Courses
Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.
Note: Only required courses are offered every year, and other courses are typically offered on a two-year rotation. Students may register in any MEDI or DIGI course with permission of the Department.
MEDI 100 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 110 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or equivalent.
MEDI 111 (3) 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). (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
MEDI 113 (3) Emerging Digital Communications (Ends Sep 2025)
An exploration of emerging digital technologies and their impact on culture, education, commerce, politics and society. Development of hands-on skills in the use of e-mail, newsgroups, web-site authoring, and multimedia. Familiarity with computing applications is an asset. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. (1:0:2)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 113 (3) Emerging Media Technologies (Effective Sep 2025)
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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or equivalent.
MEDI 115 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 165 (3) 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 commercial videogames. MEDI 165 was formerly called MEDI 265; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or equivalent.
MEDI 200 (3) Media, Audience and Society (Ends Sep 2025)
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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 200 (3) Media, Audience and Society (Effective Sep 2025)
A look at how audiences are identified and addressed by select media forms, and how they use them. Audiences are examined across identity positions: as viewers, readers, listeners, producers, and participants. Focus is on identity construction, social performance, engagement, and fandom, contrasting students' social realities with representation of social issues. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 100.
MEDI 205 (3) 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. Note: Some sections of this course may be offered on-line. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 211 (3) Understanding Television
An examination of television as a medium of communication and an element of culture. In a given year, the focus of the course may be on television production and management in addition to an analysis of television's impact on culture. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. 'C' in English 12.
MEDI 215 (3) 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. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 220 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.
MEDI 221 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 220.
MEDI 230 (3) Social Media
An interdisciplinary exploration of interactive and/or social media and their effect on discussions of race, gender, ability, representation, health, social justice, and media law. Current media academics discuss the nature of participatory online culture, its sociological effects on audiences, and opportunities to improve it for necessary individual and collective conversations. MEDI 230 was formerly called DIGI 230; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 100.
MEDI 260 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.
MEDI 265 (3) 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. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: None.
MEDI 270 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.
MEDI 280 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 110.
MEDI 300 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 200 and third-year standing.
MEDI 301 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 302 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 303 (3) Documenting 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 dynamics of power, space, and identity. Students will engage in written and hands-on projects from a critical academic perspective. (1.5:1.5:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 310 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 100.
MEDI 311 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 312 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
MEDI 315 (3) 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. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 115 and third-year standing
MEDI 320 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 220.
MEDI 330 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 220 and third-year standing.
MEDI 340 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 310 and third-year standing.
MEDI 366 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 165.
MEDI 370 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 270.
MEDI 380 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 280.
MEDI 400 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 100, or 200 or 300, and third-year standing.
MEDI 401 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 402 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 415 (3) Media and Cultural Studies
Focusing on media, this course investigates how culture impacts individual experiences, everyday life, social relations and power through readings on the intersections of race, class, gender and ability. Students will explore how media experiences contribute to cultural attitudes and beliefs and will consider ways in which to address this relationship. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 115 and third-year standing.
MEDI 480 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in MEDI 380.
MEDI 490 (3) 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. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 495 (3) Senior Media Studies Project
This course allows students to develop skills required for the completion of a senior-level project involving digital media. Topics include project proposals, management and design, teamwork and collaboration, technical skill development, audience analysis, promotion and presentation, and research. (0:2:1)
Prerequisite: MEDI 300 and third-year standing.
MEDI 496 (3) 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. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in one of the following: MEDI 300, MEDI 320, MEDI 370, MEDI 380; and third-year standing.