Dr. Samantha Thrift

Associate Professor

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Biography

Samantha Thrift is an Associate Professor (Teaching) and the Department Head in Communication Studies at the University of Calgary. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from McGill University and an M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on Digital Feminism and Online Activisms, critically examining how digital media platforms, feminist hashtags, and political memes shape feminist discourse and activist strategies within contemporary public culture. Thrift investigates the rise of digital feminisms and analyzes viral meme culture and hashtag activism, particularly themes such as #YesAllWomen. Her work has been published in prominent journals like Feminist Media Studies and Feminist Theory, exploring feminist organizational history, media representation, and the impact of neoliberalism on feminist activism. She emphasizes the importance of feminist critical pedagogy in her teaching and actively incorporates feminist ideas into educational public spheres. Thrift supervises graduate students interested in areas such as feminist digital activism, feminist cultural history, and media memory, encouraging collaborative projects and Honours research initiatives.

Research Interests

Awards

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University of Calgary Teaching Award for Full-Time Academic Staff

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Nominee, Student Union Teaching Excellence Award

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Faculty of Arts Teaching Award (New Teacher)

Courses

Intro Comm & Media Studies Critical Media Studies Race, Representation Media Popular Culture Feminist Media Studies

Requirements for University of Calgary

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:97
GRE General
Verbal
Required:150
Quantitative
Required:159
Analytical Writing
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:5.5
Prerequisites
4-year Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent 3rd or 4th year course in Theory of Computation 3rd or 4th year course in Software Engineering 3rd or 4th year course in Systems (OS, Compilers, Networking) 3rd or 4th year course in Application (AI, Graphics, Databases)
Application Checklist
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of Reference
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science Master's program. GRE scores are expected for international students.