Communication Courses

2024-2025 Academic Year

COMM 1015
Introduction to Communication Technology 0.5 unit
An examination of the influence of technology on public communication. Topics include the historical development, social and cultural context, issues and current applications of communication technology. Current theoretical perspectives will be discussed. The challenges and opportunities presented by processes of technologically mediated communication will be explored. This course includes a lab component.

COMM 1501
Foundations of Science Communication 0.5 unit
An introduction to science communication as a professional discipline. Students are introduced to the who, what, where and why of science communication, and explore the importance of science to our culture and to public policy. Students are encouraged to examine their own perceptions of science and technology in the world.

COMM 2013/PBRL 2013
Communication: Theory and Practice 0.5 unit
An examination of communication theory and its application to practice. Areas of human communication will be studied, including interpersonal, small group, organizational and intercultural.

COMM 2016
Audiovisual Communications 0.5 unit
The application of audio and visual technologies in public relations practice to achieve stated strategic objectives. It includes research for and writing and production of public service announcements, video news releases, promotional videos, and still photography. Emphasis will be on writing for the spoken word, script writing and electronic presentations. This course includes a lab component. Note: Students who have received credit for PBRL 2015 may not take this course for credit.

COMM 2025
Introduction to Social Media 0.5 unit
An examination and application of social media communication and technologies in professional communication. Students also evaluate the role and effect of social media in professional environments. This course includes a lab component. Note: Students who have received credit for COMM 3025 may not take this course for credit.

COMM 2101
Relational Communication 0.5 unit
An exploration of the role of interpersonal communication in human relationships. This course is designed to provide theoretical understanding and practical skills for examining and altering human communication across a variety of interactions.

COMM 2211/PBRL 2211
Introduction to Public Speaking 0.5 unit
A course designed to increase self-confidence through practical experience in presenting speeches geared to business interests. Students are trained in the skills of analysis, organization, development, adaptation of ideas, and delivery. The course also includes small group speaking, conducting meetings, preparing speeches for others, and using visual aids. Note: Students who have received credit for SPDR 2205 or 2211 or COMM/PBRL 2205 may not take this course for credit. This course includes a lab component.

COMM 3013/PBRL 3013
Mass Media and Public Opinion 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 2013/PBRL 2013 or permission of the department
A focus on the function of mass media in society and the role media play in shaping and influencing public opinion. Students examine the range of factors affecting media content and critically assess the implications of communication technologies.

COMM 3017
Ethics in Public Communication 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 2013/PBRL 2013
An examination of the theoretical and practical aspects of ethics in public communication. Explores personal & professional values, stages of moral development, ethical principles and loyalties as factors in the development of a framework for ethical decision making. The ethical implications of emerging social and technology innovations are emphasized. Note: Students who have received credit for PBRL 4017 may not take this course for credit.

COMM 3023
Communication Design 0.5 unit
An overview of the fundamental principles and applications of graphic design from a practical, visual, and technical perspective. This course engages students in the planning, design, layout, and production of visual content across a variety of media and communication platforms. Students will engage in creative, critical, and solutions-oriented design work. This course includes a lab component.

COMM 3024
Visual Communication/Culture 0.5 unit
An introduction to the historical, theoretical, and practical principles and applications of visual communication. This course addresses the social, cultural, and political significance of visual culture through the study of semiotics, design, media, and technology. Students apply the history, theory, and praxis of visual culture to written assignments. Note: Students who have received credit for COMM 3022 may not take this course for credit.

COMM 3102
Organizational Communication 0.5 unit
An analysis of the theory and practice of communication in organizations. This course is designed to be an active learning experience that helps students to understand organizational life by critically examining the role of teamwork, corporate culture, socialization, workplace conflict, superior-subordinate and peer-to-peer communication, and leadership in organizations.

COMM 3501
Internship 1.0 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 3024; Science Communication students only
An opportunity for students to apply material gained in both theoretical and applied courses to real-world job situations. Students are placed in science communication positions in government, academic, NGO or private sector organizations for a 4-month period to acquire experience in the field of science communication.

COMM 3502
Major Project Seminar 1.0 unit
Prerequisite(s): Science Communication students only; with permission of the instructor
An individual, in-depth study of a topic in science communication. Students will link theoretical and research ideas to existing practical contexts. Using a real-world situational application, students will develop a paper and deliver a public presentation. Individual projects will be designed by the student in consultation with the course professor.

COMM 3512/WRIT 3512
Writing About Science 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of writing courses (PBRL and/or WRIT) and 0.5 unit from Core A – Sciences and Mathematics and 0.5 unit from Core C – Humanities OR permission of the instructor. In addition, 0.5 unit of writing courses at the 2000 level is recommended.
Explores strategies for meeting the needs of diverse academic and general audiences of scientific information. Assignments reflect typical professional genres: research posters, grant applications, news releases, and feature articles. The class is rooted in contemporary scholarship on rhetoric, science communication, and writing.

COMM 4013
Media, Culture and Society 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 2013/PBRL 2013
An investigation of the interconnectedness between media, culture and society. Students will analyze the institutions and practices of mass media and their role in shaping culture and social life with a particular focus on the relationship of mass media to politics, commerce and identity.

COMM 4025
Digital Media: A Critical Analysis 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 2025
A critical exploration of the ethical, cultural, economic, legal and social implications of digital media. This course focuses on the analysis of digital media so that students become more knowledgeable and responsible global digital citizens.

COMM 4200
Senior Seminar in Communication 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 2013/PBRL 2013, COMM 2101, COMM 3013/PBRL 3013 and COMM 3102
A project-based capstone course in which students integrate and apply knowledge, practices, and principles from previous coursework in communication. The aim is to integrate knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and build on the conceptual and theoretical foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking.

COMM 4201
Special Topics in Communication 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 10.0 units or permission of the instructor
An examination of selected topics in Communication. Topics will vary from year to year.

COMM 4403
Directed Study 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 10.0 units or permission of the faculty supervisor
A course permitting advanced study in a specified area of Communication. This study may take the form of an extensive examination of a Communication issue, field research under the direct supervision of a faculty member, or directed reading in a chosen area of Communication.

COMM 4500
Science Communication and the Media: Issues, Risks and Crises 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 1501, 2016 and PBRL 3014
An examination of the relationship between science communicators and media. Focus is placed on the interpretation of scientific information and the transmission of meaningful messages as part of ongoing two-way mass communication between scientists and publics. Organizational risk assessment, issues management, and crisis communication are examined. Note: May be taken concurrently with COMM 4501.

COMM 4501
Designing Science Communication Campaigns 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): COMM 4500
An examination of how theories and principles of communication planning are applied to science communication. Programs and campaign management are explored with particular emphasis on evaluation of outcomes. Topics include needs assessment, strategy development, resources management and leveraging traditional and new media.

COMM 4511/GPRL 6511
Health Communication: Theory & Practice 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PBRL 3014 or COMM 4500 or permission of the instructor
An examination of health communication theory and practice at the level of public communication. Topics include an examination of health in Canadian society, health communication models, health communication campaign planning, evaluation of outcomes of social marketing and other approaches to behaviour change, and relevant ethical considerations.

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Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2024-2025 academic year which runs from September 01, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.