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Information and Communication Studies
ICS1001
History of Communication 3 ch (3C)
A survey of the great revolutions in human communication of speech, literacy, printing
and electronic communication. Examines how new media of communication come into
being, their impact on earlier forms of communication, their impact on society, and the
influence society and culture have on communication technologies.
ICS1002
Foundations of Information and Communication Studies
3 ch
(3C)
This course is a basic introduction to the social, cultural, political, economic and
technological aspects of the information and communication revolution.
ICS2001
Transformations in Media 3 ch (3C)
This course will explore the nature and evolution of media since the development of the
Internet. The course will provide students with a framework for thinking about media
institutions and technologies.
ICS2101
Popular Music, Culture and Communication (O) 3 ch (3C)
A general introduction to the study of Western popular music as both a cultural industry
and as a form of communication which presents students with an overview of post-war
popular music genres from rock n’ roll to contemporary dance music.
ICS2102
Media Living: Audio-visual and New Media in Everyday Life 3 ch
(3C)
Explores the political, economic, ideological and organizational settings within which
contemporary media operate and examines their importance in many aspects of
contemporary life. Topics include: the rise of broadcast television; the role of television
in everyday life; the rise of new media (such as the world wide web) and their growing
significance in everyday life.
ICS2103
Understanding Comics and Manga 3 ch (3C)
This course will focus on the study of comics and manga (Japanese comic books and
graphic novels). Students will analyze the history of comics and the industry in both
North America and Japan. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues pertaining to:
gender,culture, readership, characterizations, artwork, fan communities, and creative
workers.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites.
ICS3001
Theories of Information and Communication
3 ch (3C)
This focuses on theoretical issues regarding the political and social implications of the
information and communication revolution. Specific themes to be covered include
society and technological change, communication technologies, globalization and the
digital revolution.
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Prerequisites: Successful completion of fifteen term-courses, including ICS 2001 , or
permission of the instructor.
ICS3003
Electronic Research 3 ch (3C)
This course provides students with an advanced introduction to conducting web-based
research and the use of electronic research tools.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of fifteen term-courses, including ICS 2001 , or
permission of the instructor.
ICS3004
Media Production: Audio 3 ch (3C)
Introduction to production techniques related to to radio and web podcasting. Students
will explore aspects of production through individual and group projects as well as in
class presentations. Includes a strong writing component.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of fifteen term-courses, including ICS2001, or
permission of the instructor.
ICS3005
Intellectual Property and the Information Commons
3 ch (3C)
This course will explore the emerging importance of copyright as a pertinent regulatory
issue facing both the communication industries and western society. We will examine the
development of copyright and its transformation as a result of technological , economic
and cultural changes in the global cultural industries.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of fourteen term-courses in any discipline, plus ICS
2001 , or permission of the instructor.
ICS3006
Media Production: Video 3 ch (3C)
Introduction to video production techniques. Students will explore aspects of production
through individual and group projects as well as in class presentations. Includes a strong
writing component.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of fifteen term-courses, including ICS 2001, or
permission of the instructor.
ICS3007
Digital Democracy 3 ch (3C)
This course examines technologically mediated political practices in liberal democracies.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of fifteen term-courses, including ICS 2001 , or
permission of the instructor.
ICS3101
Special Topics in ICS (O) 3 ch (3C)
Exploration of specialized topics in media studies, technology and society, or
communication policy issues.
Prerequisite: ICS 3001 and 3003 , or permission of the instructor.
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ICS3102
Gender, Media and Communication
3 ch (3C)
This course will focus on the saliance of gender in understanding media and
communication. Course topics may include a focus on gender and the following:
production, media texts, (TV shows, movies, anime,blogs,forums,comic books, video
games, etc.) reception of media, content, communication technologies, and
communication practices.
Prerequisite: ICS 3001 and 3003 , or permission of the instructor.
ICS4001
Research Seminar in ICS
3 ch (3S)
This seminar provides majors with the opportunity to do basic research in an area of
special interest.
Prerequisites: ICS 2001 , ICS 3001 , ICS 3003 .
ICS4101
Advanced Topics in ICS (O) 3 ch (3S)
An advanced seminar in media studies, technology and society, or communication policy
issues.
Prerequisite: ICS 3001 and 3003 , or permission of the instructor.
ICS4103
Independent Study in ICS 3 ch (3S)
This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed study of
contemporary issues and debates in the fields of communication and media.
Prerequisite: ICS 3001 and ICS 3003 , and permission of the instructor.