Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Topics vary from year to year.