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Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA)

31 undergraduate courses in the 2025–26 Undergraduate Calendar.

GBDA 101 Introduction to Digital Media Design0.50 units

This course introduces students to the theory, principles, and practice of digital media design as they apply to a wide variety of communication contexts. Using design thinking, students will develop creative projects that integrate the needs of a variety of audiences.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • DAC201 - Designing Digital Media (0.50)
    • ENGL203 - Designing Digital Media (0.50)

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 102 Introduction to Global Business0.50 units

Students will be introduced to basic business knowledge, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in a global context. This course will include discussions about globalization, international trade, national business including emerging markets, cross-cultural business environments, and international business management.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Cross-listed
GBDA 211

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 201 Digital Media Project 10.50 units

This course emphasizes the production fundamentals of video design. Students produce treatments, storyboards, and production plans for a variety of short video projects. Students learn a theoretical vocabulary to analyze, critique, evaluate, and communicate about their projects. The course serves as a hands-on digital media lab where students acquire skills in using a variety of software and digital equipment.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • DAC202 - Designing Digital Video (0.50)
    • ENGL204 - Designing Digital Video (0.50)

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 202 Digital Media Project 20.50 units

This course focuses on the design principles guiding dynamic imaging, video capture, editing time-based media, and post-production for digital delivery. The course serves as a hands-on digital media lab where students acquire skills in using a variety of software and digital equipment.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • DAC202 - Designing Digital Video (0.50)
    • ENGL204 - Designing Digital Video (0.50)

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 203 Introduction to Digital Culture0.50 units

This course provides students with a historical overview of various digital technologies and their impact on society and the human condition. Students will be introduced to research methods and theoretical concepts from media theory and cultural studies which will enable them to think, speak, and write critically about technology in an historical and global context.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 204 Working in Teams and Project Management0.50 units

This course provides students with an understanding of the human dimensions of project management by focusing on the communication skills necessary to effectively work in teams and manage projects. Drawing from best practices in management and leadership, the course will focus on conflict management, facilitation, team-building, non-routine problem solving in group settings, feedback and assertiveness training, presentation skills, and convening diverse groups.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 205 Quantitative Methods0.50 units

This course introduces students to quantitative data analysis, covering basic descriptive statistical techniques and procedures, and inferential statistics.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Complete all of the following
    • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
      • ARTS280 - Statistics for Arts Students (0.50)
      • ECON221 - Statistics for Economists (0.50)
      • ENVS278 - Applied Statistics for Environmental Research (0.50)
      • KIN232 - Research Design and Statistics (0.50)
      • LS280 - Social Statistics (0.50)
      • PSCI314 - Quantitative Analysis (0.50)
      • PSYCH292 - Basic Data Analysis (0.50)
      • REC371 - Quantitative Data Analysis and Mobilization (0.50)
      • SDS250R - Social Statistics (0.50)
      • SOC280 - Social Statistics (0.50)
      • SRF230 - Introduction to Statistics (0.50)
      • STAT202 - Introductory Statistics for Scientists (0.50)
      • STAT206 - Statistics for Software Engineering (0.50)
      • STAT211 - Introductory Statistics and Sampling for Accounting (0.50)
      • STAT221 - Statistics (Non-Specialist Level) (0.50)
      • STAT231 - Statistics (0.50)
      • STAT241 - Statistics (Advanced Level) (0.50)
    • Not completed any of the following:

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 206 Introduction to Business Financials0.50 units

In this course students will be exposed to a variety of techniques to interpret financial statements. Students will analyze balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements and will engage in the formulation of a comprehensive business plan.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Cross-listed
GBDA 311

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 207 Global Development and Business0.50 units

This course will look at the processes of economic development and the relation of these processes to the present state of global economic interconnectedness. The focus here is on how the economies in the world have changed in various industries due largely to how innovations and business have impacted society and been experienced over time. Industries do not evolve in the same way globally and therefore students will learn that solutions that may work in one part of the world, will not have the same results elsewhere. For this reason, students will learn theoretical business models to evaluate industry profitability and market viability.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Cross-listed
GBDA 305

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 210 Introduction to User Experience Design0.50 units

In this course students will learn the basic principles and practices of user experience design and testing. Students will learn how to plan, implement, and interpret tests conducted on digital design applications, focusing both on functionality and on the quality of the user's interaction with these technologies.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
    • GBDA103

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 211 Introduction to Global Business0.50 units

Students will be introduced to basic business knowledge, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in a global context. This course will include discussions about globalization, international trade, national business including emerging markets, cross-cultural business environments, and international business management.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Cross-listed
GBDA 102

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 212 Portfolio and Professional Communication0.50 units

In this course students learn to effectively present themselves and their work through the development and presentation of a professional portfolio. Using projects completed in previous courses, students will prepare a portfolio to communicate the process, outcomes, and impact of their work and will practice presenting their work to different audiences.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 228 Digital Imaging for Online Applications0.50 units

In this course students are introduced to the digital tools used for website and app development through a series of hands-on learning exercises and assignments that cultivate both creative expression and technical skill. Topics include theory and terminology, design, typography, information architecture, and prototyping.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following
Antirequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 301 Global Digital Project 10.50 units

In this course, students will create critical design projects that explore the intersection of design, technology, and culture in a global context. Students will experiment with and prototype objects/systems that engage with contemporary ideas and technologies, while reflecting on how these objects/systems shape our everyday experiences. Students will be guided through one or more design cycles that unite design thinking with critical reflection through the practical application of theory.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 302 Global Digital Project 20.50 units

In this course students will design, prototype, and evaluate interactive digital media projects, focusing on ideation and the design process. They will engage in the advanced study of digital culture, with an emphasis on different ways pleasure and play are leveraged as communication tools.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 303 Data and Society0.50 units

In this course students will examine different digital phenomena, such as big data, open data, data-driven innovation, the personal information industry, the sharing economy, and the Internet of Things. Students will also become familiar with national and international principles of privacy protection.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 304 Marketing in the Digital World0.50 units

This course focuses on best practices in marketing and communication within a variety of sectors, while examining how emerging technologies present new opportunities to engage audiences.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Complete all of the following
    • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
      • ARBUS302 - Principles of Marketing (0.50)
      • MGMT244 - Principles of Marketing (0.50)
    • Not completed nor currently enrolled in:
      • ECON344

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 305 Global Development and Business0.50 units

This course will look at the processes of economic development and the relation of these processes to the present state of global economic interconnectedness. The focus here is on how the economies in the world have changed in various industries due largely to how innovations and business have impacted society and been experienced over time. Industries do not evolve in the same way globally and therefore students will learn that solutions that may work in one part of the world, will not have the same results elsewhere. For this reason, students will learn theoretical business models to evaluate industry profitability and market viability.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Cross-listed
GBDA 207

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 306 Ethics and Values in Design0.50 units

This course will explore the ethical responsibilities that emerge from the nexus of design, business, and globalization. Students will critically reflect upon the ethical considerations behind contemporary business and design practices.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 307 Organizational Behaviour0.50 units

This course explores group dynamics and interpersonal interactions, both within and between multinational organizations. It focuses on the influence of attitudes, perceptions, roles, norms, communication, and levels of collaboration on motivation and decision-making in the evolving global marketplace. Central themes may include power dynamics, motivation and leadership theories. Students will learn about various organizational cultures and their roles in driving organizational success.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Complete all of the following
    • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
      • AFM480 - Introduction to Organizational Behaviour (0.50)
      • MSE211 - Organizational Behaviour (0.50)
      • PSYCH238 - Organizational Psychology (0.50)
      • SCBUS225 - Organizational Behaviour in Scientific and Technical Workplaces (0.50)
    • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 308 Entrepreneurship0.50 units

Entrepreneurs are individuals with an innovative idea that creates value-added solutions in the global marketplace. Developing and pitching their idea effectively into a venture is what entrepreneurs attempt to do. The activity is pivotal to understanding business. This course provides students with theoretical models and practical tools to understand and communicate that process, including topics on transforming resources to translate a concept into a start-up, professionally promote the venture, and understand the sources of capital needed to succeed in the market.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • ARBUS200 - Entrepreneurship Principles and Practices (0.50)
    • ENBUS203 - Green Entrepreneurship (0.50)
    • MGMT220 - Entrepreneurship and the Creative Workplace (0.50)

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 310 Advanced User Experience Design and Research0.50 units

The objectives of this course are to learn data collection, design, and analysis methodologies that are particularly useful for scientific user experience (UX) research. The course will review basic UX and usability methods, and cover topics ranging from contextual inquiry, cognitive task analysis, qualitative methods, and an introduction to quantitative statistical methods.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 311 Introduction to Business Financials0.50 units

In this course students will be exposed to a variety of techniques to interpret financial statements. Students will analyze balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements and will engage in the formulation of a comprehensive business plan.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Cross-listed
GBDA 206

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 312 Internship

Students must complete a paid internship, normally in the spring term after their 3B term. The content of the internship will be tied to the student's program of study and will be 16 weeks of full-time employment or equivalent. All self-arranged or shorter internships must be approved by your co-op advisor.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 402 Capstone Course: Cross-Cultural Digital Business1.50 units

In this capstone course students will research, design, and adapt digital products and services to suit specific cultures or communities. They will work with external stakeholders, such as global industry consultants, community clients, and mentors, in order to iteratively develop and create functional design solutions that are economically and socially feasible.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 405 Strategic Management0.50 units

Strategic management aims to achieve superior performance for a firm within an industry. This course provides a practical approach to strategic decision making to provide the basis for improving the competitive position of a company and outlining an effective method of strategic implementation. The course integrates concepts from core business areas and global industry assessment. Students will learn how to strategically navigate opportunities and threats that a multinational organization will confront in a global marketplace.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • AFM433 - Business Strategy (0.50)
    • ARBUS300 - Practical Business Skills (0.50)
    • ARBUS301 - International Business (0.50)
    • ARBUS400 - Strategy and Program Integration (0.50)

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 410 Seminar in User Experience Research0.50 units

This seminar is an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of a focus area in this field. The seminar-style course is designed to cover an emerging user experience (UX) research area through self-driven student work. Students will build a more comprehensive understanding of a UX research area and explore evidence-based UX research methods and techniques. Focus areas will vary in topic.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 412 Special Topics in Digital Cultures0.50 units

A study of selected topics in digital cultures. Topics will be chosen by the professor according to their area of specialization.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 413 Special Topics in Design and Society0.50 units

A study of selected topics in design and society. Topics will be chosen by the professor according to their area of specialization.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 414 Special Topics in Interaction Design0.50 units

A study of selected topics in interaction design. Topics will be chosen by the professor according to their area of specialization.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines

GBDA 465 Study Abroad2.50 units

Study abroad for academic transfer credit during a fall term. Discussion and approval of options with the advisor is required. Credit for specific courses will be evaluated following receipt of a transcript of academic results and supporting course outline documentation.

Prerequisites

Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines