Communication & Media Studies
For Students Enrolled in 2022-23 or later
The Department of Communication & Media Studies provides an interdisciplinary environment in which students develop a comprehensive, critical awareness of communication and media. As a program of study, we analyze the production and circulation of ideas and values and explore their relationship to social and cultural practices.
The three thematic areas comprising Communication & Media Studies are Media, Culture and Society, Politics and Policy and Critical Technology Studies. You can always take courses across the thematic areas, but these help you to organize your program of study, and to orient yourself to future careers.
A degree in Communication & Media Studies requires the completion of 120 Credits and is typically completed over four academic years. Your courses will consist of Major, General Education, and Elective Courses.
First year will introduce you to the university environment, provide you with an introduction to Communication & Media Studies, and provide you with general education courses.
CMDS Requirements
Introduction to Communication Studies, CMDS 1000 (6.0 credits)
One additional 1000-level course (3.0 credit)
General Education Requirements:
- 9.0 credit from Humanities or Social Science
- 6.0 credit from Humanities or Social Science (whichever is not taken in 1)
- 6.0 credit from Natural Science
Sample First Year Schedule
Your first year classes in Communications & Media Studies will consist of a mixture of courses within your major, courses outside your major, and general education courses.
| Course Type | Courses (options) | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Course | AP/CMDS 1000 – Introduction to Communication Studies | 6.0 |
| Major Course | AP/CMDS 1401 Fake News, Fact-Finding and the Future of Journalism AP/CMDS 1410 Sport Media AP/CMDS 1423 Youth, Media, and Culture AP/CMDS 1460 Sounding Off! Introducing Sound Studies |
3.0 |
| General Education Course | Any approved 1000 level course from the Humanities or Social Sciences | 6.0 or 9.0 |
| General Education Course | Any approved 1000 level course from the Natural Sciences | 6.0 |
| Electives from within or outside your major | Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. | 6.0 or 9.0 |
In your second year, you will complete your introductory tour through the fundamentals of communication theory, research methods and the three thematic areas comprising Communication & Media Studies.
Requirements
Foundational Communication Theory CMDS 2100 3.00
Introduction to Research Methods CMDS 2150 3.0
Intro to Politics, Policy and Media CMDS 2200 3.0
Information and Technology CMDS 2500 3.0
Media, Culture and Society CMDS 2700 3.0
In your third and fourth year, you will explore your interests in Communication & Media Studies with specialized courses in the three thematic areas. Students can pursue a year abroad (Year 3) and explore their professional interests through a placement course and the LA&PS internship program (Year 4).
Requirements
12 credits at the 3000 level
12 credits at the 4000 level
Sample Courses
- Politics and Policy Stream: Political Economy of the Media; Organizing Social Movements; Power, Resistance and New Media; Public Diplomacy as Communication.
- Critical Technology Studies Stream: Feminist Perspectives on Technology; Digital Media Culture; AI, Automation and Mediation; Intersections of Bodies and Technologies.
- Media, Culture and Society Stream: Young People’s Media in Canada; Media and Environment; Approaching Indigenous Media.
Professional Interest Opportunities
- Field Placement Course (CMDS 4140): If you are interested in gaining experience in the workplace while earning credits, this course is for you.
- Internships: The LA&PS Internship Program offers paid, short-term employment for 4, 8, 12, or 16 months in between academic terms.
Study Abroad
- Academic Exchange: Students can study abroad and earn credits towards their degree at one of York’s partner institutions in more than 40 countries.
Note: Studying abroad is a requirement for students pursuing an Honours International Bachelor’s (iBA).
18 credits outside the Major
33 credits within or outside the Major
6.0 credits must be at the 3000 level and 6.0 credits must be at the 4000 level
Student Resources
York is here to support you throughout your unique university journey. Beyond academic achievement, we strive to enrich your student experience. The following resources are available to students:
Advice from CMDS Students
We asked upper level Communication & Media Studies students the question: “what do you wish you knew when you began studying at York?” What I Wish I Knew videos feature their answers. They contain a wealth of advice and tips for students just beginning their journey at York.
Student Resources
Learning skills workshops, outstanding libraries, academic accommodations, transition programs and academic advising services designed to help you every step of the way.
Peer Mentorship
At Founders College, you will find places to study and socialize, as well as opportunities to participate in a variety of academic and social events in more intimate settings. Founders is also where you'll find College Fellows, support staff and student organizations that contribute to the intellectual life of the college.