This course contextualizes contemporary structuralist, psychoanalytical, feminist, Marxist, and post-modernist theory with respect to the history and development of specific art practice in the visual arts and its relationship to society. It incorporates an analysis from French, British and North American sources together with debates, artistic productions, and explorations by contemporary artists. Same as Visual Arts 5600 3.0 and Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 967.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Couroux
2025
W
gs/cmct 5503M
Media Ethics
An examination of the rights, freedoms,and obligations of the media and of practising journalists. The course deals with such issues as the grounds and limits of freedom of expression, moral responsibilities respecting truth, balance, and objectivity; ethical and business pressures in media; obligations to the public, the audience, sources, colleagues, employers, and oneself. The course includes case studies and discussion of ongoing media activity. Same as Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 969.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. Obar
2025
W
gs/cmct 6002M
Research Methodologies
Students in the core courses are required to attend a workshop on research methods in communication and cultural studies. These sessions are designed to complement the theoretical materials presented in the core seminars and will provide an overview of the range of research methods in communication and cultural studies. The course introduces students to a wide range of methods and approaches, including research design (qualitative and quantitative), survey research, content analysis, textual analysis, discourse analysis, historiography, legal and documentary research, ethnographic techniques, cultural studies approaches, and others.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): N. Taylor
2025
W
gs/cmct 6002N
Research Methodologies
Students in the core courses are required to attend a workshop on research methods in communication and cultural studies. These sessions are designed to complement the theoretical materials presented in the core seminars and will provide an overview of the range of research methods in communication and cultural studies. The course introduces students to a wide range of methods and approaches, including research design (qualitative and quantitative), survey research, content analysis, textual analysis, discourse analysis, historiography, legal and documentary research, ethnographic techniques, cultural studies approaches, and others.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/cmct 6004A
Communication & Culture: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Introduces a critical approach to the three symbiotic areas of the program at the graduate level: media and culture; politics and policy, and technology in practice: applied perspectives. The course explores each area in modules that concentrate on four aspects: history; philosophy; theory; and principle concepts or issues, with one week dedicated to each aspect in each area.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. Hadlaw
2024
F
gs/cmct 6004B
Communication & Culture: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Introduces a critical approach to the three symbiotic areas of the program at the graduate level: media and culture; politics and policy, and technology in practice: applied perspectives. The course explores each area in modules that concentrate on four aspects: history; philosophy; theory; and principle concepts or issues, with one week dedicated to each aspect in each area.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
S1
gs/cmct 6005A
Masters Research Specialization and Practice
This combination lecture/seminar course consolidates graduate coursework and bridges the transition to independent critical research. It assists and evaluates the student in developing professional skills including: peer review, grant-writing, formal presentations, conference and publications submission which may include applied research in submissions to government or organizational policy papers, and public forums or hearings on communication and culture.
Instructional Format: BLEN
Instructor(s): B. Easter
2024
S1
gs/cmct 6005B
Masters Research Specialization and Practice
This combination lecture/seminar course consolidates graduate coursework and bridges the transition to independent critical research. It assists and evaluates the student in developing professional skills including: peer review, grant-writing, formal presentations, conference and publications submission which may include applied research in submissions to government or organizational policy papers, and public forums or hearings on communication and culture.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/cmct 6104A
Reading Television
Fundamental to contemporary cultural studies is the recognition that the meaning, form and value of cultural products, such as situation comedies, soap operas, and advertisements, cannot be separated from the social context in which they are produced and received. The course will explore such questions as: What are the genre conventions? How do different individuals and communities use and value television products? To what extent do television products promote resistance and change and to what extent do they preserve the status quo? Students will apply several frameworks to selected products in order to analyse how the product works in relation to individuals and communities. Same as Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 925.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/cmct 6113A
Contemporary Topics in Social Theory
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): P. Walsh
2025
W
gs/cmct 6113M
Contemporary Topics in Social Theory
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): H. Park
2025
W
gs/cmct 6123M
Cultures of Sexuality and Gender
This course surveys theoretical approaches to cultures of sexuality and gender in relation to diverse media. Using feminist, queer, constructionist, posthumanist, and other approaches, the course develops students' techniques of historicization and skills in analysing current debates in the field. Course credit exclusion: Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture xxx.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2025
W
gs/cmct 6133M
History of Things: Objects, Representation, and Display
This course explores critical debates and interdisciplinary research methods employed in the study of material objects. It draws on case studies and theoretical work on material culture, display, and representation to consider the influence of the 'material turn' on contemporary scholarship and on historical and curatorial practices.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. Hadlaw
2024
F
gs/cmct 6135A
Selected Topics in Media and Culture
The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the speciality of the course director. This course is designed to provide opportunities for post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars and FGS appointed faculty to teach speciality courses in the field of Media and Culture.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
S1
gs/cmct 6135A
Selected Topics in Media and Culture
The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the speciality of the course director. This course is designed to provide opportunities for post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars and FGS appointed faculty to teach speciality courses in the field of Media and Culture.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2025
W
gs/cmct 6136M
The Making of Asian Studies: Critical Perspectives
This course offers a historical examination of the multiple, overlapping processes through which Asian identities and regions were constituted. It will also examine new directions in Asian studies in an era of intensified global flows, transnationalism, and the presence of Asian diaspora in Canada and elsewhere.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. Judge
2024
F
gs/cmct 6137A
Postcoloniality
The course investigates Postcolonialism as a field within Cultural Studies. Emphasizing socio- and politico-cultural analyses, themes such as colonial discourse, orientalism, hybridity, resistance, subalternity, indigeneity, Eurocentrism, cultural imperialism, language, race, sexuality, gender, and subjectivity are examined through a range of interdisciplinary and conceptual perspectives. Texts containing influential theoretical arguments are the primary focus, with some works from the Arts also featured.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/cmct 6300A
The Political Economy of Culture and Communication
This course reflects the theoretical perspective that communication systems and cultural practices shape and are shaped by the social distribution of power in all societies. It examines the role of the state, the market and civil society in the production and distribution of cultural products and the implications of their relationships for society.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): N. Coulter
2025
W
gs/cmct 6300M
The Political Economy of Culture and Communication
This course reflects the theoretical perspective that communication systems and cultural practices shape and are shaped by the social distribution of power in all societies. It examines the role of the state, the market and civil society in the production and distribution of cultural products and the implications of their relationships for society.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/cmct 6335A
Selected Topics in Politics and Policy
The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the speciality of the Instructor. This course is designed to provide opportunities for post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars and FGS appointed faculty to teach speciality courses in the field of Politics and Policy.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2025
W
gs/cmct 6335M
Selected Topics in Politics and Policy
The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the speciality of the Instructor. This course is designed to provide opportunities for post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars and FGS appointed faculty to teach speciality courses in the field of Politics and Policy.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): R. Heynen
2025
W
gs/cmct 6335N
Selected Topics in Politics and Policy
The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the speciality of the Instructor. This course is designed to provide opportunities for post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars and FGS appointed faculty to teach speciality courses in the field of Politics and Policy.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2025
W
gs/cmct 6335O
Selected Topics in Politics and Policy
The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the speciality of the Instructor. This course is designed to provide opportunities for post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars and FGS appointed faculty to teach speciality courses in the field of Politics and Policy.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/cmct 6336A
Politics of Aesthetics
The Politics of Aesthetics develops an aesthetic framework from political and philosophical thinkers who have an aesthetic theory as part of their philosophy. These include Hegel, Kant, Heidegger, Vattimo, Badiou, Rancière and Zabala. The course is presented in blended(BLEN) format that includes in-class, on-line and print EE components: seminar presentation, seminar participation, interactive on-line discussion forum, one minute film, plus paper abstract and essay. The aim is for the student to be able to interact proficiently and seamlessly both online and in person to meet the requirements of a networked world.
Instructional Format: BLEN
Instructor(s): S. Bell
2024
F
gs/cmct 6504A
Social and Cultural Implications of New Media
This course focuses on the changes brought about by changes in communication technology for individuals, groups and organizations, and the challenges and opportunities presented by them. This course may be offered as part of an experiment in interuniversity collaboration. Course credit exclusion: Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 963.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): G. Langlois
2024
F
gs/cmct 6508A
Future Cinema II: Applied Theory
This hands-on course gives students an opportunity to learn about new screen technologies, approaches and techniques in a lab environment. Students will work in the lab to build prototypes that will function as a testing ground for both new technology and future cinema theory. Our method is iterative: there is an urgent need for scholars in this field to be both theorists and practical experimenters, to research while doing, understanding that the process of exploring firsthand is an important step toward knowing what kinds of knowledges and ways of understanding these new digital tools and artefacts demand, encourage or make possible.
Instructional Format: BLEN
Instructor(s): C. Fisher
2024
F
gs/cmct 6511A
Race and Gender in Digital Technology
TBA
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): R. Singh
2024
F
gs/cmct 6526A
Media History: Concepts and Case Studies
Provides an in-depth exploration of the challenges and possibilities of historical research on forms of media.
Accelerating Technicity examines the concept of technology in select works of Heidegger, Marcuse, Deleuze, Simondon, Stiegler, Hayles, Virilio and Acclerationism. Using these theorists the course will grapple with Heidegger's two conflicting tendencies in technology: the dominant tendency of instrumental technology (the danger inherent in technology) and second, the tendency toward poeisis (the revealing and saving potential inherent in technology).
Instructional Format: BLEN
Instructor(s): S. Bell
2025
W
gs/cmct 6537M
Digital Games and Learning
This course examines play as it is currently developed and popularly imagined in commercial computer- and consoled-based games in order to more closely examine what is learned in those immersive environments and ask how they might more productively be harnessed for educative ends
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): K. Thumlert
2025
W
gs/cmct 6539M
Technological Mediations in Visual Culture
This course examines the interconnectedness of representation and visual culture in contemporary wired society. Students critically explore and assess the influence and shaping of technological mediations in visual culture investigating theory, culture, globalization and education.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): S. Singh
2024
SU
gs/cmct 6909A
Field Placements
Master's students will be able to receive credit by undertaking field placements in appropriate institutions. Same as Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 993 and 093.
Instructional Format: FDEX
2024
F
gs/cmct 6909A
Field Placements
Master's students will be able to receive credit by undertaking field placements in appropriate institutions. Same as Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 993 and 093.
Instructional Format: FDEX
2024
SU
gs/cmct 6909B
Field Placements
Master's students will be able to receive credit by undertaking field placements in appropriate institutions. Same as Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 993 and 093.
Instructional Format: FDEX
2025
W
gs/cmct 6909M
Field Placements
Master's students will be able to receive credit by undertaking field placements in appropriate institutions. Same as Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Communication & Culture 993 and 093.
Instructional Format: FDEX
2024
F
gs/cmct 6911A
Directed Readings (Master's Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
SU
gs/cmct 6911A
Directed Readings (Master's Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/cmct 6911M
Directed Readings (Master's Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
S1
gs/cmct 6922A
Selected Topics in Research Methods
Develops knowledge and skills of selected advanced research methods topics. The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the specialty of the course director. Corequisite: CC8902 (CMCT 6002 3.0) or CC9900 (CMCT 7200 3.0)
Instructional Format: SEMR
2025
W
gs/cmct 6922M
Selected Topics in Research Methods
Develops knowledge and skills of selected advanced research methods topics. The list of topics for discussion is flexible, depending upon the interests and preparation of students from year to year and the specialty of the course director. Corequisite: CC8902 (CMCT 6002 3.0) or CC9900 (CMCT 7200 3.0)
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Li
2024
F
gs/cmct 7000A
Perspectives in Communication and Cultural Studies
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Reisenleitner
2024
F
gs/cmct 7000B
Perspectives in Communication and Cultural Studies
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
S1
gs/cmct 7005A
PhD Field Seminar: Disciplinary Practices
Facilitates independent doctoral research by developing skills of disciplinary rigour in relation to individual research interests. It provides guidance in the advancement of field and area specialties in preparation for comprehensive qualifying exams, dissertation proposal, and ethics review process. It includes theories and practices of critical pedagogy and praxis, academic and professional publication, and other elements of professional research.
Instructional Format: BLEN
Instructor(s): M. Reisenleitner
2024
S1
gs/cmct 7005B
PhD Field Seminar: Disciplinary Practices
Facilitates independent doctoral research by developing skills of disciplinary rigour in relation to individual research interests. It provides guidance in the advancement of field and area specialties in preparation for comprehensive qualifying exams, dissertation proposal, and ethics review process. It includes theories and practices of critical pedagogy and praxis, academic and professional publication, and other elements of professional research.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/cmct 7011A
Directed Readings (Ph.D. Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
SU
gs/cmct 7011A
Directed Readings (Ph.D. Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/cmct 7011M
Directed Readings (Ph.D. Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
F
gs/cmct 7012A
Directed Readings (Ph.D. Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/cmct 7012M
Directed Readings (Ph.D. Level)
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
Y
gs/cmct 7125A
Cinema and Media Studies: Key Concepts
The course will explore key concepts, texts and debates in the field of contemporary cinema and media studies. While maintaining a focus on the intellectual and material histories of cinema studies and media studies as disciplines (and their recent convergence), including epistemological and ontological frameworks, methodological approaches, and institutional and technological supports, the course will emphasize recent developments in cinema and media studies. Three broad areas of study will structure the course: cinema and cultural theory; national and transnational cinema; cinema and technologies of the image.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Zryd
2025
W
gs/cmct 7200M
Advanced Research Methodologies
The principal aim of this course is to cultivate in students a critical research sensibility that addresses questions of communication and culture and their intersection, with research being defined as an engaged process of enquiry and discovery that leads to the production of social knowledge.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2025
W
gs/cmct 7200N
Advanced Research Methodologies
The principal aim of this course is to cultivate in students a critical research sensibility that addresses questions of communication and culture and their intersection, with research being defined as an engaged process of enquiry and discovery that leads to the production of social knowledge.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Learn More
The York & Toronto Metropolitan University Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education.