2001-2002 Undergraduate Calendar  Programs
	2001-2002 UNDERGRADUATE CALENDAR
	Carleton University

Mass Communication

(Public Affairs and Management)

310 St. Patrick's Building

Telephone: 520-7408

Fax: 520-6690

Academic Administration

Associate Director, School of Journalism and Communication, To be announced

Supervisor of Graduate Studies, To be announced

Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

The School of Journalism and Communication offers B.A. (Honours) and B.A. undergraduate programs in Mass Communication. Candidates for the Honours program are required to take a minimum of 20.0 credits and those in the B.A. program a minimum of 15.0 credits. The Mass Communication programs are provided for students with broad interests in mass communication in contemporary society who do not intend to pursue careers as professional journalists. The Honours degree is designed for students who intend to do graduate work in communication or a related field.

Graduate Program

The School of Journalism and Communication offers studies leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Communication. For further details consult the Graduate Studies and Research Calendar.

Graduation Regulations

In order to graduate, students must fulfill all University graduation regulations, all Faculty regulations including those relating to First-Year Seminars and Breadth requirements, in addition to all regulations and requirements of the School of Journalism and Communication as set out below.

Admission and Continuation Requirements

Admission and continuation requirements in the B.A., B.A. (Honours), Combined B.A. (Honours) and Minor are those set by the Division of Arts and Social Sciences. Admission to Second year will be guaranteed only to students who complete 5.0 credits in First year, achieve a grade of B- or better in Mass Communication 27.111 or 01.127 and also achieve a CI of 7.00. The CI is calculated by dividing the total grade points accumulated over all attempts by the total number of attempts. The calculation is carried to two decimal places without rounding. For further information on calculation of the CI, see the Faculty regulations section.

The School also maintains a number of places in Second year for students who wish to transfer from Carleton University or elsewhere. These spaces are limited and it may not be possible to grant admission to all applicants. Admission will therefore be on a selective basis with preference given to those candidates who show the highest promise of success. Normally, offers are made to students with an overall GPA of 10.0 or better.

Honours Program

A candidate for a B.A. (Honours) in Mass Communication requires 9.0 credits in Mass Communication. The requirements are:

1. Mass Communication 27.111 or 01.127, 27.201, 27.211, 27.311;

2. 2.0 credits chosen from Mass Communication 27.230*, 27.232*,
27.251*, 27.254*, 27.290, 27.300, 27.305*, 27.306*, 27.342*, 27.343*, 27.344*, 27.346*, 27.348*, 27.352*, 27.354*, 27.355*, 27.357*;

3. 3.0 credits chosen from Mass Communication 27.400*, 27.402*, 27.410*, 27.412*, 27.420*, 27.435*, 27.450*, 27.451*, 27.497;

4. 11.0 elective credits.

Recommended sequence for B.A. (Honours) in Mass Communication

First Year

Mass Communication 27.111 or 01.127;

4.0 elective credits.

Second Year

Mass Communication 27.201, 27.211;

3.0 elective credits.

Third Year

Mass Communication 27.311;

2.0 credits chosen from Mass Communication 27.230*, 27.232*, 27.251*, 27.254*, 27.290, 27.300, 27.305*, 27.306*, 27.342*, 27.343*, 27.344*, 27.346*, 27.348*, 27.352*, 27.354*, 27.355*, 27.357*;

2.0 elective credits.

Fourth Year

3.0 credits chosen from Mass Communication 27.400*, 27.402*, 27.410*, 27.412*, 27.420*, 27.435*, 27.450*, 27.451*, 27.497;

2.0 elective credits.

Combined Honours

Students taking Combined B.A. (Honours) in Mass Communication and another discipline are required to take the following credits:

1. Mass Communication 27.111 or 01.127, 27.201, 27.211, 27.311;

2. 1.0 additional credit at the 200- or 300-level in Mass Communication;

3. 2.0 credits chosen from Mass Communication 27.400*, 27.402*, 27.410*, 27.412*, 27.420*, 27.435*, 27.450*, 27.451*, 27.497.

Combined Honours in Journalism and Mass Communication

Course requirements are:

1. Mass Communication 27.201, 27.211, 27.311, and 2.0 credits chosen from Mass Communication 27.400*, 27.402*, 27.410*, 27.412*, 27.420*, 27.435*, 27.450*, 27.451*, 27.497;

2. 1.0 French language credit. Acceptable 100-level French courses are any of French 20.107, 20.145, and 20.160 or another French language credit approved by the School;

3. 1.0 approved credit in Canadian history. (Students who expect to practise journalism in another country may be advised to choose a different history course and must seek permission to do so from the Supervisor of Undergraduate Studies, Journalism.);

4. Approved options to make up a program total of 20.0 credits (20.5 credits if admitted prior to 1995-96).

Combined Honours programs in Journalism and other disciplines are available only to students registered in Journalism.

B.A. Program

The requirements for a B.A. program in Mass Communication include 6.0 credits in Mass Communication:

1. Mass Communication 27.111 or 01.127, 27.201, 27.211, 27.311;

2. 2.0 credits chosen from Mass Communication 27.230*, 27.232*, 27.251*, 27.254*, 27.290, 27.300, 27.305*, 27.306*, 27.342*, 27.343*, 27.344*, 27.346*, 27.348*, 27.352*, 27.354*, 27.355*, 27.357*;

3. 9.0 elective credits.

Minor in Mass Communication

Students majoring in another discipline in the B.A. degree or the B.A. (Honours), may take a Minor in Mass Communication if they complete 27.111 or 01.127 with a grade of B- or better, complete 5.0 credits, and achieve a CI of 7.00. The minor itself consists of 4.0 credits:

1. Mass Communication 27.111 or First-Year Seminar 01.127;

2. 27.211 and 27.311;

3. 1.0 additional credit in Mass Communication at the 200- or 300-level

Requirement for Breadth, for students in B.A. or B.A.(Honours) degrees

Courses

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for 2001-2002, please consult the Registration Instructions and Class Schedule booklet published in the summer.

First-Year Seminar in Mass Communication 01.127

Introduction to Mass Communication

The emergence of mass communication studies in the 20^th century; the major incidents and events which shaped our views of and attitudes towards communication and the media. Limited enrolment.

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.111.

Prerequisite: Normally restricted to students entering the First year of a B.A. program.

Lectures three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.111

Introduction to Mass Communication

Examines major reasons for the emergence of communication studies in the 20th century. Emphasis on history and structure of mass media, their relationship to social and cultural change, and basic issues of communication and cultural policy.

Precludes additional credit for First-Year Seminar 01.127.

Lectures and discussion groups three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.201

Communication Research

Introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods of communication research: statistical and computer analysis, field research, policy and document analysis, historical/archival research.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.111 or First-Year Seminar 01.127, or Journalism 28.100 as well as B.A. (Honours) or B.A. standing in Mass Communication, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.100 and registration in the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Lecture two hours a week, laboratory one hour a week.

Mass Communication 27.211

Communication and Modern Society

Examination of the historical development and current operations of diverse communication institutions in relation to the larger social structure, with emphasis on Canadian society.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.111 or First-Year Seminar 01.127 as well as second year standing in Mass Communication, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.100 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.230*

Communication Policy: Theory and Foundations

Introduction to theoretical perspectives on the role of communication and cultural policy in modern society. Examination of the different approaches to the role of the State in the production and legitimation of communication and cultural policy.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.111 or First-Year Seminar 01.127, or Journalism 28.100 as well as B.A. (Honours) or B.A. standing in Mass Communication, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.100 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Lecture three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.232*

Communication Policy: Institutions and Practices

Examination of selected policy practices in the domains of communication and culture. Policies developed in these domains are related to the institutions, agencies, actors and social interests that shape their development in Canada and elsewhere.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.111 or First-Year Seminar 01.127, or Journalism 28.100 as well as B.A. (Honours) or B.A. standing in Mass Communication, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.100 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Lecture three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.251*

Communications Law I

A survey of laws that affect the Canadian media. Specific areas include the development of freedom of expression, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and statutory and common law limitations on freedoms of the press, including publication bans, libel and contempt of court. (Also listed as Journalism 28.251*.)

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.351* and Journalism 28.351* (last offered 1996-97).

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.111 or First-Year Seminar 01.127 or 28.100, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.100 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.254*

Language and Communication

Some of the central topics in the study of language and communication as pursued by linguists and philosophers. Topics include: the nature of meaning; the connections between language, communication and cognition; language as a social activity. (Also listed as Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 29.254* and Philosophy 32.254*.)

Precludes additional credit for Linguistics 29.280, Mass Communication 27.280 and Philosophy 32.280.

Prerequisite: Second-year standing.

Lectures three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.290

Truth and Propaganda

Ancient and modern techniques of persuasion from analytical, ethical and jurisprudential perspectives. Objectivity and bias, advertising and public relations ethics, the viability of democracy in the light of pressures on and within the modern mass media. (Also listed as Philosophy 32.290.)

Prerequisite: At least 0.5 credit in Philosophy or Second-year standing.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.300

Survey Research Applications in Public Affairs

A course which involves students in all phases of survey research as it relates to public affairs. Emphasis will be placed on methodological concerns. Students will be involved in the design and implementation of actual public affairs survey research projects or related research.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.201 or Political Science 47.270, and either Third Year Standing in Mass Communication, or registration in the Strategic Public Opinion and Policy Analysis specialization within the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Lecture three hours per week including workshops.

Mass Communication 27.305*

International Media Systems

Examination of the flow of global communication and information and its impact on our views of the world. Attention to the relationship between Canadian media and regional and international media institutions and systems. (Also listed as Journalism 28.305*.)

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211 as well as Honours or B.A. standing in Mass Communication, or Third- or Fourth-year B.J.(Hons) standing, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.200 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.306*

Comparative Media Studies

The comparative study of one or more of media content, effects, organization, operation, and criticism, and related theoretical perspectives. (Also listed as Journalism 28.306*.)

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211 as well as Honours or B.A. standing in Mass Communication, or Third- or Fourth-year B.J.(Hons) standing, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.200 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.311

Advanced Study of the Mass Media

An examination of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of mass communication studies. The course is an analysis of the content of selected theories with a view to assessing the contributions they make to the understanding of mass communication.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.211 and Honours or B.A. standing in Mass Communication or permission of the School.

Lecture and discussion groups three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.342*

On Television

This course examines the television medium as it was formed historically, both as a social institution and as a technological form. Various methods by which television texts might be analysed are presented, and different genres are compared and discussed.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211 or permission of the School.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.343*

Communication Technology and Culture

An examination of the relationship between communication technology and society. The course examines the factors that contribute to changes in the collection, storage and distribution of information and their cultural implications.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.200 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Seminar three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.344*

Music Industries

An introduction to the structure and history of the music industries. (Also listed as Music 30.343*.)

Prerequisite: Second-year standing.

Lectures three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.346*

Media Construction and Social Issues

A study of the industrial-bureaucratic structures of the news media and their relevance to the reporting of social and political issues; an examination of the dominant discourses on these issues and their relevance for the organization of newswork. The issues vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.200 and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.348*

Advertising: A Critical Perspective

This course explores and critically analyzes some of the major constructs and basic mechanisms of the advertising system. This will include an examination of the social, political-economic and cultural implications of advertising.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211 or permission of the School.

Lecture three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.352*

Telecommunications Regulation

The law regulating Canadian broadcasting and communications industries. Focus on the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. Topics may include: administrative formulation of policy, ownership rules, program content and quality, access to the media, cablevision licensing and control, alternative sanctions. (Also listed as Journalism 28.352* and Law 51.352*.)

Prerequisite: One of Law 51.203, 51.204 or 51.205, or a 200-level Journalism or Mass Communication credit.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.354*

Pragmatics

The theoretical study of language use as pursued by linguists and philosophers. Topics include: conversational implicature; deixis; the semantics-pragmatics boundary; speaker's reference; speech acts. (Also listed as Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 29.354* and Philosophy 32.354*.)

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.280, Linguistics 29.280 and Philosophy 32.280.

Prerequisite: Second-year standing or at least 0.5 credits in Philosophy or Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.355*

Media and Gender

Examination of the role of mass media in shaping our conceptions of gender roles. Evaluation of the social, political and cultural consequences of such conceptions.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211 or permission of the School.

Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.357*

Special Topic

An examination of a special topic in mass communication not covered in depth in other courses. The topic varies from year to year. Possible topics include: communications policy analysis; the political economy of the mass media; and the social impact of new communications technology.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.211 or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.400*

Advanced Communication Research: Quantitative Methods

Methodological issues and statistical techniques for investigating theoretical questions concerning mass communication and society. Content varies yearly, but focus is on advanced statistical methods.

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.401

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.201 and 27.311 and Honours standing in Mass Communication, or 27.300 and registration in the Strategic Public Opinion and Policy Analysis specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.402*

Advanced Communication Research: Qualitative Methods

Methodological issues appropriate for investigating theoretical questions of mass communications and society. Seminar content varies yearly as selection of appropriate methodologies and models may depend on questions investigated. Topics may include field research methods, policy/document analysis, historical research.

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.401.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.201 and 27.311 and Honours standing in Mass Communication, or 27.300 and registration in the Strategic Public Opinion and Policy Analysis specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.410*

Selected Topics in Mass Communication Analysis

For 2001-2002, the topic for Section A is: State Theories, Communication and Society. Examination of major theories of the State and their link with communication institutions in modern Canadian society, with a focus on the changing role of the State in relation to its intervention in communication issues.

For 2001-2002, the topic for Section B is: Media and the Environment. An examination of recent theorizing on the relative influence of the mass media in shaping environmental policies in the context of specific Canadian and American case studies such as the "Air of Death" controversy, Three Mile Island, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.411.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.311 and Honours standing in Mass Communication or permission of the School.

Seminar three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.412*

Selected Topics in Mass Communication Analysis

For 2001-2002, the topic for Section A is: Communication and French Social Theory: This seminar deals with key concepts and intellectual trends in French social theory from its mid-19^th century precursors to the most recent contributions, including positivism, structuralism/post-structuralism, constructivism/deconstructivism, post-modernism, feminism, cultural capital, longue duree, in relation to the study of communication.

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.411.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.311 and Honours standing in Mass Communication or permission of the School.

Seminar three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.420*

Children, Youth and Media

Children and youth as they relate to mass media and popular culture. Historical and theoretical analysis of the emergence of childhood as a category in the media.

Precludes additional credit for Mass Communication 27.412* (if taken in 95-96, 96-97,97-98).

Prerequisite: Honours standing in Mass Communication and Mass Communication 27.311 or permission of the school.

Seminar three hours a week.

Mass Communication 27.435*

New Media, New Policies

This course focuses on major policy issues arising from media convergence, increased competition within the communication industries, new technologies, and globalization. The rationale, structure, nature and goals of regulation and communication policy for `new media' are considered.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.311 and Honours standing in Mass Communication, or Public Affairs and Policy Management 58.300« and registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.450*

Mass Media and Capitalist Democracy I

Examination of major interpretive frameworks for understanding the general historical development of mass communication in capitalist democracies such as Canada, Britain, and the United States.

Prerequisites: Mass Communication 27.311 and Honours standing in Mass Communication or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.451*

Mass Media and Capitalist Democracy II

Consideration of issues related to the history of mass communication in order to assess current theoretical perspectives on media and culture.

Prerequisite: Mass Communication 27.450« or permission of the School.

Mass Communication 27.497

Honours Essay

The Honours Essay, which is a major research essay, is carried out under the direction of a faculty supervisor. The Honours Essay is evaluated by both the supervisor and an appointed reader.*

Prerequisite: Fourth-year Honours standing in Mass Communication.

* Students should refer to general Faculty regulations regarding submission of Honours Essays

 

Carleton University
2001-2002 Undergraduate Calendar
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