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Year Course ID Course
2025-2026 MCOM 331

Imaging & Illustration Design

This course explores the conception, production, and analysis of imagery in graphic communication design, including photos, illustrations, and graphic marks. Imagery-based problems are investigated in multiple design contexts and formats. Specialized rendering techniques, digital studio practices, and iconographic style development are considered.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee
2024-2025 MCOM 331

Imaging and Illustration Design

This course explores the conception, production, and analysis of imagery in graphic communication design, including photos, illustrations, and graphic marks. Imagery-based problems are investigated in multiple design contexts and formats. Specialized rendering techniques, digital studio practices, and iconographic style development are considered.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ART 250 or MCOM 231.
NB: Lab fee. Fulfills corporate communication major media studies requirement.
Cross-listed: ART 361.
2025-2026 MCOM 332

Symbol & Typography Design

An exploration of integrated conceptual thinking and formal experimentation with type and related symbol systems in graphic communications. Emphasis is placed on type as image, principles of typesetting, hierarchy and structure. The complex interaction of type in relation to other graphic elements in multiple design contexts and formats is considered.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee
2024-2025 MCOM 332

Symbol and Typography Design

An exploration of integrated conceptual thinking and formal experimentation with type and related symbol systems in graphic communications. Emphasis is placed on type as image, principles of typesetting, hierarchy and structure. The complex interaction of type in relation to other graphic elements in multiple design contexts and formats is considered.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ART 250 or MCOM 231.
NB: Lab fee. Fulfills corporate communication major media studies requirement.
Cross-listed: ART 362.
2025-2026 MCOM 333

Format & Layout Design

An exploration of integrated conceptual thinking and formal experimentation with the structural and organizing systems at work in graphic communications. Emphasis is given to the development of unified graphic systems spanning multiple design contexts and formats.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee
2024-2025 MCOM 333

Format and Layout Design

An exploration of integrated conceptual thinking and formal experimentation with the structural and organizing systems at work in graphic communications. Emphasis is given to the development of unified graphic systems spanning multiple design contexts and formats.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ART 250 or MCOM 231.
NB: Lab fee. Fulfils corporate communication major media studies requirement.
Cross-listed: ART 363.
2024-2025 MCOM 334

Interaction Design

Introduces students to the design of interactive digital experiences with a focus on website design, User Experience (UX) design, and User Interface (UI) design. Students will learn the core concepts and principles of interaction design by working through technical and design projects using industry standard design software. Students leave this course with the ability to build basic websites and design digital experiences that follow current interaction design standards and methodologies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ART 250 or MCOM 231..
NB: Lab fee.
Cross-listed: ART 364.
2025-2026 MCOM 334

Interaction Design

Introduces students to the design of interactive digital experiences with a focus on website design, User Experience (UX) design, and User Interface (UI) design. Students will learn the core concepts and principles of interaction design by working through technical and design projects using industry standard design software. Students leave this course with the ability to build basic websites and design digital experiences that follow current interaction design standards and methodologies.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee
2024-2025 MCOM 340

Advanced Game Design

An in-depth look at game design theory and aesthetic criticism pertaining to video games. Through the use of significant projects, students will further develop practical design skills, and investigate theoretical topics such as the ability of games to communicate, simulate and persuade. Students will examine the connections between game design and faith, spirituality, ethics, morality, and the Christian tradition in order to become game designers who are thoughtful shapers of culture rather than simply entertainment technicians.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): GAME 240/MCOM 240.
Cross-listed: GAME 340
2025-2026 MCOM 340

Advanced Game Design

An in-depth look at game design theory and aesthetic criticism pertaining to video games. Through the use of significant projects, students will further develop practical design skills, and investigate theoretical topics such as the ability of games to communicate, simulate and persuade. Students will examine the connections between game design and faith, spirituality, ethics, morality, and the Christian tradition in order to become game designers who are thoughtful shapers of culture rather than simply entertainment technicians.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 341

Interactive Storytelling

An in-depth look at the various forms of writing for video games. Students will study and practice game story scripting, writing for interface, dialogue and narration, as well as video game technical writing. Students will develop skills to handle the many writing tasks necessary for a game development project. Students who are not part of the Game Development program will also benefit from taking this course, as it is also applicable to non-game forms of media production.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): One of ENGL 207, 208, MCOM 261, 351, 361, 362, 461
Cross-listed: GAME 341
2025-2026 MCOM 341

Interactive Storytelling

An in-depth look at the various forms of writing for video games. Students will study and practice game story scripting, writing for interface, dialogue and narration, as well as video game technical writing. Students will develop skills to handle the many writing tasks necessary for a game development project. Students who are not part of the Game Development program will also benefit from taking this course, as it is also applicable to non-game forms of media production.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 MCOM 351

Business & Technical Writing

This workshop course offers students effective techniques for written and oral communication within the fields of business and industry, including key aspects of technical correspondence, report writing, oral communication, and the job-seeking process.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course fee
2024-2025 MCOM 351

Business and Technical Writing

This workshop course offers students effective techniques for written and oral communication within the fields of business and industry, including key aspects of technical correspondence, report writing, oral communication, and the jobseeking process.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 103, 104; MCOM 191 and at least third year standing or instructor's permission.
NB: Course fee. Required of corporate communication majors.
2024-2025 MCOM 352

Multimedia Journalism

A hands-on seminar that explores the use of text, images, sound, video, data and graphics to tell stories in an engaging way. Students will leverage digital tools, social media platforms, and research to inform, educate or entertain. The course explores historical aspects, storytelling structures, design concepts, ethical issues, writing styles, and the business of media.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 231 and 251, or instructor's consent.
NB: Lab fee. Fulfils corporate communication major writing requirement.
2025-2026 MCOM 352

Multimedia Journalism

A hands-on seminar that explores the use of text, images, sound, video, data and graphics to tell stories in an engaging way. Students will leverage digital tools, social media platforms, and research to inform, educate or entertain. The course explores historical aspects, storytelling structures, design concepts, ethical issues, writing styles, and the business of media.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee
2024-2025 MCOM 354

Sports Journalism

A survey of the principles, practices, and ethical considerations of sports journalism with emphasis on newsgathering, storytelling, editing, audience consideration, and Canadian Press Style. Students apply skills in the university sports context to meet real deadlines and gain from peer critique.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing, and approval of the instructor.
NB: Strongly recommend one of MCOM 221, 251, 261 or 352. Writing samples may be required for instructor’s approval.
Cross-listed: HKIN 384
2025-2026 MCOM 354

Sports Journalism

A survey of the principles, practices, and ethical considerations of sports journalism with emphasis on newsgathering, storytelling, editing, audience consideration, and Canadian Press Style. Students apply skills in the university sports context to meet real deadlines and gain from peer critique.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Strongly recommend one of MCOM 221, 251, 261 or 352. Writing samples may be required for instructor’s consent.
2024-2025 MCOM 361

Screenwriting

This course introduces students to the history, art, and craft of cogent short-form film and television writing. It involves theoretical and applied components. Topics include: concept, conflict, and character development, writing treatments, structure and plot point crafting, genre considerations, theme and character dynamics, mood and stylistic concerns, etc. Selective scripts from the course may be used in advanced production courses.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee.
2025-2026 MCOM 361

Screenwriting

This course introduces students to the history, art, and craft of cogent short-form film and television writing. It involves theoretical and applied components. Topics include: concept, conflict, and character development, writing treatments, structure and plot point crafting, genre considerations, theme and character dynamics, mood and stylistic concerns, etc. Selective scripts from the course may be used in advanced production courses.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Lab fee
2024-2025 MCOM 362

Playwriting

Playwriting is a workshop course designed for any student interested in developing their storytelling skills by writing for the stage. Students will study major components of playwriting, including dramatic formatting, structure, plot and character development, writing actionable dialogue, analysis, dramaturgy, and more. Students will deepen their understanding of these components and of the creative process through writing exercises, pitching ideas, reading work out loud, and respectfully providing and receiving feedback. By the end of the semester, students will have written one or more plays.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Upper level standing.
Cross-listed: THTR 325.
2025-2026 MCOM 362

Playwriting

Playwriting is a workshop course designed for any student interested in developing their storytelling skills by writing for the stage. Students will study major components of playwriting, including dramatic formatting, structure, plot and character development, writing actionable dialogue, analysis, dramaturgy, and more. Students will deepen their understanding of these components and of the creative process through writing exercises, pitching ideas, reading work out loud, and respectfully providing and receiving feedback. By the end of the semester, students will have written one or more plays.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 369

Adventures in Narrative Non-Fiction

What makes this story so good? Compelling magazine and newspaper writing employs narrative nonfiction's creative tools to bring true stories to life. In this intermediate workshop-style course, students analyze examples of the best published memoir, personal narrative, travel writing, and immersion journalism to interpret the author's craft and formulate aesthetic principles to apply to their own creative work. Students will write several pieces in a variety of non-fiction genres; critique each other's work; revise their own; and perform one piece during the Festival of the Arts, Media + Culture.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 251 or 261; or ENGL 207 or 208; or instructor's permission (writing samples may be required). (3-0 or 3 0)
NB: Course fee. Fulfils university core requirement for aesthetic and performance inquiry. Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for media and communication major.
2025-2026 MCOM 369

Adventures in Narrative Non-Fiction

What makes this story so good? Compelling magazine and newspaper writing employs narrative nonfiction's creative tools to bring true stories to life. In this intermediate workshop-style course, students analyze examples of the best published memoir, personal narrative, travel writing, and immersion journalism to interpret the author's craft and formulate aesthetic principles to apply to their own creative work. Students will write several pieces in a variety of non-fiction genres; critique each other's work; revise their own; and perform one piece during the Festival of the Arts, Media + Culture.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course fee. Fulfils University core requirement for aesthetic and performance inquiry. Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for Media + Communication major.
2025-2026 MCOM 371

Relational Communication

This course provides an in-depth look at communication in close relationships. The course begins with models of relational communication and proceeds with self- and other perceptions, verbal and nonverbal strategies and rituals, then the larger processes of communication in developing, sustaining, struggling, and ending relationships. Three featured topics include the role of conflict, verbal abuse, and personal style as factors in close relationships.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course fee
2024-2025 MCOM 371

Relational Communicaton

This course provides an in-depth look at communication in close relationships. The course begins with models of relational communication and proceeds with self- and other perceptions, verbal and nonverbal strategies and rituals, then the larger processes of communication in developing, sustaining, struggling, and ending relationships. Three featured topics include the role of conflict, verbal abuse, and personal style as factors in close relationships.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): At least third year standing. (3-0 ; 0-0)
NB: Course fee. Fulfils leadership communication requirement for corporate communication majors.
2024-2025 MCOM 372

Cross-cultural Communication

This course is about the nature of cross-cultural interaction. Cultural concepts and contexts are explored through taxonomies, theories, and comparative analysis. Through in-class and out-of-class activities, students become self-aware and other-aware. Students also experiment with cultural behaviours and cultural change, aiming to increase both explanatory and predictive cultural knowledge, and enhance behavioural competencies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Registration preference given to media and communication majors, concentrations, or minors, as well as corporate communication majors, TESL certificate, Inter cultural religious studies, and international studies programs. (3-0 or 3-0)
NB: Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry. Required of all corporate communication majors. Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for media and communication major.
Cross-listed: ANTH 302, LING 302.
2025-2026 MCOM 372

Cross-Cultural Communication

This course is about the nature of cross-cultural interaction. Cultural concepts and contexts are explored through taxonomies, theories, and comparative analysis. Through in-class and out-of-class activities, students become self-aware and other-aware. Students also experiment with cultural behaviours and cultural change, aiming to increase both explanatory and predictive cultural knowledge, and enhance behavioural competencies.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfils University core requirement for social and global inquiry.
2025-2026 MCOM 373

Classical & Contemporary Rhetoric

The rhetoric of classical Greece and Rome, the medieval era, and modern and postmodern approaches to rhetorical practice are surveyed in relation to political, social, and mass media contexts and practices.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for Media + Communication majors.
2024-2025 MCOM 373

Classical and Contemporary Rhetoric

The rhetoric of classical Greece and Rome, the medieval era, and modern and postmodern approaches to rhetorical practice are surveyed in relation to political, social, and mass media contexts and practices.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third or fourth year standing. (3- 0 or 3-0)
NB: Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for media and communication majors.
2025-2026 MCOM 381

Debate & Argumentation

The study of argumentation theory as applied in the practice of debate for the careful analysis and advancement of propositions regarding important contemporary issues. Students participate in two one-on-one debates and one two-on-two debate.

Course Credits: 3
NB: May fulfil department public speaking requirement with consent of department chair.
2024-2025 MCOM 381

Debate and Argumentation

The study of argumentation theory as applied in the practice of debate for the careful analysis and advancement of propositions regarding important contemporary issues. Students participate in two one-on-one debates and one two-on-two debate.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 281 or instructor's consent.
NB: May fulfil department public speaking requirement with chair's approval.
2025-2026 MCOM 390

Advanced Selected Topics in Media & Communication

Topics vary from year to year.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Possible fee
2024-2025 MCOM 390

Advanced Selected Topics in Media and Communication

Topics vary from year to year.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Varies with topic.
NB: Not offered every year See department chair Possible fee.
2024-2025 MCOM 391

Communication Field Placement

This practicum provides students with a workand-learn experience in the field of media and communication, both on or off campus. In addition to their workplace experience, practica students meet regularly as a class to explore workplace issues and communication challenges. Class sessions are formatted as a professional workshop, whereby students demonstrate leadership skills in public speaking, visual presentation, and group interaction. Course assignments require students to respond to reflective questions about their own communication strengths and personal development as emerging professionals. Not required of media and communication majors, but 3 s.h. required of corporate communication majors.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing or above.
NB: Open only to media and communication majors, concentrations, and minors; corporate communication majors; and students working with student media (i.e., student newspaper, student yearbook, student video yearbook). Only 3 sem. hrs. apply toward the major; others go to electives for a maximum total of 8 sem. hrs. Communication Field Placement courses are pass/fail courses.
2025-2026 MCOM 391

Communication Field Placement

This field placement provides students with a work-and-learn experience in the field of media and communication, both on or off campus. In addition to their workplace experience, practica students meet regularly as a class to explore workplace issues and communication challenges. Class sessions are formatted as a professional workshop, whereby students demonstrate leadership skills in public speaking, visual presentation, and group interaction. Course assignments require students to respond to reflective questions about their own communication strengths and personal development as emerging professionals.

Course Credits: 1
NB: Open only to Media + Communication majors, concentrations, and minors; and students working with student media (i.e., student newspaper, student yearbook, student video yearbook). Only 3 sem. hrs. apply toward the major; others go to electives for a maximum total of 8 sem. hrs.
2024-2025 MCOM 392

Communication Field Placement

This field placement provides students with a work-and-learn experience in the field of media and communication, both on or off campus. In addition to their workplace experience, practica students meet regularly as a class to explore workplace issues and communication challenges. Class sessions are formatted as a professional workshop, whereby students demonstrate leadership skills in public speaking, visual presentation, and group interaction. Course assignments require students to respond to reflective questions about their own communication strengths and personal development as emerging professionals. Not required of media and communication majors, but 3 s.h. required of corporate communication majors.

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing or above.
NB: Open only to media and communication majors, concentrations, and minors; corporate communication majors; and students working with student media (i.e., student newspaper, student yearbook, student video yearbook). Only 3 sem. hrs. apply toward the major; others go to electives for a maximum total of 8 sem. hrs. Communication Field Placement courses are pass/fail courses.
2025-2026 MCOM 392

Communication Field Placement

This field placement provides students with a work-and-learn experience in the field of media and communication, both on or off campus. In addition to their workplace experience, practica students meet regularly as a class to explore workplace issues and communication challenges. Class sessions are formatted as a professional workshop, whereby students demonstrate leadership skills in public speaking, visual presentation, and group interaction. Course assignments require students to respond to reflective questions about their own communication strengths and personal development as emerging professionals.

Course Credits: 2
NB: Open only to Media + Communication majors, concentrations, and minors; and students working with student media (i.e., student newspaper, student yearbook, student video yearbook). Only 3 sem. hrs. apply toward the major; others go to electives for a maximum total of 8 sem. hrs.
2024-2025 MCOM 393

Communication Field Placement

This field placement provides students with a work-and-learn experience in the field of media and communication, both on or off campus. In addition to their workplace experience, practica students meet regularly as a class to explore workplace issues and communication challenges. Class sessions are formatted as a professional workshop, whereby students demonstrate leadership skills in public speaking, visual presentation, and group interaction. Course assignments require students to respond to reflective questions about their own communication strengths and personal development as emerging professionals. Not required of media and communication majors, but 3 s.h. required of corporate communication majors.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing or above.
NB: Open only to media and communication majors, concentrations, and minors; corporate communication majors; and students working with student media (i.e., student newspaper, student yearbook, student video yearbook). Only 3 sem. hrs. apply toward the major; others go to electives for a maximum total of 8 sem. hrs. Communication Field Placement courses are pass/fail courses.
2025-2026 MCOM 393

Communication Field Placement

This field placement provides students with a work-and-learn experience in the field of media and communication, both on or off campus. In addition to their workplace experience, practica students meet regularly as a class to explore workplace issues and communication challenges. Class sessions are formatted as a professional workshop, whereby students demonstrate leadership skills in public speaking, visual presentation, and group interaction. Course assignments require students to respond to reflective questions about their own communication strengths and personal development as emerging professionals.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Open only to Media + Communication majors, concentrations, and minors; and students working with student media (i.e., student newspaper, student yearbook, student video yearbook). Only 3 sem. hrs. apply toward the major; others go to electives for a maximum total of 8 sem. hrs.
2024-2025 MCOM 395

Central America Field Study

This experiential and interdisciplinary course fosters interaction with diverse physical and human environments. It provides exposure to the region's history, religions, politics, and socioeconomic realities that shape the communication and cultures of Central America, and introduces students to cross-cultural communication.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing or instructor permission.
Cross-listed: GENV 395
2025-2026 MCOM 395

Central America Field Study

This experiential and interdisciplinary course fosters interaction with diverse physical and human environments. It provides exposure to the region's history, religions, politics, and socioeconomic realities that shape the communication and cultures of Central America, and introduces students to cross-cultural communication.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 396

East Africa Field Study

This experiential and interdisciplinary course fosters interaction with diverse physical and human environments. It provides exposure to the region's history, religions, politics, and socioeconomic realities that shape the communication and cultures of East Africa and introduces students to cross-cultural communication.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Second year standing or instructor permission.
Cross-listed: GENV 396
2025-2026 MCOM 396

East Africa Field Study

This experiential and interdisciplinary course fosters interaction with diverse physical and human environments. It provides exposure to the region's history, religions, politics, and socioeconomic realities that shape the communication and cultures of East Africa and introduces students to cross-cultural communication.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 MCOM 399

Communication Theory in Everyday Life

An intermediate-level study of contemporary theories in communication with an eye to their applicability for observation, explanation, and evaluation of everyday communication. Students learn to pose questions and answers in theory construction regarding communication issues, processes and outcomes.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): At least Second year standing.
NB: Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for media and communication major.
2025-2026 MCOM 399

Communication Theory in Everyday Life

An intermediate-level study of contemporary theories in communication with an eye to their applicability for observation, explanation, and evaluation of everyday communication. Students learn to pose questions and answers in theory construction regarding communication issues, processes and outcomes.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for Media + Communication major.
2025-2026 MCOM 411

Media, Culture & Criticism

A seminar investigating the cultural environment in which we live as the context of all communication. Selected media within contemporary culture are explored in terms of their contribution to the postmodern age.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for Media + Communication majors.
2024-2025 MCOM 411

Media, Culture, and Criticism

A seminar investigating the cultural environment in which we live as the context of all communication. Selected media within contemporary culture are explored in terms of their contribution to the postmodern age.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third or fourth year standing. (0- 0; 3-0)
NB: Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for media and communication majors, and the media studies requirement for corporate communication majors.
2024-2025 MCOM 412

Masters of Cinema

This seminar focuses on key filmmakers who have been highly influential in the development and expression of thought-provoking narrative and non-narrative cinema, including documentary and animation. As such, it focuses on a broad array of filmmakers, styles, and genres as students explore the way cinematic structure, stylistics, aesthetics, and techniques creates a deeper understanding of life. Filmmakers studied include masters from Hollywood, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Viewing fee. Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for media and communication majors.
2025-2026 MCOM 412

Masters of Cinema

This seminar focuses on key filmmakers who have been highly influential in the development and expression of thought-provoking narrative and non-narrative cinema, including documentary and animation. As such, it focuses on a broad array of filmmakers, styles, and genres as students explore the way cinematic structure, stylistics, aesthetics, and techniques creates a deeper understanding of life. Filmmakers studied include masters from Hollywood, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Viewing fee. Fulfils theory and criticism requirement for Media + Communication majors.