skills. Prerequisite: MEDI 115 and third-year standing

MEDI 320

Web Production 2

A continuation of MEDI 220, this course is an examination of the theory and techniques involved in contemporary Web standards and presentation including keeping pace with new accessibility technologies. Students will research and develop best practices by completing substantial Web projects that may have originated in another course.MEDI 320 was formerly called DIGI 320; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 220.

MEDI 330

Designing User Experiences

This course examines the theory and techniques used to design rich, effective, engaged, efficient, easy, meaningful, and inclusive user experiences (UX) for individuals of all abilities and identities. This includes familiar, consistent, clear, and flexible navigation, text, images, and functions across devices. Students will design and create a project interface.MEDI 330 was formerly called DIGI 330; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 220 and third-year standing.

MEDI 340

Transmedia Storytelling

An exploration of convergence culture to learn how media creators offer audiences immersive experiences of a single story across multiple platforms and formats. This includes remediation, nonlinear narratives, franchises, spin-offs, on/offline campaigns, prosumers, and crowdsourcing. Students will research and create virtual narratives and spaces to demonstrate their interaction.MEDI 340 was formerly called DIGI 340; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 310 and third-year standing.

MEDI 366

Foundations of Game Design

An introduction to videogame design exploring general game design concepts and principles (reward systems, balance, motivation, immersion, and pacing) as well as genre-specific design principles (puzzle design, resource management, and economic systems). Students will critique specific games of their choice using the design concepts discussed in class.MEDI 366 was formerly called DIGI 366; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 165.

MEDI 370

Audio Production 2

A continuation of MEDI 270 building on its introductory audio tools for recording, interviewing, microphone use, editing, and mixing to develop intermediate skills for the industry. Software and production techniques are examined in greater depth and students will create two major projects that continue to build proficiencies.MEDI 370 was formerly called DIGI 271; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 270.

MEDI 380

Video Production 2

This course will focus on digital video production, applying the skills students learned in MEDI 280 to focus on longer and more complex video productions. Students will work in various genres directed by their target audiences, markets, and fields of study. Students complete two major video projects in teams.MEDI 380 was formerly called DIGI 281; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 280.

MEDI 400

Media and Cultural Studies

This course investigates how various forms of media impact individual cultural experiences, social relations, and power through academic readings on the intersections of race, class, gender, and ability. Students will explore how media experiences contribute to cultural attitudes and beliefs and ways to address this relationship.MEDI 400 was formerly called MEDI 415; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 100, or 200 or 300, and third-year standing.

MEDI 401

Public Relations, Advocacy and the Media

A survey of the powerful role public relations and promotion play in contemporary society. An exploration of how different media may be used for advocacy and social activism. As a major assignment, students analyze accessible media, and design a campaign to promote an issue of concern to them. Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.

MEDI 402

Technology and Identity

An exploration of the complex relationship between technology and changing notions of identity. Students consider how media and other technologies influence how we define ourselves, our social relations, and our cultural institutions. Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.

MEDI 405

Advanced Topics in Media Studies

An examination of historical, contemporary, or emerging media technologies and communications topics. Students may engage the subject through research projects, collaborative projects, design and prototyping, or other experiential learning opportunities. May be taken twice for credit if the focus is different in each case.MEDI 405 was formerly called DIGI 405; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 300 or MEDI 310, and third-year standing.

MEDI 475

Media Internship

A course offering strong upper-level students an opportunity to complete a 120-hour virtual or workplace professional media internship. The course will focus on preparing resumes, portfolios, online profiles, and interview skills for a career in their industry.(3:0:0 -120) Prerequisite: Min. "B+" in three upper-level MEDI courses and permission of the instructor.

MEDI 480

Advanced Video Production

An advanced documentary production course focusing on the preproduction cycle for feature length documentary projects. Topics include interviewing, grant and proposal writing, budgeting, self-promotion, and exploration of documentary form. Students will have an opportunity to work on personal and large-scale projects that develop solid technical skills and creative expression.MEDI 480 was formerly called DIGI 480; credit will not be granted for both courses. Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 380.

MEDI 490

Independent Project

In consultation with the Chair, students articulate a media-related project that demonstrates a strong correlation between theory and practice. Students submit a proposal outlining their project and reviewing the theory informing it, for a project that makes use of at least one non-print medium. See Chair for more detailed guidelines. Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.