Communication Studies (COMMST)

Notes

Communication Studies Programme

Students will enroll at the University of Waterloo in the Faculty of their choice. Those enrolled in general degree programmes at the University may elect communication studies as a major area of study. Students enrolled in honours programmes may elect communication studies as a minor area of study. In each case, a total of five communication course credits must be taken to qualify for the appropriate degree recognition. The Communication Studies Programme consists of a set of introductory core courses and three theme areas. The core segment provides a distinct focus while at the same time contributes to an interdependent set of studies. The courses included in the core segment are.

Arts 100 Communications General Engineering 062A-B Introduction to Human Communication Systems Sociology 270* Communications Philosophy 341* Decision and Value Theory

An examination of the origins, evolution, and future dimensions of communications media designed to facilitate an understanding of the adequacies and inadequacies of media, to relate them to the purposes of human awareness, and to explore needs and means of maintaining accountable controls over the media. The course seeks to assist students in discovering the range of informational, research and exploratory resources open to them; in gaining some preliminary experience in utilizing such sources; and in applying a critical judgment of material secured. (Arts 100 is a multi-media course offered in part on Channel 19 TV.)

Describing and analyzing the range of human communication behaviours. The course will focus upon a variety of communication systems including man-man, man-machine, and machine-machine communication systems. Various models of communication systems will be examined. Using a systems approach, such concepts as redundancy, entropy, feedback, openness-closedness, equifinality, nonsummativity, relationships, determinism, homeostasis, stability, uncertainty and process will be examined. Various art forms such as film and computer graphics will be considered. 3 hours per week, lectures and seminars.

This course undertakes an analysis of the role of language and other symbol systems in social interaction; the interplay between communication and the social system; the formulation of attitudes through language; social and individual disorders as caused by, and reflected in, the breakdown of the communication process. Prerequisite: Soc. 101* 2 lectures, Fall term.

A systematic study of the basic concepts in decision-making theories and their associated value theories. Special emphasis will be devoted to the definition and measurement of utility functions and to the various criteria employed in models of decision-making under uncertainty and under risk. Extensive use will be made of literature from Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Mathematical Statistics. : Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 3 hours

The student is required to elect three of the core courses, two of which : must be taken in the first year.

Communication Theme Areas

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A) Mass Media Systems

1) Arts 200*G Issues in Mass Communication

2) IFS 300 Media Writing Exposition

3) Mass Communication and the Rule of Law

4) Communication Systems Administration

. B) Communication Systems Design

1) SD 371 Introduction to Human Communication Systems

2) SD 471 Communication Media

3) SD 473 Inter-Cultural Communication

Communication Studies Programme .

In addition to the introductory core courses, students will continue their communication studies in one or more of three theme areas, each representing a more specific area of study.

Emphasis on international communication and such topics as communication philosophy, media systems, propaganda, legal and economic controls, government information systems, political and psychological factors, language and stereotypes.

3 lectures. Winter term.

An examination of the terms and forms of expression characteristic of non-fiction presentations in the media of print, radio and television. Lectures, seminars and workshops wili be combined to seek to establish basic criteria for media expositions, to assess them and apply them to individual student projects. 3 hours

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Beginning with the proposition that any mass medium is by its nature essentially incompatible with any system of rule of law, the course will explore selected areas of mass media responsibility, for both publicly and privately owned systems, and the ways in which such responsibilities conflict with the law. The “right” of publics to know and the legal basis for the contro! of information will be examined. Not offered 73/74

The course will examine the organizational and financial structure of media systems, ownership, and control patterns, the organization and operation of information, aquisition, internal processing, and dissemination. The course will examine mass media operations in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Not offered 73/74

The course focuses upon a variety of communication systems including man-man, man-machine and machine-machine systems. Various models of communication systems will be examined paying particular attention to the assumptions and situational factors upon which the models are based. Using a systems approach such concepts as redundancy, entropy, feedback, openness-closedness, equi-finality, nonsummativity, homeostasis and stability, etc., will be examined.

The. course encompasses the tools of communication and the nature and use of communication media. There will be a particular emphasis on those media containing a large technological component.

’ machine-mediated human communication systems, ¢€.g., computer

graphics, film, T.V., etc.

The problems of designing a human communication system where more than one culture is involved. Anthropological, sociological, psychological, political, economic and technological aspects of such design. Environmental perception, value systems, social forms, etc.

4) SD 475 Man-Machine Communication Systems

C) Communication and Environmental Studies

1) Menv. 240* Small Groups and the Environment

2) Menv. 260(Y) Visual Perception and Communication

3) Menv. 262* Environments of the Future

4 Menv. 360 Science, Technology, Art and Environment

5) Menv. 361* Contemporary Media of Communication and Human Environment

6) Menv. 440 Honours seminar: Environmental Communication and Education

Communication Studies Programme, eo . 345

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The nature and design of machine-mediated human commutiication systems. Consideration will be given to displays, computer graphics, computer-aided instruction and mass communication media (film, T.V., radio, print). The design of new media innovation. A systems approach will be adopted with special attention to the socio-economic effects of such systems.

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This course will examine selected elements of small group dynamics such as goal-setting; interpersonal relations, group development, change and influence in and by groups, and communication. Different kinds of groups will be examined, and the role of small group decision-making and organizational and social change will be discussed. Class participation as a small group process will be used as a context for learning. Not offered 73/74

An exploration of images, symbols and ideas which constitute the basis of evolution in the perceptual and communication processes. Special emphasis will be placed on films and some of the major movements in art and architecture. .

Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

J hours.

Instructor: Gupta

An imaginary look at the Future, both in terms of extrapolating from the present and postulating new, unforeseen and unforeseeable forces that may be at work in the future.

Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

5 hours (Winter term)

Instructor; Gupta

An interdisciplinary exploration of concepts and themes which unify many aspects of nature and human artifacts. Such themes as Nature of Time as expressed in films, poetry, art, science fiction, psychology and nature are discussed.

Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. i

5 hours.

Instructor: Gupta

A study of “heroes” and “anti-heroes” of the “counter-culture”, with special emphasis on the “new wave” movements in cinema, theatre, art

and literature.

Prerequisite: Serious pupils only, with the consent of the instructor. 5 hours (Winter term) Instructor: Gupta

A study of communication, innovation and educational processes in the context of environmental issues. Approaches to environmental education and communication for primary and secondary school programs and . adult education.

2 hours seminar

Not offered in 73/74

Associate Professors

a . Assistant Professor

(Technical Advisor) Lecturer Associated Theatre Arts Staff

Director, Cultural Programme Centre, Bookings Manager

- Creative Arts Resident Director Technical Supervisor

Wardrobe Mistress (part-time) Assistants

(part-time)

Technical, House Manager

and Set Design

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