COURSE CURRICULUM

Students in the Master of Arts in Critical Media Studies program must complete eight courses, including ENGL 701 Critical Design Methods, which features an integrated "digital bootcamp" element. Additionally, students are required to take three courses designated as Critical Media Studies, one course designated as Literature, and three elective courses. Up to two extra-departmental graduate courses may be included in the degree requirements, subject to approval by the Graduate Committee. For courses outside the University of Waterloo, students must complete the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student (OVGS) form, while for courses within the university, approval from the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee is necessary. In both cases, the Department’s Graduate Office must receive an electronic syllabus and approve the course before the term begins. If needed, students may petition the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee to include a reading course in their program. Such independent study courses must be designed by the instructor in consultation with the student and approved by the Graduate Committee prior to the term. However, reading courses are limited to one per degree and will not be approved if similar courses are offered, if the work overlaps with a master’s research paper or thesis, or if scheduling constraints make it unfeasible. This ensures students receive a well-rounded and manageable course load while fostering academic flexibility.