Communications, Popular Culture and Film

Chair

Marian Bredin

Undergraduate Program Adviser

Jeanette Sloniowski

Professors

Barry K. Grant, Jim Leach

Associate Professors

Nicolas Baxter-Moore, Barry W. K. Joe, Russell Johnston, Jeanette Sloniowski, Bohdan Szuchewycz

Assistant Professors

Dale A. Bradley, Marian Bredin, Jennifer Good, Sarah A. Matheson, Christie Milliken

Lecturers

M. Sharon Broderick, Scott Henderson

Adjunct Faculty

Terrance Cox, Joan Nicks

Director, Co-operative Programs

Cindy Dunne

General Information

Administrative Assistant

Bridget Cahill

905-688-5550, extension 4290

Scotia Bank Hall 308

http://www.brocku.ca/cpcf

The Department of Communications, Popular Culture and Film offers three separate programs of study. A four-year program leading to the BA Honours degree and a three-year program leading to the BA Pass degree is offered in all three programs. In addition, four-year Co-op programs leading to a BA Honours degree in Communications Studies or Popular Culture and a four and one-half year program leading to a BA Honours degree in Film Studies are available.

Communications Studies

Communications Studies is a limited enrolment, interdisciplinary program that studies human communicative behaviour, the institutions of communication and the social production of meaning. It has three streams, each of which offers a Co-op option; the streams share a core of COMM courses but focus on distinct areas of interest.

The Business Communications stream combines the study of communications with a study of some aspects of business. The stream aims to equip the student with a sound theoretical basis for analysing and practising communications within the business environment.

The Digital Culture stream views computer networks, information technology and digital media as integral components of contemporary social and cultural practices. Primary emphasis is placed on the study of new media in relation to communications theory. Students also have opportunities to explore these topics and theories in applied settings.

The Media, Culture and Society stream focusses on the impact of media and communication in the creation of meaning, identity and social change emphasizing the study of media content, audiences and institutions in their political, economic, and social contexts in Canada and elsewhere.

Students are generally advised that choice of stream is based on their interest and aptitude. It is possible to change streams although in some cases this may require additional courses; students should consult the Undergraduate Program Adviser. Communication Studies is a limited enrolment program. Students must apply to proceed to year 2 of the Honours and Pass programs. A minimum 70 percent average in required courses will normally ensure that the student may proceed. Others will be allowed to proceed on the basis of their grade standing and available places in the streams.

All of the above streams have the option of a related Co-op stream available for interested and qualified students. Each Co-op stream combines academic and work terms over a four-year period.

Please consult the Communications Studies entry for a listing of courses and program requirements.

Film Studies

Film Studies is a sequence of critical and historical courses that examine a variety of approaches to film. The courses explore the nature of film language and develop an analytical perspective on film as both an art and a medium. Other courses explore issues and theories in popular culture. Students have opportunities to engage in film and video production in upper year courses, in class assignments and as part of the student Spring Festival.

The Film Studies program also offers a Co-op stream available for interested and qualified students. The Co-op stream combines academic and work terms over a four and one-half year period.

Please consult the Film Studies entry for a listing of courses and program requirements.

Popular Culture

The study of Popular Culture focusses on the communicative practices and experiences of everyday life considered within their cultural, economic, political and social contexts. The undergraduate program in Popular Culture is interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together theoretical and analytical perspectives drawn from both the humanities and the social sciences, and applying them to the study of diverse cultural forms including advertising, film, literature, music, radio and television, sport and the worldwide web.

The Popular Culture program also offers a Co-op stream available for interested and qualified students. The Co-op stream combines academic and work terms over a four-year period.

Please consult the Popular Culture entry for a listing of courses and program requirements.