We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Search the:

Apply Donate Crisis Centre

COMM 4420U – Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy

This course focuses on political communication in modern society. How do governments, parties, advocacy groups, social movements, and citizens use the old and new digital media to try to set political agendas and frames with the goal of winning people’s attention, donations, support, and votes? In our misinformation and disinformation-saturated media environment of partisan news outlets, ubiquitous entertainment media, and social media networks, is it possible for political communicators to have an impact? Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about Internet and social media-driven politics in an age in which democracy faces new threats, and the future of our planet grows uncertain? To answer these and related questions, this course surveys key topics in the industry, technology, and professional practice of political communication. Students learn how political communication links with democracy and the prospect for effective citizenship.