Diploma - General Arts and Science - Media and Communication Studies
ObjectivesThe General Arts and Science - Media and Communication Studies program is designed for students who are interested in media, communications, film studies and photography. This program will help students prepare for success in a variety of programs including Advertising, Marketing, Broadcasting-Television, Broadcasting-Radio, Public Relations and Journalism. Students in General Arts and Science explore their interests, aptitudes and skills, assess career choices, experience college delivery of course material and generally prepare for further post-secondary studies. If you have a passion for writing, enjoy conceptualizing ideas, are disciplined, motivated and resourceful, and possess good time management skills, this is the stream for you. Two-Year Diploma Program The two-year General Arts and Science diploma program begins in September (after successful completion of the certificate program) and in January. On successful completion of Year Two, students receive an Ontario College Diploma. Year Two provides a well-balanced selection of courses in the social sciences and humanities. Students who graduate from the diploma program may transfer some credits towards a university degree.
Academic titleDiploma (2 years)
Course description Level 1
DAT5758 Computer Foundations I
This course provides an introduction to the use of a current word processor, presentation software, spreadsheet, Internet browser, email and operating system.
ENL1813G Communications I
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.
PSI1703 Introduction to Political Studies
The purpose of this course is to help students become informed political observers. Students will be introduced to the ideas and basic concepts of political science and explore the ideological basis for modern political systems. Various forms of government will be surveyed as students examine government as a complex process that produces law and public policy for society.
SOC1722 Sociology I
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore how membership in social groups affects individual behaviour. Using various sociological perspectives, students will analyze the interactions between social groups, institutions and organizations and describe the impact social facts have on everyday life. Topics to be surveyed include sociological research, culture, socialization, deviance, gender and social stratification.
SSC0041 Fundamentals of Creative Photography
This course provides an introduction to photography using digital technology. Students explore the functions, operations and formats available through camera technology. The business, design and artistic merits studied enable students to appreciate and execute photographic work demonstrating proper composition, colour and lighting techniques, image manipulation and photo presentation skills. Students are required to have access to a basic digital camera for this course. Specifications for the camera are as follows: minimum 4-5 megapixels, exposure modes-program, auto, manual, and shutter.
SSC0042 Media Dynamics
This course will introduce students to Media Studies - theories, technological changes and the relationships that exist between various media and their audiences. Students will individually produce reports demonstrating knowledge of media workings and skills in current events and media processes. Collectively students will work on a media field group presentation demonstrating effective presentation skills, and the fundamental workings of a specific media career, using team-building techniques.
Level 2
DAT0066 Computer Foundations II
Students build on the knowledge learned in DAT5758 and strengthen their skills and competencies in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, Internet, and email. This course also includes an introduction to the use of web building software.
ENL1823G Communications II
This course develops critical elements of workplace communication with emphasis on clear writing techniques. In addition, students give presentations supported by technology and assess their own communication skills.
ENL1982 Writing for Media and Communication
This course will develop the student's ability to identify and write creatively for mass media audiences. Format, style and content will be studied with field assignments in the areas of creative advertising, public relations, journalism, and scriptwriting.
MTM1740 Film Studies
This course explores the world of cinema art and its historical and contemporary impact on society. The focus of study will be on the analysis of film through formal and stylistic systems. Motion pictures from various countries and cultures will be viewed with special emphasis on the Canadian film industry. Projects/presentations on media - related topics such as scriptwriting, documentary and dramatic short subject films will provide students with "hands-on" experience. Hours for projects and screenings will involve additional time outside of class.
PSI1705 Public Affairs
This course serves as an introduction to the subject matter and techniques of political studies in governmental and non-governmental organizations. It offers an examination of politics at a general theoretical level and of certain selected political systems as found in Canadian politics, to provide examples of politics in action.
SOC1723 Sociology II
Building on the perspectives, concepts and vocabulary developed in Sociology I, students in this course are provided with an opportunity to further examine the discipline of sociology and the impact group membership has on individual behaviour. Topics to be surveyed include race and ethnicity, aging, work, politics, the family, demography and social change.
Level 3
ECO0001 Economics and the Global Marketplace
We have all heard the terms, global economy, world markets, trade deficits and free market democracy. We hear them used regularly in newspapers and on the news, and yet their precise meaning is often vague. In this course, we will look at precisely what is meant by terms like the global economy and how it affects our lives and the world in which we live.
ENL1981 Reading and Writing Prose
This course focuses on prose forms, with a specific emphasis on the personal essay. Student writers will read, discuss, and practise writing essays in a variety of styles. They will consider their own writing techniques and processes (including editing, revision and peer feedback), with a view to refining and enhancing their work. Literary form, technique and purpose will also be discussed and applied to specific works of fiction.
PSY1775 Psychology of Growth and Development
Change is inevitable throughout the lifespan. Humans deal with challenges arising from within as well as from the world around them. This course provides tools to enable a person to meet these challenges in a way which is life enhancing. This is a hybrid course.
SSC0051 Evolution of Western Civilization
This course will examine the beginnings, rise, influence and demise of the West's oldest civilizations. Concepts studied will include the various theories addressing why some cultures urbanized while others did not. In addition, the role of religion, science, technology and the various forms of government will be analyzed. Special attention will be placed on the ancient Greeks and Romans and their impact on shaping the world of today.
SSC0061 Methods of inquirí
This course builds on existing skills for conducting research on the Web, in common databases, and in actual and virtual libraries. Advanced skills in research are essential for job choice and for success in further studies. Students will set research objectives, design personal interviews, conduct data reviews, create and administer questionnaires, and perform basic data analysis. The successful student will experience a significant increase in their research skills and knowledge by the completion of this course and be better prepared for the challenges of further academic studies or the world of work.
Elective: MUST choose one
ENV0010 Environmental Citizenship
Based on the general principles of national citizenship, environmental citizenship goes beyond national borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities - to focus on both conservation of and planned sustainable use of our planet's resources, as well as the recognition that environmental health is a prerequisite to human health. Environmental citizenship is a personal commitment to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. This course is a journey into adopting attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility.
SSC0044 Tools of Social Science
Every day we are called upon to make decisions, weigh alternatives, and accept information from a variety of sources. These sources, which include advertisers, politicians, the media, medical and educational workers, attempt to influence our attitudes and behaviour. Through a combination of probability theory, statistics, and applied analytical skills, this interdisciplinary course discusses how we can effectively interpret and respond to this vast array of information. This is not strictly a math course, although there are some numbers involved. The emphasis is on what to do with those numbers once you arrive at them. Nothing beyond basic computational skills is required
Level 4
PSY1772 Organizational Psychology
An organization is a group of people working toward a common goal or objective. People are the common denominator in organizations regardless of size or purpose. The study of organizational psychology lets us predict, explain and manage individual and group behaviour in the workplace to achieve organizational objectives. Using an examination of personnel functions such as job analysis, employee selection, performance evaluation and training and development, students will develop an understanding of the theories and key factors influencing employees in the workplace. Students will also look at how to direct employee performance toward organizational objectives through a review of motivation, job satisfaction and stress factors. The effective facilitation of work groups to achieve common objectives will be the focus of an examination of group processes, communication, leadership, power and influence and conflict resolution.
SSC0045 Roots of World Conflict
The media is filled with stories and images of conflict between and within groups, cities, and countries. Understanding events such as war, terrorism, claims of genocide or refugee status can be difficult without knowledge of the issues underlying those events. We will examine the relative contribution of a number of factors, including religion, history, politics, geography, and economics in order to increase students' appreciation of the complex and often forgotten sources of some of these conflicts.
SSC1767 The Cultural Mosaic
Students in this course are offered an opportunity to explore the concept of culture, examine the impact of cultural diversity in society and increase their ability to effectively deal with cross-cultural situations. The history of intercultural relations in Canada will be explored while students are provided an opportunity to increase intercultural understanding and competency through reasoned reflection and personal interaction with people from other cultures.
Elective: MUST choose one
ENL0034 Literary Currents
Canadian fiction is often viewed as a literature of place: regional concerns, mores, and limitations frustrate and define us. This course examines the works of contemporary Canadian authors, through a study of novels and short fiction. Students will learn to discover patterns of image, theme and voice.
SSC0025 Fundamentals of Philosophy
The philosopher searches for wisdom and truth examining and justifying beliefs and assumptions about some of the most basic issues relating to human life. These issues include belief in God, the nature of good and evil, how we know what we know, whether or not free will exists, the unity or separation of mind and body, how a person ought to live, and the principles of logical analysis. Students will have the opportunity to begin their own search through this course.
Electives: MUST choose one
PSY0012 Abnormal Psychology
This course is intended to provide an overview of abnormality as applied to human behaviour. Students will be expected to integrate a variety of theories and perspectives, diagnostic models such as the DSM, and experiential reports/case studies in order to achieve an understanding of the disorders themselves, and the individual and social impact of these disorders.
SCI1596 Nutrition
This course will provide an introduction to the Nutritional Sciences from both a historical and modern perspective. Major themes will include the nutritional and functional properties of food, an introduction to the biochemistry of the major components of foods (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and water), the significance of nutrition in terms of individuals and societies throughout the world as well as the role of nutrition and exercise in the control of body composition.
Choose one from equivalencies:
GED0438 General Education Elective
For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses which cover the following broad topic areas: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.