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Year Course ID Course
2025-2026 MCOM 140

Introduction to Game Design

An intelligent, playful course in which students will apply the history, theory and practice of game design to the creation of games. While the material of this course is relevant to video game design, students will primarily focus on board and card games.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 171

Introduction to Communication

This course is designed to introduce students to key questions in the field of communication studies regarding human interconnectedness. Beginning with social scientific and humanistic models of inquiry it proceeds to survey theories and research, and requires students to investigate questions and formulate answers to personal, social, and global issues.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfills University core requirement for social and global inquiry. Required of all media and communication majors in first year.
2025-2026 MCOM 171

Introduction to Communication

This course is designed to introduce students to key questions in the field of communication studies regarding human interconnectedness. Beginning with social scientific and humanistic models of inquiry it proceeds to survey theories and research, and requires students to investigate questions and formulate answers to personal, social, and global issues.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfills University core requirement for social and global inquiry. Required of all Media + Communication majors in first year.
2024-2025 MCOM 172

Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

An introduction to basic self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills. Students learn about the nature of the communication process. The emphasis is on developing and practising the ability to communicate effectively with others. As part of the course requirements, students are expected to share personal (but not necessarily private) experiences with others.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 MCOM 172

Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

An introduction to basic self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills. Students learn about the nature of the communication process. The emphasis is on developing and practising the ability to communicate effectively with others. As part of the course requirements, students are expected to share personal (but not necessarily private) experiences with others.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2024-2025 MCOM 190

Communication Colloquium

This course gathers the entire department together on a weekly basis to talk about important issues facing communication students and professionals, and to help prepare students for finding and building their careers after graduating, which is accomplished by bringing in guest speakers from a variety of professions. These sessions also give an opportunity for students to consider the integration of faith and career. Another goal is to build connections and community within the department and the School of the Arts, Media and Culture.

Course Credits: 0
NB: Required of all students majoring in media and communication (not corporate communication) every semester through the duration of their program (eight times).
2025-2026 MCOM 190

Communication Colloquium

This course gathers the entire department together on a weekly basis to talk about important issues facing communication students and professionals, and to help prepare students for finding and building their careers after graduating, which is accomplished by bringing in guest speakers from a variety of professions. These sessions also give an opportunity for students to consider the integration of faith and career. Another goal is to build connections and community within the department and the School of the Arts, Media and Culture.

Course Credits: 0
NB: Required of all students majoring in media and
communication every semester through the duration of
their program (eight times).
2025-2026 MCOM 191

Research & Writing in Communication

This writing-intensive course orients students to the demands of academic research and writing within the Media + Communication major. By course completion, the diligent student should be able to write lucid, academic, and researched prose in the genres of cultural critique, scientific reporting, and term papers. Central to the course are the twin emphases of critical thinking strategies and research methods in the information age.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Required of all Media + Communication majors in second year.
2024-2025 MCOM 191

Research and Writing in Communication

This writing-intensive course orients students to the demands of academic research and writing within the media and communication major. By course completion, the diligent student should be able to write lucid, academic, and researched prose in the genres of cultural critique, scientific reporting, and term papers. Central to the course are the twin emphases of critical thinking strategies and research methods in the information age.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Required of all media and communication majors and all corporate communication majors in second year.
2024-2025 MCOM 192

Communication Colloquium: Professional Preparation

This course operates in conjunction with MCOM 190 “Communication Colloquium.” Students gather with the entire department together on a weekly basis to talk about important issues facing communication students and professionals, consider the connections between their faith and their careers, build community in the program, and prepare to find and build their careers after graduating. Students dive deeper into this last goal of professional preparation in this course than MCOM 190.

Course Credits: 1
2025-2026 MCOM 192

Communication Colloquium: Professional Preparation

This course operates in conjunction with MCOM 190 “Communication Colloquium.” Students gather with the entire department together on a weekly basis to talk about important issues facing communication students and professionals, consider the connections between their faith and their careers, build community in the program, and prepare to find and build their careers after graduating. Students dive deeper into this last goal of professional preparation in this course than MCOM 190.

Course Credits: 1
2024-2025 MCOM 211

Introduction to Film Studies

Course covers the art of cinema as it explores issues and ideas related to the study of film as an aesthetic, moral, textual, social, and technical art. In doing so, it will help students investigate and discover how to read and interpret narrative film from a variety of perspectives. It will also give students the opportunity to create short films that explore cinematic expression from a hands-on perspective. Though the emphasis will be on traditional narrative approaches to cinema the course will also compare and contrast this approach with experimental, alternative, and transgressive cinemas that challenge the status quo and offer unconventional and unorthodox perspectives. Ethical and spiritual considerations from a Christian perspective will also be explored.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Viewing fee. Required of all film concentrations and minors.
2025-2026 MCOM 211

Introduction to Film Studies

Course covers the art of cinema as it explores issues and ideas related to the study of film as an aesthetic, moral, textual, social, and technical art. In doing so, it will help students investigate and discover how to read and interpret narrative film from a variety of perspectives. It will also give students the opportunity to create short films that explore cinematic expression from a hands-on perspective. Though the emphasis will be on traditional narrative approaches to cinema the course will also compare and contrast this approach with experimental, alternative, and transgressive cinemas that challenge the status quo and offer unconventional and unorthodox perspectives. Ethical and spiritual considerations from a Christian perspective will also be explored.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Viewing fee. Required of all film concentrations and minors.
2024-2025 MCOM 221

Digital Filmmaking I

This introductory course in the art and craft of digital video production familiarizes students with the classical approach to cinematic aesthetics and techniques. Students work individually and collaboratively as they produce, shoot, and edit short films. Emphasis is placed on analyzing films from a filmmaker's perspective.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee. Fulfils university core requirement for aesthetic and performance inquiry. Fulfils departmental visual creativity competency requirement; required of all film concentrations and minors.
2025-2026 MCOM 221

Digital Filmmaking I

This introductory course in the art and craft of digital video production familiarizes students with the classical approach to cinematic aesthetics and techniques. Students work individually and collaboratively as they produce, shoot, and edit short films. Emphasis is placed on analyzing films from a filmmaker's perspective.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee. Fulfils university core requirement for aesthetic and performance inquiry. Fulfils departmental visual creativity competency requirement; required of all film concentrations and minors.
2024-2025 MCOM 231

Fundamentals of Digital Design

An active exploration of graphic design essentials, creative ideation methods, and visual communication techniques. Students use creative thinking methodologies to experiment with a wide range of design approaches, evaluate the aesthetic and conceptual value of specific design solutions, and sharpen their creative, critical thinking, and perceptual skills.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee. Fulfils university core requirement for aesthetic and performance inquiry. Fulfils departmental visual creativity requirement. (Priority given to media and communication students.)
Cross-listed: ART 250
2025-2026 MCOM 231

Fundamentals of Digital Design

An active exploration of graphic design essentials, creative ideation methods, and visual communication techniques. Students use creative thinking methodologies to experiment with a wide range of design approaches, evaluate the aesthetic and conceptual value of specific design solutions, and sharpen their creative, critical thinking, and perceptual skills.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee. Fulfils university core requirement for aesthetic and performance inquiry. Fulfils departmental visual creativity requirement. (Priority given to media and communication students.)
2024-2025 MCOM 240

Game Design for Video Games

A continuation of GAME 140 “Introduction to Game Design. Students focuses on applying game design principles explicitly to the video game medium. By engaging in constant design projects and exercises, students will broaden their knowledge of design theory and develop the necessary skills to rapidly prototype and test game design ideas.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): GAME/MCOM 140.
Cross-listed: GAME 240
2025-2026 MCOM 240

Game Design for Video Games

A continuation of GAME 140 “Introduction to Game Design." Students focuses on applying game design principles explicitly to the video game medium. By engaging in constant design projects and exercises, students will broaden their knowledge of design theory and develop the necessary skills to rapidly prototype and test game design ideas.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 251

Introduction to Journalism

The journalistic principle of serving the public interest has been understood as serving one's own public, social class or nation. With the global reach of media, journalism's public becomes the citizens of the world. How are ethical principles of objectivity, balance and independence understood in a global context? How can journalism help citizens understand local, national, and global problems such as poverty, environmental degradation, technological inequalities and political instability? Students examine Canadian and international media, evaluate the news process, consider the role of reporters in this process, and learn basic news writing.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 191. (3-0; 0 0)
NB: Course fee. Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry.
2025-2026 MCOM 251

Introduction to Journalism

The journalistic principle of serving the public interest has been understood as serving one's own public, social class or nation. With the global reach of media, journalism's public becomes the citizens of the world. How are ethical principles of objectivity, balance and independence understood in a global context? How can journalism help citizens understand local, national, and global problems such as poverty, environmental degradation, technological inequalities and political instability? Students examine Canadian and international media, evaluate the news process, consider the role of reporters in this process, and learn basic news writing.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course fee. Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry.
2024-2025 MCOM 252

Introduction to Public Relations

In this course, students examine the role of public relations within and among various sectors of society including business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Case studies are used to illustrate the profession and practice of public relations where possible, and ethical standards in public relations are emphasized. Media, consumer, employee, and community relations, as well as ethical standards in the public relations industry are examined.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Required of all corporate communication majors.
2025-2026 MCOM 252

Introduction to Public Relations

In this course, students examine the role of public relations within and among various sectors of society including business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Case studies are used to illustrate the profession and practice of public relations where possible, and ethical standards in public relations are emphasized. Media, consumer, employee, and community relations, as well as ethical standards in the public relations industry are examined.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 261

It's Personal: Introduction to Narrative Nonfiction

You can’t make this stuff up. Narrative nonfiction’s creative tools bring true stories to life. In this introductory workshop-style course, students analyze examples of compelling published literary memoir, personal narrative, and critical writing about pop culture. They interpret the author’s craft, study general editorial requirements, and formulate aesthetic principles for their own feature material. Students will write several pieces in a variety of nonfiction genres; critique each other’s work; and revise their own—with the intent to publish. Fulfills departmental writing competency requirement.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 191.
NB: RRequired of all professional writing stream majors and professional writing minors.
2025-2026 MCOM 261

It's Personal: Introduction to Narrative Nonfiction

You can't make this stuff up. Narrative nonfiction’s creative tools bring true stories to life. In this introductory workshop-style course, students analyze examples of compelling published literary memoir, personal narrative, and critical writing about pop culture. They interpret the author’s craft, study general editorial requirements, and formulate aesthetic principles for their own feature material. Students will write several pieces in a variety of nonfiction genres; critique each other’s work; and revise their own—with the intent to publish. Fulfills departmental writing competency requirement.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Required of all Professional Writing stream majors and Professional Writing minors.
2024-2025 MCOM 271

Introduction to Leadership Communication

Leadership Communication introduces students to the art, science, and practice of influencing and being influenced by others in diverse contexts. The course explores the role of communication in building credibility, exercising power, motivating, and expressing one's leadership style. It also considers the topics of followership, the ethics of leadership, leadership development, and leading in times of crisis. The course serves as a foundation for future studies in the leadership communication stream within the Department of Media and Communication.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Required of all leadership stream majors in second year. Fulfils corporate communication leadership communication requirement..
2025-2026 MCOM 271

Introduction to Leadership Communication

Leadership Communication introduces students to the art, science, and practice of influencing and being influenced by others in diverse contexts. The course explores the role of communication in building credibility, exercising power, motivating, and expressing one's leadership style. It also considers the topics of followership, the ethics of leadership, leadership development, and leading in times of crisis. The course serves as a foundation for future studies in the leadership communication stream within the Department of Media + Communication.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Required of all Leadership stream majors in second year.
2024-2025 MCOM 272

Organizational Communication

This course introduces students to the importance of communication within organizations. Organizational communication theory is discussed as it relates to climate, dyads, small group, public, and mediated communication. Students apply theory in several business writing and speaking assignments.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course fee. Required of all corporate communication majors.
2025-2026 MCOM 272

Organizational Communication

This course introduces students to the importance of communication within organizations. Organizational communication theory is discussed as it relates to climate, dyads, small group, public, and mediated communication. Students apply theory in several business writing and speaking assignments.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course fee
2024-2025 MCOM 281

Public Speaking

This course requires students to research, create, and deliver speeches on topics and issues that reflect personal beliefs and values. In doing so they discern diverse materials, consider logical and ethical demands, and analyze their audience in order to create socially and globally responsible rhetorical messages.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfils University core requirement for experiential and embodied inquiry. Required of all students majoring in this department.
2025-2026 MCOM 281

Public Speaking

This course requires students to research, create, and deliver speeches on topics and issues that reflect personal beliefs and values. In doing so they discern diverse materials, consider logical and ethical demands, and analyze their audience in order to create socially and globally responsible rhetorical messages.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfils University core requirement for experiential and embodied inquiry. Required of all students majoring in this department.
2025-2026 MCOM 290

Introductory Special Topics in Media & Communication

Topics vary from year to year.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Possible fee
2024-2025 MCOM 290

Introductory Special Topics in Media and Communication

Topics vary from year to year.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Possible fee.
2025-2026 MCOM 311

Television & Culture

This course provides an in-depth look at television as a mass medium with particular financial and cultural constraints. Students examine the decision-making process behind television programming, learn criteria for viewing television critically, and ask how Christians may respond to television responsibly.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course fee. Not offered every year.
2024-2025 MCOM 311

Television and Culture

This course provides an in-depth look at television as a mass medium with particular financial and cultural constraints. Students examine the decision-making process behind television programming, learn criteria for viewing television critically, and ask how Christians may respond to television responsibly.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): At least third year standing.
NB: Course fee. Not offered every year.
2025-2026 MCOM 312

Video Games & Culture

This course considers the social and cultural impact of video games in contemporary culture from a Christian perspective. Students play, read about, write about, and critically engage a wide variety of computer and video games.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee. Not offered every year.
2024-2025 MCOM 312

Video Games and Culture

This course considers the social and cultural impact of video games in contemporary culture from a Christian perspective. Students play, read about, write about, and critically engage a wide variety of computer and video games.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): At least third year standing.
NB: Lab fee; Not offered every year Lab fee.
2025-2026 MCOM 313

Social Media: Theory & Practice

Prepares students to use social media professionally and to culturally engage these same tools of communication with a critical perspective. The course invites students to discover and analyze best practices in social media marketing and community building, as well as to apply theory to critical investigations of the cultural roles and impacts of current digital media, both in North America and around the world, with the goal of helping students become both effective communicators and highly-ethical and faithful global citizens who can positively impact their profession and their society.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry. Not offered every year.
2024-2025 MCOM 313

Social Media: Theory and Practice

Prepares students to use social media professionally and to culturally engage these same tools of communication with a critical perspective. The course invites students to discover and analyze best practices in social media marketing and community building, as well as to apply theory to critical investigations of the cultural roles and impacts of current digital media, both in North America and around the world, with the goal of helping students become both effective communicators and highly-ethical and faithful global citizens who can positively impact their profession and their society.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): At least third year standing.
NB: Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry. Fulfills corporate communication media studies requirement. Not offered every year
2025-2026 MCOM 314

Hollywood & the Superhero

This course explores the nature and development of the Superhero figure and myth from its ancient origins to the contemporary Hollywood blockbuster craze. Emphasis will be placed upon exploring the Superhero as myth, archetype, icon, moral hero, and anti-hero, and investigates why the Superhero type figure has been a perennial character and what the current emphasis on superheroes might tell us about contemporary social, moral, political, gender, and cultural concerns.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Viewing fee
2024-2025 MCOM 314

Hollywood and the Superhero

This course explores the nature and development of the Superhero figure and myth from its ancient origins to the contemporary Hollywood blockbuster craze. Emphasis will be placed upon exploring the Superhero as myth, archetype, icon, moral hero, and anti-hero, and investigates why the Superhero type figure has been a perennial character and what the current emphasis on superheroes might tell us about contemporary social, moral, political, gender, and cultural concerns.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): At least third year standing. (3-0 or 3- 0)
NB: Viewing fee.
2024-2025 MCOM 315

Film History II

Emphasizes the role films and filmmakers have played in impacting culture and reflecting their historical milieu, especially as they relate to the events and traumas of World War II and the Cold War. Students explore key post-World War II film movements including Neo-Realism, the French New Wave, the rise of art house and nationalist cinemas, and the moral and social rebellions of the 1960s and 70s.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Viewing fee. Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry. Not offered every year Required of film concentrations and minors.
2025-2026 MCOM 315

Film History II

Emphasizes the role films and filmmakers have played in impacting culture and reflecting their historical milieu, especially as they relate to the events and traumas of World War II and the Cold War. Students explore key post-World War II film movements including Neo-Realism, the French New Wave, the rise of art house and nationalist cinemas, and the moral and social rebellions of the 1960s and 70s.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Viewing fee. Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry. Not offered every year. Required of film concentrations and minors.
2025-2026 MCOM 317

Ethics, Morals & Media

This course focuses on understanding the nature of ethics and morals in the media. Through reading, on-going discussion, case studies, guest lecturers, on-site observation and media analysis, students develop their own framework for moral and ethical decision-making.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 321

Digital Filmmaking II

This advanced production course focuses on the key components necessary for making creative and compelling narrative and non-narrative short films. Topics include concept and script development, cinematography techniques, effective mise-en-scene integration, and production workflow. A key component also includes writing, producing, shooting, and editing short films.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 221. (0-0; 3 0)
NB: Lab fee.
2025-2026 MCOM 321

Digital Filmmaking II

This advanced production course focuses on the key components necessary for making creative and compelling narrative and non-narrative short films. Topics include concept and script development, cinematography techniques, effective mise-en-scene integration, and production workflow. A key component also includes writing, producing, shooting, and editing short films.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee
2024-2025 MCOM 322

Digital Film Post-Production

This course examines the art and theory of digital film editing and the post-production process. The goal is to help students understand the role editing plays in the filmic and television viewing experience, especially the way shot selection, pacing, rhythm, sound, etc., impact a scene's development and how various editing techniques and aesthetics relate to dramatic and narrative storytelling. Historical, theoretical, and critical dimensions are addressed as students research seminal examples of film and video editing. This intense workshop offers a real world simulation component as students work under strict deadlines to edit and complete digital film projects.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 221 or instructor's consent.
NB: Lab fee. Not offered every year
2025-2026 MCOM 322

Digital Film Post-Production

This course examines the art and theory of digital film editing and the post-production process. The goal is to help students understand the role editing plays in the filmic and television viewing experience, especially the way shot selection, pacing, rhythm, sound, etc., impact a scene's development and how various editing techniques and aesthetics relate to dramatic and narrative storytelling. Historical, theoretical, and critical dimensions are addressed as students research seminal examples of film and video editing. This intense workshop offers a real world simulation component as students work under strict deadlines to edit and complete digital film projects.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee. Not offered every year.
2024-2025 MCOM 323

Digital Recording I

An introduction to various aspects of the recording arts with emphasis on working within the digital (virtual) studio environment with Cubase and other Virtual Instrument software.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 226 or third year standing. (1-3 or 1-3)
NB: Lab fee.
Cross-listed: MUSI 340.
2025-2026 MCOM 323

Digital Recording I

An introduction to various aspects of the recording arts with emphasis on working within the digital (virtual) studio environment with Cubase and other Virtual Instrument software.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee