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Creative Industries

  • CRI 100 - Creative Industries Overview
    Course DescriptionThis introductory foundation course defines the subject of Creative Industries as an area of academic study and surveys the various academic and creative disciplines to be covered over the course of the B.A. program. The course will focus in particular on how each discipline sees the world and on the sorts of knowledge and interpretations that structure these different perspectives on subjects and issues to be covered. Students will explore the advantages and challenges of interdisciplinary study and begin to develop strategies for benefitting the most from their Creative Industries studies.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs. Tutorial 1 hr.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:Available only to Creative Industries students and Professional Music students
  • CRI 200 - IP Issues in the Digital Age
    Course DescriptionIntellectual Property laws were developed to protect traditional literary, artistic, dramatic and musical works. This course introduces students to the legal principles underlying IP and explores how digital technology and the Internet have changed the rules, upsetting the traditional balance between content creators and content users and undermining many of the business models of the past. Current issues faced by policy-makers related to content use and the exploitation of IP rights will be investigated in the context of their repercussions for creators and creative enterprises.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs. Tutorial 1 hr.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CRI 100
  • CRI 300 - Digital Design Studio
    Course DescriptionWorking effectively in the Creative Industries requires an understanding of media production based on sound principles of digital design. This studio course provides a project-based introduction to developing digital media content for the Web. Using industry-standard software and production practices, students will design and produce digital content. Taking into account current media ecologies, students will learn the basics of graphic design, media production, Web authoring and interactivity.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 400 - Entrepreneurship in Creative Industries
    Course DescriptionThis course applies entrepreneurship theory and principles to the practice of entrepreneurship in Creative Industries. Entrepreneurs in Creative Industries drive the creation of new cultural products, firms, and markets, generating new wealth and new cultural value. They are visionary change agents who leverage cultural knowledge and talent to produce commercially viable, sustainable and socially desirable cultural products and services. This course will nurture the skills and attitudes of nascent entrepreneurs in the Creative Industries to allow them to successfully plan, launch, and manage small firms in the Creative Industries. It will critically review the key characteristics of successful enterprises, entrepreneurs and leaders within the cultural and more commercially focused Creative Industries, it will look at the range of business models that exist, review how best to build a financially sustainable firm, and provide models of entrepreneurial/business support relevant and useful for entrepreneurs in Creative Industries.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs. Tutorial 1 hr.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 410 - Beggars, Choosers: C.I Advocacy
    Course DescriptionPolitics is the allocation of scarce resources. This course examines the interests of governments in supporting Creative Industries. Industrial and professional groups lobby to promote their own goals. Meanwhile, public interest groups campaign for alternative structures and resources. Students analyze the political tensions and power relations that surround the Creative Industries and learn the strategies and advocacy tactics of organizations engaged in these sectors.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 420 - Book Publishing and Marketing
    Course DescriptionThis course will provide an overview of the book publishing, podcast, ebook and audiobook industries from author to consumer. Students will explore the evolution of books through a collaborative company project. Through the company students learn the roles of publisher, editor, agent, publicist and marketer. This course is appropriate for students who are interested in self-publishing, marketing cultural products and the business of storytelling.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 430 - Canadian Media Entertainment Industries
    Course DescriptionThis course surveys the media and entertainment marketplace in Canada, focusing on its economic, political and cultural dimensions. The domestic production of media and entertainment products and services and their national and global distribution are studied together with the business practices and ancillary personnel and services that are required to finance, market and manage these enterprises. Recommended only for students in third or fourth year.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 450 - Appreciating Creativity in Practice
    Course DescriptionWhat makes for a great work of art? Why do we respond profoundly to some creators' work? In this course students explore in depth the body of work of an iconic artist, production company or artistic movement in light of its historical, cultural, commercial, technological and/or ideological context. Depending on the year offered, the focus could be on an influential musician, television showrunner, film director, choreographer, visual artist, publisher or video game creator.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 460 - Financial Management for Creatives
    Course DescriptionAcross creative industries like film, television, communications, design and publishing the need for financial competency is critical to success. This course aims to bridge the gap between creative practitioner and creative entrepreneur. It will teach core financial concepts applicable to any business, but with a focus on working in the creative sector as a freelancer or employee. Topics include understanding financial statements, financial forecasting, budgeting basics, cash flow management, pricing strategies, evaluating new creative ventures, tax basics, and fundraising. This course will be available as an open elective to all students.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:ACC 340
  • CRI 500 - Project Management
    Course DescriptionCreative Industries typically organize their work into discrete projects to produce shows, films, books, exhibitions, etc. This course introduces students to the diverse aspects of project management including project planning, budgeting, financing, scheduling, cost control, procurement and contracting, and provides practical tools and techniques that apply to any creative project. Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to effectively manage all phases of a project; how to develop a breakdown schedule, identify task relationships, employ estimating techniques, and develop a procurement strategy; and how to report results to ensure that the project progress is clearly identified and communicated to stakeholders.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:GCM 375, TEC 210
    Custom Requisites:Not available to Graphic Communications Management students.
  • CRI 510 - Art and Business of Gaming
    Course DescriptionVideo games constitute one of the most dynamic and growing segments of the Creative Industries. This course explores the history, aesthetics, and cultural impact of video games while familiarizing students with the production, distribution and marketing processes that have evolved to stimulate this young industry. Issues confronting the video game industry as well as applicable developments in design and technology will be among the topics covered.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 520 - Design Management
    Course DescriptionThis course is an introduction to the business of design. It explores the link between design and the managing of design business activities. It outlines the function of the design manager as the orchestrator of other professionals including designers, technologists, administrators, and marketers. Topics include an overview of design fields; multidisciplinary alliances; client relationships; client/contractor contracts; the studio environment; corporate culture and organizational frameworks.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 530 - Talent Management
    Course DescriptionThis course examines the crucial role of professional management for all types of artists and entertainers. Instruction focuses on the roles of personal manager, booking agent, talent agent, casting agent, road manager, and company manager. Additional topics will include the organization and business practices of talent agencies, talent career development, artist unions, and terms specific to the contracting of talent.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 540 - Marketing the Creative Industries
    Course DescriptionThis course will be of interest to students who wish either to pursue a career in the Creative Industries or to advance their knowledge of strategic marketing in the context of a challenging, rapidly changing environment. It will examine the particular demands and techniques of marketing media products - films, TV shows, video games, books, magazines etc. - that are characterized by a short shelf life. The marketing of creative talent - the packaging and selling of celebrity artists - will be studied in the context of applicable consumption dynamics and changing global mechanisms for the promotion and distribution of creative goods.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:FCD 540, RTA 906
  • CRI 560 - Topics in Creative Industries
    Course DescriptionThis course, the subject matter and the availability of which may change from year to year, examines specific issues, themes, trends and/or developments that have currency within the field of creative industries. Topics may be proposed by permanent faculty, guest professionals or students. See teaching department for consent criteria.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Consent:Departmental consent required
  • CRI 570 - Creative Industries: International Lab
    Course DescriptionCreative industries have tremendous potential to foster social inclusion and societal betterment through creativity and innovation. This intensive on-site exploration of an international creative center like Berlin or Buenos Aires exposes students to best practices of social innovation. Using design thinking methodology, students then leverage the creative industries' power to propose solutions to pressing social issues. For senior students, this Spring/Summer course is not offered every year. Students bear costs for transportation, room and board. See teaching department for consent criteria.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Consent:Departmental consent required
  • CRI 590 - Storying Indigenous People
    Course DescriptionThis course examines different styles of storytelling about Indigenous Peoples by non-Indigenous Peoples. Students review media such as video, film, philosophy, poetry, fiction and nonfiction to understand character and story development. Through a series of lectures and readings, students boost their writing and storytelling skills.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 600 - The Creative Process
    Course DescriptionHow do creative ideas happen? What is the nature of creativity and how can we foster the creativity of those around us? Drawing on psychological and management theories, students explore creativity as an individualistic process and an output of formal organizations and the synthesis of subconscious thought and rational analysis. Case studies illuminate the creative process in terms of how content creators in the Creative Industries relate to the commercial development of their ideas.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 2 hrs. Tutorial 1 hr.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CRI 200
  • CRI 620 - Concert and Festival Management
    Course DescriptionThe spectrum of live entertainment and artistic events is extensive, ranging from rock concerts, nightclubs, jazz festivals, tournaments and theme parks to ballet, opera, parades and fashion shows. This course will focus on the particular challenges involved in marketing live events, and the specific advertising, publicity, pricing and promotional techniques and related management practices that have proven successful in addressing these challenges.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 630 - Advertising Theory and Practice
    Course DescriptionThis course presents an overview of the advertising industry and its creative functions. It examines the interrelationship of the institutions of advertising, the advertisers, the advertising agencies and the media, and explores how advertisers are adjusting to and exploiting new digital technologies. It introduces research and details methods of determining advertising objectives, budgets, establishing target audiences, interpreting audience ratings and circulation figures. Students also gain an understanding of key ethical and legal issues particular to this creative field.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 670 - Music and Brands
    Course DescriptionThe course explores how music and brands work together creatively and commercially. In this course, students build brand plans focusing on the best strategies to combine four key elements: music style; artist; brand; and territory. Students also learn how to do brand extension of existing music IP assets such as compositions, lyrics, and recorded masters. Finally, students learn to measure, analyze and assess the commercial success and larger implications of music and brand collaborations.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 680 - Celebrity
    Course DescriptionThis course studies celebrity as a form of mass media. It explores the emergence of celebrity as a genre; the impact of celebrity status on the individual; celebrity as a business and consumer product and the ecosystem supporting it; and the social and cultural influence of celebrity. Course materials probe celebrity in the context of various aspects of media and communication including news, television, film, social media, entertainment, popular culture, and politics.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 700 - Human Resources in Creative Industries
    Course DescriptionThis course exposes students to the theory and practice of human resources management in the context of the Creative Industries and is intended to provide students with the fundamentals necessary to effectively administer the human resources function of a creative enterprise. Using case studies drawn from this sector, the course will examine areas such as human resources planning; recruitment, selection and evaluation of staff; training and development; labour relations; approaches to compensation and benefits; relevant legislation and future trends.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CRI 600
    Antirequisites:MHR 523
  • CRI 710 - Creative Industries Research Methodology
    Course DescriptionThis course asks how information about the Creative Industries can be collected and analyzed. It surveys research methods that are both useful within the Creative Industries and crucial to studying them. We will review information retrieval techniques as well as methods of data collection (audience research; content analysis; critical and textual analysis; surveys; interviews; focus groups etc.). Through practical exercises we will develop the research skills that are required of many careers within the Creative Industries (grant, report and policy brief writing etc.) as well as in advanced graduate degrees.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 2 hrs. Tutorial 1 hr.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CRI 600
  • CRI 720 - Media Regulation and Communication Policy
    Course DescriptionThis course looks at the institutional and legal structures of media and communication in Canada and internationally. Drawing on texts and perspectives from important thinkers and analysts such as Lawrence Lessig, Marc Raboy, Peter Grant, and Robert McChesny, we will examine the policy frameworks that shape broadcasting, print, digital and internet, music and more. We will also consider various crosscutting communication policy issues such as copyright, production quotas and subsides and human rights. Recommended only for students in third or forth year.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 730 - Strategic Leadership in Cr. Industries
    Course DescriptionThis course is designed for persons who aspire to executive leadership roles in for-profit or not-for-profit organizations in Creative Industries. Drawing on contemporary leadership theories, the course provides opportunities for comprehensive development of personal leadership potential through supervised reflection, networking, executive coaching, interaction with peers, and learning from seminars, guest speakers, scholarly literature, and case studies. Issues examined include: theories of leadership; the nature of leadership; values, ethics, and vision; conviction and the courage to act; leadership principles and styles; relationship building with stakeholders and shareholders; art versus commerce; team building, group dynamics and creative collaboration; delegation; conflict resolution; stress and change management; communication; character and power; and leadership tools, techniques, and strategies. Specific learning outcomes are: a theoretical understanding of leadership; practical application of leadership theory to cases in relevant creative/cultural industry environments; and development and articulation of a personal leadership philosophy.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 750 - Emerging Media and Business Models
    Course DescriptionEvery new technology in the creative industries landscape presents an opportunity to innovate business models, models of audience engagement, products and services. This course builds students' abilities to recognize and exploit new media trends. It will cover tools and methods to identify technology trends, explore implications in their selected industry, propose new opportunities, and communicate with stakeholders.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 760 - Diversity in Creative Industries
    Course DescriptionWhile the creative industries are a growing sector of the economy, women and visible minorities remain underrepresented and underpaid in creative work. How can we best foster the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the creative industries across gender, sexuality, race, and class? Students in this course analyze the problems of lack of equity and diversity in creative fields and then examine best practices and propose solutions to create inclusion.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:FCD 760
  • CRI 770 - Trendwatching
    Course DescriptionChanges in consumer's attitudes, values, and wants have a deep impact on how we perceive a product or service and its significance. This is especially important in the creative industries, as cultural and entertainment products and services are expected to be original and cutting edge. This course provides students with a toolbox of techniques to help them observe imminent change, predict its impact, and design potential strategies to manage and capitalize on trend changes.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 780 - Your Creative Self
    Course DescriptionThis course is about self-driven creativity - making media, making inspirations, and making a difference. Everything begins with creative individuals. We may move in and out of creative communities, and collaborative environments, but the one constant is your own creative self. This course will mix theory and practice, looking at philosophical and psychological approaches to creativity, as well as a more hands-on engagement with digital creativity, tools for makers, and how to get things out there.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 800 - Managing Creative Enterprises
    Course DescriptionThis capstone course builds upon the required B.A. Creative Industries industrial work placement, which must be completed prior to the end of this course. Using the research conducted during their placement, students will undertake a report that analyzes the management systems of their workplace company, assesses its strategic directions, and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses relative to the industrial environment in which it is operating. Course content is designed to facilitate the report by focusing on the organization, operation and strategic planning of creative enterprises and the criteria for appraising their efficacy.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(CRI 700 and CRI 710) or (BPM 401 and CRI 710)
  • CRI 810 - Studies in Creative Collaboration
    Course DescriptionThe image of the solitary artist toiling away in romantic isolation has given way to the contemporary reality of creative production in many fields that builds upon multidisciplinary expertise on the part of a diverse team to achieve an end product arising from consensus-building and collaboration at many steps in the process. Applying theories of organizational behaviour, this course uses case studies and role-playing techniques to examine and familiarize students with best practices in collaborative creative work.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CRI 700
  • CRI 820 - Global Licensing/Distribution Agreements
    Course DescriptionContent creators must have the ability to market and exploit their intellectual property, both in Canada and internationally. In this practical course, legal issues and key contractual in distribution and licensing of intellectual property matters are examined in both Canadian and international contexts. Various contracts involving the exploitation of creative content will be examined, including license agreements, distribution agreements, asset and share purchases, joint ventures, and the legal rights and remedies which flow from these agreements.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:RTA 988
  • CRI 830 - Youth Cultural Production
    Course DescriptionIn the 21st century, youth are driving creative innovation through emerging trends in consumption of creative content and though the rise of youth as creative producers. This course maps these trends in youth creative consumption and cultural production and investigates how policy structures might best support these unfolding creative and economic directions.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 840 - Experience Innovation
    Course DescriptionExperiences, not products or services, increasingly drive economic growth. Sophisticated organizations capture consumers through experience initiatives, experiential marketing and user experience focus (UX). Using case studies students in this course explore the origins and theories of the experience economy and key strategies to design meaningful experiences. Students then apply their knowledge and skills and work with a live entertainment organization, like Cirque du Soleil’s Entertainment Group, on re-imagining its audiences’ experience.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CRI 850 - Directed Reading Course
    Course DescriptionThis directed reading course is intended to permit the student to survey a coherent body of literature in an area of study related to the student's program objectives. See teaching department for consent criteria.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Consent:Departmental consent required
  • CRI 860 - The Big Night
    Course DescriptionTeams of students propose, budget, finance, market and execute an ambitious event open to the public in a creative industry. Possible events include a film, dance or music festival, theatrical production, record or graphic novel launch or gallery exhibit. With faculty guidance and mentor support, students work with outside artists and content creators and provide a substantive report on the event's impact. See teaching department for consent criteria.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Consent:Departmental consent required