Media Studies Courses
Summer 2026
MST 499 - Special Topics in Media Studies
Topic - AI Systems & Ethics
LEC 850: Online Asynchronous
This course provides an introduction to modern artificial intelligence and machine learning systems and explores their ethics considerations and impact to society.
Fall 2026
MST 100 - Introduction to Media Studies
LEC A01: TR 14:00 - 15:20
The discipline of Media Studies, how it has developed, its historical objects and contemporary tools of study, and how it contributes to our understanding of culture
MST 210 - Contemporary Media Culture
LEC A01: W 10:00 - 12:50
Contemporary media Culture exposes how digital platforms, media industries, and emerging technologies shape culture, politics, and creative works. This course covers key topical and changing trends and issues in contemporary media culture.
MST 300 - Researching Media
LEC A01: TR 11:00 - 12:20
This course surveys research directions and methods in media studies, including qualitative and quantitative methods, media archaeology, as well as practical forms of research creation.
MST 310 - Political Economy of Media
LEC A01: R 13:00 - 15:50
Drawing from critical theory and empirical research, this course explores how media and technologies are shaped by political-economic structures, institutions, and power relations of media.
MST 350 - Understanding Video Games
LEC A01: TR 9:30 - 10:50
*CMPUT 250 pre-req
Beginning with an exploration of games in general and leading to modern video games; this course examines the potential of video games to entertain, inform and challenge the people, systems, and structures they encounter.
MST 351 - Understanding Video Games
LEC 800: Online Asynchronous
Beginning with an exploration of games in general and leading to modern video games; this course examines the ways in which video games entertain, form, and challenge the people, systems, and structures they encounter.
Winter 2027
MST 100 - Introduction to Media Studies
LEC B01: TR 14:00 - 15:20
The discipline of Media Studies, how it has developed, its historical objects and contemporary tools of study, and how it contributes to our understanding of culture
MST 200 - Media Theory
LEC B01: W 13:00-15:50
This course bridges the gap between media theory and practice, providing students with an understanding of core media concepts while exploring their applications in real-world contexts.
MST 299 - Special Topics in Media Studies
LEC B01: M 13:00-15:50
Introduction to digital media production and critical practice. Development of foundational skills in audio, video, image, text, and platform-based media alongside examination of how digital media are shaped by audiences, technologies, institutions, and social contexts. Topics may include digital storytelling, podcasting, short-form video, streaming, accessibility, copyright, ethics, and portfolio development.
MST 300 - Researching Media
LEC B01: TR 14:00 - 15:20
This course surveys research directions and methods in media studies, including qualitative and quantitative methods, media archaeology, as well as practical forms of research creation.
MST 310 - Political Economy of Media
LEC B01: W 10:00 - 12:50
Drawing from critical theory and empirical research, this course explores how media and technologies are shaped by political-economic structures, institutions, and power relations of media.
MST 399 - Special Topics in Media Studies - LEC B01
Topic: Retro Game Design
LEC B01: W 13:00 - 15:50
Retro Game Design is an experimental history and design course where students will play, study, and develop games that either are, or make use of, "retro" game design aesthetics and logic.
MST 399 - Special Topics in Media Studies - LEC B02
Topic: Constructed Languages
LEC B01: W 13:00 - 15:50
Retro Game Design is an experimental history and design course where students will play, study, and develop games that either are, or make use of, "retro" game design aesthetics and logic.
MST 499 - Special Topics in Media Studies
Topic: New Media Narratives
SEM 850: Online Asynchronous
This course will provide students with insights into the role of digital media in the practices and process of writing, editing, and publishing. Students will critically assess the tools and skills required for participation in publishing in the era of the Internet and include theoretical analyses of contemporary narratives.