Canadian Communication Thought

Babe examines the writings of ten major thinkers in the context of their physical and cultural environments and finds that there is indeed a mode of theorizing that is quintessentially Canadian.

While never formally recognized as a school of thought in its time, the work of a number of University of Toronto scholars over several decades – most notably Harold Adams Innis and Marshall McLuhan – formulated a number of original attempts to conceptualize communication as a phenomenon, and launched radical and innovative conjectures about its consequences. This landmark collection of essays re-assesses the existence, and re-evaluates the contribution, of the so-called Toronto School of Communication. While the theories of Innis and McLuhan are notoriously resistant to neat encapsulation, some general themes have emerged in scholarly attempts to situate them within the discipline of communications studies that they helped to define. Three such themes – focus on the effects and consequences of communications, emphasis on communications as a process rather than as structure, and a sharp focus on the technology of communication, or the ‘medium’ – are the most fundamental in characterizing the unique perspective of the Toronto School. This collection not only represents a crucial step in defining the ‘Toronto School,’ it also provides close analysis of the ideas of its individual members.

Canadian Communication Policy and Law provides a uniquely Canadian focus and perspective on telecommunications policy, broadcasting policy, internet regulation, freedom of expression, censorship, defamation, privacy, government surveillance, intellectual property, and more. Taking a critical stance, Sara Bannerman draws attention to unequal power structures by asking the question, whom does Canadian communication policy and law serve? Key theories for analysis of law and policy issues—such as pluralist, libertarian, critical political economy, Marxist, feminist, queer, critical race, critical disability, postcolonial, and intersectional theories—are discussed in detail in this accessibly written text. From critical and theoretical analysis to legal research and citation skills, Canadian Communication Policy and Law encourages deep analytic engagement. Serving as a valuable resource for students who are undertaking research and writing on legal topics for the first time, this comprehensive text is well suited for undergraduate communication and media studies programs.

Did you know that Marshall McLuhan was the first to study the effects of mass media on thought and behavior? McLuhan was a communication theorist, which means he studied heavily on the effects of thoughts, opinions, feelings expressed via communication channels. This educational book will not tell Marshall's story but will also touch on his communication theory. Enjoy the read!

The Canadian discourse - Technological dependency: George Grant as the Nietzsche of the New World - Technological humanism : the processed World of Marshall McLuhan - Technological realism : Harold Innis' empire of communications.

This text is a practical guide that provides readers with effective approaches to communication theories and strategies and offers a wealth of tools for enhancing communication both in Canada and abroad. Informed by the authors’ intersection of cultural identities and lived experiences, Intercultural Communication demonstrates how communicative practices are established and influenced within societal realms. Readers’ understanding of culture is widened beyond discussions of race and ethnicity by critically examining factors like age, familial roles, sex, gender, socioeconomic status, and disability. Guided through real and complex scenarios, this text explores how different social and cultural practices present implications for communication, demonstrating how to manage conversations in appropriate and meaningful ways. Key topics include verbal and non-verbal communication, cultural values, self-awareness, and digital communications. Case studies, practical activities, and thought-provoking questions accompany each chapter, helping students to explore their own attitudes and actions through self-reflection. This invaluable and comprehensive guide is ideal for students enrolled in intercultural communication and cross-cultural communication courses, including studies in business, education, social work, health care, and law enforcement.

A comprehensive, up to date, and probing examination of media and politics in Canada.