Communication Studies
Seek to understand how we people gather, share, understand and use information in our ever-evolving society
While studying Communications Studies, students use a variety of approaches to understand how knowledge and culture are produced and reflected in speech, writing, television, film, radio, digital media and interactive entertainment, the internet, and wireless networks.
The Communication Studies program is particularly strong in media and culture studies where we take a critical approach to the topic, as well as the study of information and communication technology (ICTs) and their related issues.
Academic Advisor
Dr. Janis Goldie
Telephone: 705.673.4126 x 213
Email: jgoldie@huntingtonu.ca
Office: Secretary: Dawn Noel de Tilly, 705.673.4126 x 201
Communication Studies is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts. Students have the option to pursue a specialization, a major, or a minor in Communication Studies. Within these options, students enjoy a great deal of flexibility in their course selections and are able to pursue study paths that are appealing to their unique interests. Communication Studies students also have a number of options in their learning path. They may choose to pursue a course-based curriculum, include a research focus or follow a path of specialization in Public Relations.
A unique feature of our program in Communication Studies is the many academic and career options it offers students. Combining theoretical knowledge of communication theories with practical skills, this program is designed to allow students to customize their educational paths based on personal interests and career goals. Graduates of various college programs in journalism, public relations, advertising and graphic design may also take advantage of our program in Communication Studies. Students who enroll through this pathway will complete a set of core communications courses, offering academic breadth and depth that complement the professional formation received at college.
The department of Communication Studies prides itself on its personable and collaborative approach to both teaching and learning. Our faculty truly enjoys teaching, and being in the classroom is a passion. Much of the learning in our courses comes from participation in class discussion, exercises and activities, and the use of various media culture for illustrative purposes. The overall learning environment is contingent on students’ active engagement.
Graduates of the program are flexible and articulate communicators, communication analysts and communication researchers in a wide variety of academic, public and professional contexts. Graduates have acquired a deep understanding of the complex world of communication, its dynamics and its impact on contemporary societies and cultures. They have gained the tools to explore, evaluate, and critically analyze various aspects and intersections of communication systems, skills in communication analysis and the ability to communicate ideas effectively and clearly.
Ontario High School Applicants
1 grade 12 English U/M course
5 other grade 12 U/M courses
A minimum overall average of 70% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses
Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.
Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.
Applicants from outside an Ontario High School
Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario
For Current Students
The degree options listed below are for the upcoming academic year, not the current academic year. If you are a current student looking for which courses to take in order to complete your degree options from a previous academic year's curriculum, please consult with an academic advisor.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Communication Studies
Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the BA or B.Sc.
Specialization in Communication Studies
All students entering a BA program as of September 2017 are required to take 6 credits each of linguistic awareness, scientific literacy and indigenous content as per the regulations.
Although the requirements have been slotted in first year in the description below, students may fulfill them at any time during their studies.
Eligible courses are available at the 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 levels and students should take them at the appropriate time in their studies.
Courses fulfilling these requirements may be taken as electives or as part of a minor, concentration, major or specialization.
First Year
COST 1116E Introduction to Mass Media
COST 1117E Introduction to Communication Theory and Semiotics
6 elective credits of linguistic awareness (see regulations)
6 elective credits in the Sciences
6 elective credits in Indigenous content (starting 2017)
6 elective credits
Second Year
COST 2446E The Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication I
COST 2447E The Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication II
COST 2506E Digital Media and Culture
12 credits from the COST pool of courses
9 elective credits
Third Year*
COST 3006E Technology and the Individual Experience
COST 3007E Technology and the Social Experience
COST 3127E Communication Research
12 credits from the COST pool of courses
9 elective credits
* Students admitted for the 2012-13 academic year and beyond may choose to spend their third year of study at Cambrian College in the Public Relations program. Please see program checklist for students studying PR in their third year.
Fourth Year
12 credits in Communication Studies 4000 level courses
18 elective credits
Note: Students may not exceed 42 credits at the 1000 or 9100 level in their degree program.
Major in Communication Studies
COST 1116E Introduction to Mass Media
COST 1117E Introduction to Communication Theory and Semiotics
COST 2446E The Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication I
COST 2447E The Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication II
COST 2506E Digital Media and Culture
COST 2507E Representations of Technology
COST 2526E News Culture
COST 2606E The Decorated Body as Communication
COST 3006E Technology and the Individual Experience
COST 3007E Technology and the Social Experience
COST 3127E Communication Research
COST 4506E New Media Policy
COST 4507E Mass Media and Democracy
3 credits from the COST pool of courses
78 elective credits*
Notes:
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Students must include 6 credits in linguistic awareness, 6 credits of Indigenous content, and 6 credits in the Sciences if not part of the other minor or second major. Eligible courses are available at the 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 levels and students should take them at the appropriate time in their studies.
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Students must complete a minimum of a minor (24 credits) or a second major (42 credits) from among their elective credits.
- Students may not exceed 42 credits at the 1000 or 9100 level in their degree program.
Minor in Communication Studies
COST 1116E Introduction to Mass Media
COST 1117E Introduction to Communication Theory and Semiotics
18 additional credits of COST courses, of which at least 6 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level
COST Pool of Courses
COST Pool of Electives January 2016
Sport Communication Minor for COST Students
"Under review" June 2018
SPAD 1016E Introduction to Sports Administration 1
SPAD 1017E Introduction to Sports Administration 2
COST 2526E News Culture
ENGL 1561E Business Communication
SPAD 2036E Sport Marketing
SPAD 3046E Sport, Media and Communication
COST 3606E Sports, Communication and Culture
SPAD 4106E Social Media in Sport
NOTE: for COST students, they will be able to count only one required course towards the minor and would have to replace any other required course with a COST elective.
Sport Communication Minor (Non-SPAD and Non-COST students)
"Under review" June 2018
Application for entry is required
All Communication Studies and Sports Administration Students in good academic standing are automatically admitted upon Application
Only a limited number of Students from outside COST and SPAD with the highest GPA (minimum of 5.5) and in good academic standing in their home program are to be admitted annually
- All applications must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by February 1st in order to be admitted for a September start
COST 1116E Introduction to Mass Media
COST 1117E Introduction to Communication Theory and Semiotics
COST 2526E News Culture
ENGL 1561E Business Communication
SPAD 2036E Sport Marketing+
SPAD 3046E Sport, Media and Communication
COST-3606E Sports, Communication and Culture
SPAD 4106E Social Media in Sport
Year:
Faculty members for this program may be found on the Huntington University website.