An introduction to the fundamental concepts, concerns, genres and technologies of digital media. Students produce introductory digital projects (Web, photography, video and audio) exploring contemporary concerns and genres in the new media field. Students from other fields are invited to explore interdisciplinary applications of Digital Media to their chosen discipline. Prerequisites: None
An introduction to the fundamental concepts, technologies and practices involved in contemporary Internet markup languages. Students will be exposed to the complete range of concepts and issues involved in this field with a focus on current professional authoring practices. Students will complete their own projects using industry standard authoring languages. Prerequisites: C+ or higher in DIGI 110 or permission of Department.
An investigation of the concepts and practices involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of interactive information architectures for use in digital media. Focuses on interface and information design issues relevant to existing and emerging interactive digital mediums. Principles of interpersonal communications, media theory, human factors and usability are introduced. Prerequisites: C+ or higher in DIGI 110 or permission of Department.
Using the Internet as a focus, students investigate the concepts and practices of interactive motion media by mastering industry standard software through a series of labs, assignments and a major project. Storytelling, character development, animation, game development and rich media interfaces are introduced. Prerequisites: C+ or higher in DIGI 110 or permission of Department.
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. Students from all disciplines are welcome. (2:1:1)
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. Students from all disciplines welcome! Prerequisites: C or higher in DIGI 110 or permission of Chair.
This course is a continuation of DIGI 280 focusing on the application of the concepts and skills mastered in that class. Students will work on individual productions relevant to their fields of study and will have the opportunity to experience the complete production cycle from project conception through to distribution. Prerequisites: C or higher in DIGI 280.
This course will examine the myths and metaphors informing the discourse on digital technologies, and introduce important concepts in understanding digital media and technologies, their audiences, and their impact on society. Students will develop digital media projects reflecting themes developed in the course.
A continuation of DIGI 220, this course is an examination of the theory and techniques involved in semantic Web presentation and accessibility technologies (i.e. CSS and WCAG). Students will research and develop best practices for substantial Web projects that they may be completing for another course.
A continuation of DIGI 230, this course is an in-depth examination of the theory and techniques used to design rich user experiences. Students will design and create the user interface for a substantial digital project. (2:1:0) Prerequisites: "C" or higher in DIGI 220 and DIGI 230 (or permission of Department) and third-year standing.
An exploration of the theories, practices and technologies used to create and participate in contemporary digital social narratives—for example listserves, blogs, games, discussion groups, wikis and other developing electronic narrative environments. Students will actively research and create virtual narrative spaces based on subjects of their own interest. (2:1:0) Prerequisites: "C" or higher in DIGI 220 and DIGI 301 (or permission of Department) and third-year standing.
Balances theory and practice in an exploration of the advanced aspects of images in contemporary interactive digital contexts. Students will explore the processes of acquisition, manipulation and output using industry standard imaging software. Digital imagery created may be used to support projects completed in other courses. (2:1:1) Prerequisites: "C" or higher in DIGI 110 (or permission of Department) and third-year standing.
An examination of emerging digital media technologies and trends. Students will research and utilize emerging technologies of interest to them and will collaborate in teams to design, create and prototype projects utilizing these technologies. (2:1:0) Prerequisites: "C" or higher in DIGI 320 or DIGI 460 (or permission of Department) and third-year standing.
An examination of the theories, practices and technologies used by individuals and groups to create, manipulate and interact with contemporary digital identities — or example blogs, game personas, organizational websites, online interpersonal forums and other developing electronic environments. Students will actively research and create virtual identities based on subjects of their own interest. (2:1:0) Prerequisites: "C" or higher in DIGI 340 (or permission of Department) and third-year standing.
A continuation of DIGI 260, this course focuses on the scripting capabilities of contemporary interactive motion media (i.e. Macromedia Flash). Students will develop and demonstrate professional scripting practices through projects of their own choosing. (2:1:0) Prerequisites: "C" or higher in DIGI 260 (or permission of Department) and third-year standing.
This course requires students to demonstrate mastery of one or more digital media technologies though the completion of a senior level project. Topics will include technical planning, testing and evaluation, and project maintenance. Students will choose their own projects, which may include elements completed for credit in another class. (1:2:0) Prerequisites: Min. "C" in DIGI 320 (or permission of Department Chair) and third-year standing; MEDI 301 when taken for the BA Major in Media Studies.
An introduction to critical theories addressing the role of technology within contemporary society. Some of the contexts within which this examination will occur will include: mass media, communication and culture; the self; civic, economic and legal communities; education, research and corporate agendas; the enlightenment project; and the ethical boundaries of science. Topics in this course will focus on, but not be limited to, information and digital technologies.
An applied introduction to the core concepts used by professionals in the Internet Authoring field. Students will explore cases studies and complete their own projects using the core HTML authoring language.
A continuation of iPRO 120, this course is an examination of the theory and techniques involved in semantic Web presentation technologies (i.e. CSS). Students will research and develop best practices while completing Web projects.
This course is an opportunity for students to apply their previous web development experience while using professional development tools. The skills gained in this course give the students a broader perspective of creating and maintaining professional web sites.
A broad overview of the essential concepts and skills used in the design of information projects, with a focus on interactive and dynamic structures. This applied course will allow students to work with the essential theories of design, interactivity and information to create projects that will develop their appreciation and understanding of the fundamental role this discipline has in contemporary society.
An applied course that explores digital design for the Web. Students will explore a range of aspects of design theory. Through practical application students will learn how various pieces of equipment and software will help them to produce professional quality results in this emerging field of multimedia.
An applied course that gives students a foundational knowledge and experience in the area of Internet multimedia production. Using case studies, and their own projects, students will explore and create graphics and animation for the Web using Adobe Flash CS3 Professional.
Students will gain an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in all previous courses using a self-directed project. Students will choose either to complete a real-world project or a personal digital portfolio. This project will require students to demonstrate a mastery of previous curricular themes.
An investigation of the core concepts involved in the design, construction and implementation of information structures for use in any of the emerging interactive computer-based mediums. Focuses on the interface and information design issues relevant to the underlying interactive computer-based mediums.
An applied course that builds on the Internet Authoring course by extending students knowledge and experience into the area of Internet scripting languages. Using case studies and their own projects students explore design an implementation strategies in this complex area of the Internet.
An applied Internet Scripting course to explore and study advanced Internet scripting strategies, tools, and techniques. Using case studies, professional experts and their own projects, students explore advanced design and implementation strategies in this complex area of the Internet.
An introduction to the current hardware and software standards. protocols and industry initiatives which together comprise the Internet. An exploration of all major standards, protocols, and products currently in use in the design, construction and implementation of professional Internet resources.
Builds on previous Internet scripting courses by focusing on writing server-side applications. Topics include design, creation and implementation of server deployed, database driven applications.
A solid foundation in the theories and applications of modern, Internet-based multimedia technologies. Focal areas include the formats, production, and distribution of digital audio and digital video. Investigates current multimedia standards and tools, providing an opportunity to gain professional-level proficiency with several of these tools/standards. Students complete a major Internet-based multimedia project.
An opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned in all previous courses by means of a self-directed project. Requires a demonstration of mastery of previous curricular themes.
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, especially Canadian culture, and the latest developments in information technologies (Internet, newsgroups, on-line publishing, e-mail). Lecture/discussion and computer lab. Prerequisites: none
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 (radio, print, TV, film, internet, music) or special topic (cyberculture, sports, local culture). Assignments may include media other than print. Prerequisites: none
An online exploration of emerging digital technologies and their impact on culture, education, commerce, politics and society. Development of hands-on skills in online course delivery, discussion forums, and webpage authoring. Familiarity with computing applications is an asset. Prerequisites: none
This course examines how selected media--mainly newspapers, magazines, television, and film--identify and address their audiences to represent significant social constructions: gender, ethnicity, and class. Participants will be challenged to distinguish between the representations of social issues in the media and their social realities. Prerequisites: none
An examination of the rhetorical strategies and ideologies in promotional communications: advertising, public relations, political and public service announcements, billboards, news reporting, infomercials, popular performance art, and propaganda, as well as an exploration of commonly-held assumptions in communities of discourse. Assignments include case studies on propaganda campaigns.
Lecture/discussion.
Prerequisites: none
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)
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)
This upper-level course explores media, its control and ownership, from a global perspective. Topics include: globalization; the public sphere; internet culture; patterns of ownership, control, and monopolization; alternative media; cultural imperialism; racism, assimilation, and creolization.
Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
This course examines the factors that shape the making of news within the context of journalistic practices, media ownership, and regulatory constraints. Examples will be drawn from Canadian and international sources. Students will also consider questions of journalistic style and ethics. Assignments will include case studies, feature writing, and audience research. Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
This upper-level course focuses on film as medium. Through an examination of films about film-making, students will explore the narrative, documentary, and propagandistic powers of film.
Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
An examination of the remarkable contribution of Canadian communications theorists who have established a rich tradition of inquiry into the political, social, economic, and artistic significance of communication technology, especially as related to Canadian society. Theorists include Harold Adams Innis, Marshall McLuhan, George Grant, Edmund Carpenter, Wilson Duff, Joyce Nelson, Arthur and Marilouise Kroker among others.
Lecture/discussion.
Prerequisites: 3rd year standing or permission of the instructor.
Beginning with a survey of the powerful role public relations and promotion play in contemporary society, this upper-level course explores how different media may be used for advocacy and social activism. As a major assignment, students will analyze accessible media, and design a campaign to promote an issue of concern to them.
Prerequisites: MEDI 301 and 3rd year standing; or permission of the instructor.
Explores the complex relationship between technology and changing notions of identity. Taking as a starting point McLuhan's contention that media act as extensions of the human sensorium, including consciousness, students will consider how media and other technologies influence how we define ourselves, our social relations, and our cultural institutions. Prerequisites: MEDI 301 and 3rd year; or permission of the instructor.
In a course that balances theory and practice, participants will explore how new media / multimedia communicate in unique ways. Topics include: an overview of new media and an introduction to relevant media theory; hypertext markup language for the creation of webpages and websites; the creation and critique of the digital image; designing for digital sound; streaming video; multimedia presentation skills. The design and realization of a multimedia website, cd-rom, or installation will form a core component of the course. Prerequisites: MEDI 301 and 3rd year
In consultation with the Chair, students will articulate a media-related project that demonstrates a strong correlation between theory and practice. Students will be asked to submit a proposal in writing, outlining their project and reviewing the theory informing it, for a project which makes use of at least one non-print medium.
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: Third-year standing and MEDI 301.
