Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree with a

The major in Global Communications is founded upon a core of courses in the general field of communication, followed by studies in one of these specializations:

Media Studies

Creative Industries and Culture

Journalism

Media Convergence

Production

Integrated Marketing Communications

  Media Analysis (3 credits)

Begins with the formal analysis of newspaper writing, advertisements and logos, and moves on to key elements of film language and narrative analysis of films, advertising and video. Examines the processes by which media products are differentiated and attributed value, and how they are deployed to form taste. Considers these in relation to various cultural and political contexts.

  Comparative Historical Communication (3 credits)

Examines the role of communication in different human societies across time and space. Studies oral and literate cultures, the development of writing systems, printing, and approaches to the image in different traditions. The parallel rise of mass media and western modernity is studied with the invention of books, newspapers, radio, recording, cinema, and television.

  Communication and Society (3 credits)

Introduces contemporary social communication theory. Teaches techniques such as interviewing, observation, participant observation, and the ethical evaluation of these techniques. Investigates social interactions by studying group formation, social classes, gender relations, and cultures. Considers how definitions of communication imply values and beliefs in everyday life through such terms as beauty and the "good life" in various religious and political contexts.

  Media Globalization (3 credits)

Offers in-depth comparative analysis of media systems, and how differing types of state regimes, market pressures and professional traditions affect media form and content. Raises ethical and philosophical questions about the ideal role for media in public spheres. Considers the effects of globalization on media organizations, audiences, and societies. Critical analysis of newspapers, films, television news, advertisements, and entertainment shows.

The skills learned in this course will prepare students for upper division communication courses, and provide students with basic research techniques in the field of communication.  Students will become familiar with a range of research methods (survey, interview, ethnography, discourse analysis, and political economy approach). Research exercises are a primary focus of the course.

  Rhetoric and Persuasion, Visual and Verbal (3 credits)

Studies rhetoric as a historical phenomenon and as a practical reality. Considers how words and images are used to convince and persuade individuals of positions, arguments, or actions to undertake, with particular attention to advertising, politics and culture. Studies the use of reason, emotion, and commonplaces, and compares visual and verbal techniques of persuasion.

  Introduction to Internet Authoring (1 credit)

Introduces web publishing in 12 sessions. Students will learn the basics of HTML and the use of at least one HTML editor. Site publishing including file structures, image and sound files will be covered.

  4 courses from any or all of the areas for a total of 12 credits.

Students can choose to have a specialization. If they wish to have a specialization, they must do four courses in one of the areas listed below at least two of which must be at 300 level or above. If they choose not to have a specialization, they must choose four courses from any of the areas below or from MEDIA STUDIES or CREATIVE INDUSTRIES and CULTURE (if not taken as an elective), at least two of which must be at 300 level or above.

General electives to total 120 credits can be chosen from any other degree program in the university.  See AUP Catalog for details.