Communication Studies
The four-year undergraduate program in Communication Studies provides students with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the processes of communication – everything from communications theory, mass media, rhetorical studies and semiotics to name a few. The vast breadth of disciplines, scholars and theories explored give students an opportunity to draw on a variety of approaches for analyzing, critiquing and contributing to the field of Communications Studies in both academic and practical contexts.
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 media skills, this program is designed to allow students to customize their educational paths based on personal interests and career goals. Specifically, prior to entering the program’s third year, students may choose to pursue a fourth year, earning an Honours Degree in Communication Studies or, students may choose to pursue careers in fields such as journalism, public relations, advertising or broadcast new media through our many partnership agreements. To learn more about your options as a student in Communication Studies, please click here.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary Schools
• 1grade 12 4U English
• 5 other grade 12 4U/M courses
Students may be admitted with advanced standing from college programs in journalism, public relations, advertising or graphic design. In such cases, they must consult with the Chair of the department of Communication Studies to determine required credits and courses.
About the Program Options
Communication Studies is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts. The degree is a cooperative program of courses offered at Huntington University and Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario. Students starting their degree at Huntington University have the option to choose a fourth-year focus in journalism, public relations or advertising at Cambrian College. If you want specific practical training in the communications industry, consider taking the professional
option.
There is also the option of enriching your degree by taking advantage of the newly created fourth year Honours degree. An Honours degree in Communications Studies is excellent preparation for graduate school, but students may also be interested in pursuing this option for the opportunity to develop thesis work in close consultation with a supervisor in the department.
Graduates of Cambrian College’s programs in journalism, public relations, advertising and graphic design may also take advantage of our program in Communication Studies. Students who enroll through this option will complete a set of core communications courses, offering academic breadth and depth that complement the professional formation received at Cambrian College.
Academic Checklists
To learn more about core credits and elective courses, please consult the most appropriate academic checklist based on the year you were admitted into the program or the professional formation you received at Cambrian College. By viewing your academic checklist you will gain a better understanding of the overall program, required and optional courses as well as the number of credits needed for graduation.
For students starting their degree at Huntington University or at Georgian College:
Students Admitted Prior to 2009
Students Admitted in or after 2009 – NEW!
For Students Completing a Combined Specialization Option
Students Wishing to Pursue a Combined Specialization
For graduates of Cambrian College:
Students from Cambrian College’s Advertising or Journalism Program
Students from Cambrian College’s Public Relations Program
Students from Cambrian College’s Graphic Design Program
Core Courses – Descriptions
COST 1116: Introduction to Mass Media
This course serves as an introduction to the various sectors within the Canadian mass media, including film, television, radio, telecommunications, the Internet, print media, advertising and music. Issues explored will include those of ownership, regulation and policy, and the relationship that exists between Canadian mass media and their powerful American counterparts. No pre-requisites, Cr 3.
COST 1117: Introduction to Communication Theory and Semiotics
This course serves as an introduction to communication theory. Subjects introduced will include the transition from oral to electronic communication, mythology, ideology, semiotics, hegemony and resistance. Students will learn to be active readers of text and be introduced to many of the principal theories and thinkers within the field. No pre-requisites, Cr 3.
COST 2445/RLST 2445: Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication
This course considers the nature and meaning of interpersonal communication as dialogue. An examination is made of communication skills, specifically, self-awareness, self-disclosure, listening and responding. These skills are examined in a variety of interpersonal contexts such as day-to-day exchanges, friendships, intimate relationships, work, and transitions. The virtue of civility as a consciously motivated and ethical organizational behaviour will be examined as a basis for enhancing all forms of interpersonal communication, Cr 6.
COST 2506: Information Technology I: Theory
This course provides background in Information Technology development, theory and terminology. There will be a special focus on the relation of the technology to the information, teaching and learning process. This is largely a concepts course, introducing applications software, storage, information systems, and social and cultural issues. No pre-requisites, Cr 3.
COST 2507: Information Technology II: Practice
This course is dependent upon Information Technology I and offers students opportunities for research and projects on topics such as applications software processors, storage, software development, and related social and cultural issues. Pre-requisite: COST 2506, Cr 3.
COST 2526: Broadcast Journalism and Production
This course explores the structures and history of broadcasting, trends in technological development and current practice in reporting and writing for television. Using the assistance of professional journalists and broadcasters, this course will help students to identify their interests and strengths in broadcasting and hone their skills in both its technical and journalistic aspects. The chief goal is to familiarize all participants with the dynamics of visual and audio communication: how it works and how they can work within it, Cr 3.
COST 2606: The Decorated Body as Communication
This course explores the ways in which human beings around the word, past and present, decorate their bodies. There is no known culture in which people do not paint, pierce, tatoo, reshape, or simply adorn their bodies. Whether with permanent marks like tatoos or scars, or temporary decorations like makeup, clothing, and hairstyles, body art is a way of signalling an individual’s place in society, marking a special moment, celebrating a transition in life or simply following a fashion. It can also be considered as a language or form of communication. What messages do these practices carry? How have they been used to identify us as indivuals or as members of a group? How have ideas about people consider beautiful changed over time? Cr 3.
COST 3006: Technology and the Individual Experience
This course offers an introduction to and a critique of issues from and within the relationship between individuals and modern technology. This examination will be made from the perspective of Western culture, assessing an individual’s identity in relation to mass communication, bio-technologies, human rights, and the future. No pre-requisites, Cr 3.
COST 3007: Technology and the Social Experience
This course offers and introduction to and a critique of the social milieu of modern Western culture from both an historical and contemporary perspective. Issues such as the growth of cities and work places, the significance of money and markets, violence, and the exploration of inner and outer space will be examined. No pre-requisites, Cr 3.
NEW! COST 4506: New Media Policy
This course will provide students with a critical look at the evolving debates and issues surrounding media and communication policy, in the Canadian, North American and international arenas. The specific focus of the course will be on new media policy, and as such, will cover issues of copyright and intellectual property, privacy, digital divide, and internet governance. These issues will be discussed in the context of media policy from a historical and cultural perspective, Cr 3.
NEW! COST 4507: Mass Media and Democracy
This course will examine mass media and democracy through a political communication lens. Beyond the basic issues and theories in political communication that will be covered in this course, topics such as the decline of social capital, the rise of the permanent campaign, values and trends within journalism and popular culture, the political strategies
employed by political leaders and the effects of media coverage on political and electoral processes will be discussed in this class, Cr 3.
NEW! COST 4595: Thesis in Communication Studies
This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in focused research in an area of communications studies for which appropriate faculty supervision is available. This course is intended to activate students’ critical thinking skills and the ability to design and complete a research project culminating in a thesis outlining their findings. Students will learn how to develop a research question, to look for critical and relevant academic sources, to design a research project, collect and analyze data, and to present the results in a professional written manner, Cr 6.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Program
These commonly asked questions provide a brief overview for students who have an interest in the Communication Studies program at Huntington University.
What is the study of Communications?
Communication Studies is a dynamic multidisciplinary program exploring a wide range of interests in contemporary global and popular culture, including speech, journalism, radio and television, advertising and public relations, digital culture, film and cinema, visual communications and more.
What can a degree in Communication Studies offer me?
As an undergraduate degree, Communication Studies is one of the most practical for preparation for a number of career paths. Graduates of Communication Studies will have earned the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue graduate studies or to work as communications professionals. Upon completion of our program, students can find employment opportunities as media editors, speech writers, journalists, public relations practitioners, communications officers, marketing coordinators, media consultants, public speaking professionals, staff writers, political campaign coordinators and much more.
What is the length of this program?
The Communication Studies program at Huntington University is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Where are classes held?
All of the core courses in Communication Studies are conveniently offered at Huntington University, a federated university that is affiliated with Laurentian University. Students who live outside of the Greater Sudbury area could benefit from living in our residence, which is located in the same building. For more information about our residence, please click here.
What are the class sizes?
Most core courses have enrollments of approximately 25 to 50 students. Certain elective courses, at Huntington University and throughout the Laurentian University campus can carry enrollments of up to 150 students. Several of these courses offer limited enrollment based on a high volume of student interest.
What is the program and class environment like?
The department of Communication Studies prides itself on its personable and collaborative approach to both teaching and learning. Much of the learning in our courses comes from participation in class discussion and exercises. The overall program learning environment is contingent on students’ active engagement and, more basically, class attendance.
Is financial assistance available for undergraduate students?
At Huntington University students can benefit from a number of bursaries that are offered on the basis of need and merit. Application forms become available in late fall. For more information on financial assistance, please visit the Student Awards webpage.
I’m coming from the 3-year Public Relations Program at Cambrian College. Do my credits transfer?
Yes, upon obtaining your college diploma, you will need to take 42 credits from a list of required courses, which is the equivalent of one full-time year of study.
I’m coming from the 2-year Journalism or Advertising program at Cambrian College. Do my credits transfer?
Yes, upon obtaining your college diploma, you will need to take 60 credits from a list of required courses, which is the equivalent of two full-time years of study.
I’m coming from the 2-year Graphic Design program at Cambrian College. Do my credits transfer?
Yes, upon obtaining your college diploma, you will need to take 42 credits from a list of required courses.
How can I strengthen career opportunities in the field of Communications?
One of the best ways to strengthen your CV is to continually build and develop a media or a writing portfolio, containing your best academic and professional work. Volunteer work, internships and participation at co-curricular events are other ways to maximize your employment prospects.
Who should I contact for more details about the program, the courses and the many opportunities available?
The best person to get in touch with is Dr. Janis Goldie, the Chair of the department of Communication Studies. Dr. Goldie can be contacted by phone at: (705) 673-4126, ext. 213, by email at: jgoldie@huntingtonu.ca or in person at:
Huntington University
Room 124, 935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury ON P3E 2C6.
The Huntington University Communication Society (HUCS)
HUCS Mission Statement
The Huntington University Communication Society (HUCS) joins students, alumni, faculty and community partners through social events and student opportunities. Through the ongoing support of Huntington University’s department of Communication Studies, HUCS is building a community of collaboration through engaging dialogue, public events, student showcase, community outreach, industry partnership and more.
Supporting students who are studying in the department of Communications is central to our mission. The Huntington University Communication Society works to engage student participation and strengthen partnerships with local industry and community members while providing Communication Studies students with professional and practical opportunities.
HUCS’s proposed annual activities are described as follows:
• Engage students by providing social opportunities in the area of communication studies in order to expand the current curricula and student learning and networking in the area;
• Connect students, faculty and alumni with industry and community in order to engage in making student projects, public projects;
• Work with community partners and affiliated groups in order to advance professional and practical student and graduate opportunities locally and beyond;
• Host workshops, seminars and/or public events for Communication Studies students, alumni and faculty designed to empower students to gain experience and networking opportunities with industry partners and community stakeholders;
• Support the students in the Department of Communication Studies and the wider university community with fundraising and other support services.
HUCS News and Events
January 29, 2011
The Design ‘HUCS’ Project gives students in Communication Studies an outlet to participate in a one-of-a-kind project where design and marketing skills are put to the test. HUCS is seeking to reward talented students wishing to apply their creativity and expertise to design a brand logo for the re-launch of the Huntington University Communication Society (HUCS).
The winning logo will be used in print, online, and on promotional items. The final version of the logo and the slogan need to be suitable for high quality printing and web promotion.
For more information on design requirements and competition guidelines, please download the ENTRY FORM and EVENT POSTER.
The entry deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2011. All submissions must be sent to: hucs@huntingtonu.ca
