Welcome To Communication Studies

Founded in 1965 as Communication Arts, The Department of Communication Studies at Concordia University was the first department to study the art of communication in Canada.
The Department offers undergraduate and graduate programs exploring a wide range of interests in media analysis, critique and creation. Central to its programs of study is the integration of knowledge based in the humanities and liberal arts, the social sciences, and media practice.

Our Faculty have established international reputations as researchers and creators. Our students are selected from amongst the very best of the applicants to our programs. And, our Alumni are amongst the leaders in their respective fields.

  • Department of Communication Studies Deeply Saddened by Passing of Fr. Marc Gervais, S.J.

    Department of Communication Studies Deeply Saddened by Passing of Fr. Marc Gervais, S.J.

    Father Marc Gervais, S.J. (Society of Jesus), a celebrated film scholar and much-cherished Concordia professor for four decades, passed away March 25, 2012, at the René Goupil Jesuit Infirmary in Pickering, Ont. He was 82.

    Whether rubbing shoulders with cinema nobility in Cannes, France, smoothly impressing on the tennis court, or wowing students in class with his extensive film knowledge, charm, humour and sense of style, Father Gervais confounded the image of a Jesuit priest.

    He was born in Sherbrooke, Que., in 1929, the second child of Sylvia Mullins and Superior Court Justice Césaire Gervais. He was raised in a thoroughly bilingual household, where he was first introduced to the world of movies.

    In 1950, Father Gervais graduated with a

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  • A Conversation with Pierre Even

    A Conversation with Pierre Even

    On Friday March 16th at 2:30 pm (doors open at 2:00 pm), Communication Studies will be hosting "A Conversation with Pierre Even", another distinguished alumni (Graduate Diploma 1990) who is returning to spend some time with our students, faculty and staff. Pierre Even is the producer of numerous critically acclaimed feature films such as C.R.A.Z.Y., Une vie qui commence, Café de Flore and Rebelle. Even's productions have been winners of many prestigious awards and prizes, including Rebelle's recent win at the Berlin International Film Festival 2012 (Silver Bear Award, Best Actress for Rachel Mwanza). Even owns and works out of the Montréal production company, Item 7. Our 'conversation' with Pierre Even will be facilitated by ... « more »

  • Concordia Research Chair Launches Book on Subliminal Messaging Controversy

    Concordia Research Chair Launches Book on Subliminal Messaging Controversy

    Modern consumers of mass media have long been swayed by the notion that secret, invisible messages are embedded in everything from radio commercials to Hollywood blockbusters. With his new book, Charles Acland takes an in-depth look at the complex history of subliminal influence, and questions what the lasting implications may be for our information-saturated modern world. For communications professor Charles Acland, the idea of subliminal influence indicates an “extraordinary faith in the power of even the most fleeting words, sounds and images to shape our unconscious.” In Swift Viewing: The Popular Life of Subliminal Influence, Acland, a professor and research chair in Concordia’s Department of Communication Studies, traces the ... « more »

  • Peter van Wyck Short Listed for Canada Prize in Social Sciences

    Peter van Wyck Short Listed for Canada Prize in Social Sciences

    February 8, 2012 - Ottawa, Canada - The Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is pleased to announce the short list of nominees for the Canada Prizes in the Humanities and the Canada Prizes in the Social Sciences. Awarded annually to one work in French and one in English in each category, the prizes are a benchmark for outstanding scholarly work in the humanities and social sciences. “On behalf of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, I want to congratulate the 18 authors shortlisted for The Canada Prize, which recognizes outstanding scholarly works in the social sciences and humanities, and their thoughtful contribution to society,” said Graham Carr, president of CFHSS. “We are proud ... « more »