Examines communication needs associated with contexts of heightened concern (e.g., crisis, conflict, disasters). Analyzes theories about perception of risk. Explores theories, principles and practices of risk and crisis communication that support individuals, organizations and communities making effective risk/benefit decisions, managing fear and uncertainty, and responding to crisis.
This course introduces students to social marketing, an approach that uses commercial marketing principles and techniques to generate positive social and behavioural change. Students’ learn to identify and build relationships with stakeholders, to apply social diffusion processes to accelerate adoption of new behaviours, and to critically reflect upon social issues and their impact or reach via various media. Students develop a clear understanding of how we can effectively design, facilitate, and evaluate social marketing programs that address a wide range of societal and community-based issues and goals. Through campaign analysis, planning, and design, students develop the critical mindset needed to analyze and creatively address complex social problems and hands-on, practical skills to implement concepts learned.
Immerses students in discussion of foundations and theoretical frameworks of intercultural communication competence, with an emphasis on applicability in professional and personal settings. Analyzes the recent scholarly work on intercultural communication competence and compares a variety of approaches to the conceptualization of this kind of study. The opportunity to develop research and/or instructional activities raises intercultural awareness, assists in the development of an intercultural mindset, and facilitates the development of intercultural competence.
Offers a holistic survey on current developments in communication studies with emphasis on physical, mental, spiritual, relational, and environmental well being in different communities and cultures. Deepens student understanding of ideas, research and practice related to public health disparities, provider-patient communication, social ecology of illness, health communication, e-health, public discourse and controversy on medicine, health, and environmental issues, and religion and health beliefs.
Examines theoretical discussions on social media and their impact on studies of human interactions and introduces current methodological debates in fields such as digital methods, digital humanities and ’big data’. Presents a variety of contemporary tools and techniques to help students navigate and analyse the emerging data landscape and to equip students with basic skills managing analytical tools, data sampling, basic statistics, network analysis, and data visualisation. Immerses students in the latest discussions on methodological development to take advantage of ‘digital trace data’ and computational tools.
Introduces theories of migration and diaspora, transnationalism, and cosmopolitanism. Emphasis placed on (1) the tension between maintaining connection to the home community and integrating into the host community; (2) the ways in which diaspora communities are maintained across national boundaries through use of media. Focuses on communication aspects of migration and diaspora, especially stereotypes, identity displays, depictions in media, and the use of social media to maintain community over space.
Introduces students to communication in the digital landscape. Distinguishes between digital and traditional/analog media and how a strong strategic communication must include elements of both to be effective. Helps students identify the advantages, shortcomings and risks of digital communication, and the significance of evaluating and reporting the impact of digital communication. Includes case studies, discussion forums for collaborative learning, an exercise drawn from the corporate world where students must convince cynical senior management about the need for and value of digital communication, and a team effort to develop a well-rationalized digital communication campaign plant.
Presents an overview of the historical development of theories and approaches to media and cultural studies as they interconnect with communication studies. Considers the meaning and production of culture, the culture industry, and various interpretive practices. Explores how mass media has influenced and been influenced by cultural industries and contextualizes our current digital age in relation to other major advancements in communication history. Drawing on contemporary media and cultural theory, the course investigates how our current digital environment modifies our definitions of privacy and the public, civil society, political participation, and culture through case studies and applied and experiential activities.
Introduces the principles, styles, and strategies that characterize the creation and distribution of research-based media into the public sphere. Students practice the mechanics of combining digital photography, video, sound and text into sequentially based options using various styles and channels. Involves working peer-to-peer and with the instructor to analyze, foster and cultivate audiovisual grammars through creative processes.
Provides a rich exposure to theories and practices of dispute resolution through the eyes of a practicing mediator and empowers the learner to be more effective and secure in responding to conflict. Examines conflict at interpersonal, community, and organizational levels. Concepts of analysis are applied, models of response are learned, and various skills of interpersonal communication are practiced.
Explores effective management of external communication systems and processes in an organizational context. Reference is made to the linkages between all major communication efforts, including engagement, marketing and advertising; however, the emphasis of the course is on public relations, stakeholder relations, and corporate communication. The course focuses on the requisite skill set of corporate communication leaders, including reputation management, crisis management and strategic communication planning. Current trends, such as the use of social media channels, are highlighted. The course is delivered through a combination of case studies, experiential exercises, and interactive lectures designed to provide an opportunity to apply learnings through realistic scenarios and role playing.
Takes as its premise the political and ideological nature of communication, media and culture. Surveys classic and contemporary sources, themes and debates in the academic communication literature as these relate to disciplinary subfields such as policy, political economy, political communication, technology studies, cultural economics, law and ethics, and as they manifest in the interpersonal, print, broadcast, and telecommunications realms. Learners explore topics ranging from trans-national and state-level concerns to civil society; from electoral politics to those of social movements and countercultures; and from major policy documents and regulatory bodies in Canada and abroad to issues like terrorism and propaganda, privacy and surveillance, digital media and intellectual property that test the capacity of policymakers.
Responds to current and emerging issues or trends in the professional field of communication and communication studies. Offered by local and visiting scholar practitioners with expertise in the relevant topic. Course topics may include: science communication, crisis communication, ‘new’ new media (the second wave of new media that extends beyond websites and email), journalistic shifts, and political discourse.
Past offering: Communication for Decolonization
This course was designed to enhance skills and capacities by exploring advanced concepts in decolonization—both environmental and human—through the lens of communication. By engaging with diverse perspectives and collaborating with others within and beyond this class, you will not only find inspiration but also deepen your self-awareness and understanding of your place in the world.
- Colonization as a Continuing Threat: Colonization continues to impact societies in multiple ways, with far-reaching consequences for both the environment and humanity.
- Decolonization Begins with the Self: The process of decolonization starts with personal and professional reflection.
- Integrating Multiple Ways of Knowing: Different worldviews and ways of knowing can inform how we communicate and relate to the Earth and its Indigenous peoples.
- Environmental, Indigenous, and Arts-Based Approaches: These approaches, either individually or combined, provide powerful tools for improving relationships through communication.
Coursework includes:
- Creative and Reflective Assignments: A variety of assignments that include writing, creative expression, reflection, and sharing within the class community.
- Readings and Engagement: Students will engage with works by leading scholars and thinkers in environmental, Indigenous, and arts-based methodologies.
- Weekly Discussions: Participation in both synchronous and asynchronous discussions to deepen understanding and share insights.