Arts Menu
Minors in Communication
Campus credentials
| Lower level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 1160 Introduction to Communications (3,0,0) CMNS 1160 Introduction to Communications (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students think critically about a range of communication theories tied to examples from popular culture and address how we transmit information, how we create meaning, and how we persuade others, with a focus on many communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group and organizational communication, public space, mass media, and culture and diversity. Students explore what it means to communicate in these various contexts, and appreciate the contribution of theory to helping us understand what we do when we communicate and why it sometimes goes wrong.
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| One of |
CMNS 1290 Introduction to Professional Writing (3,0,0) CMNS 1290 Introduction to Professional Writing (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students study the theories and practice of professional organizational communication, learning the importance of effective communication to meeting goals, developing and maintaining relationships and the overall facilitation of work. Students develop skills in evaluating communication scenarios, designing communication strategies that meet goals and audience need, including requests, information sharing and persuasion. In addition, students learn to employ writing techniques and editorial skills relevant to professional communication contexts.
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CMNS 1810 Professional and Academic Composition (3,0,0) CMNS 1810 Professional and Academic Composition (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students learn the theory and practice of successful academic and professional writing. Students compare and apply techniques involved in writing for business and academic purposes, learning skills in audience assessment, document planning and design, research, and effective writing. Students complete assignments ranging from academic essays to a variety of professional communication documents.
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| Upper level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 3550 Media and Public Relations (3,0,0) CMNS 3550 Media and Public Relations (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students develop key skills and techniques used in the field of media and public relations, such as how to prepare and distribute press releases and media kits; how to arrange press conferences and media events; and how to coach organizational spokespersons in media relations.
Prerequisites: Completion of 45 credits or approval by the department chair or instructor.
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CMNS 4530 Organizational Communications (3,0,0) CMNS 4530 Organizational Communications (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the theory and practice of organizational communication through an overview of different models of organizational communication and management, a review of common problems and dilemmas in this field and consideration of the associated strategic practices and associated publications. Students apply both stakeholder engagement theory and models of small-group communication and teamwork to solve strategic communication challenges unique to the internal and external communities of a variety of organization types. In this practice-based course, students complete projects by working in teams which model the dynamics of organizational settings in order to develop strategic, theory- informed solutions to organizational communication challenges.
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| Electives — select two (six credits) |
CMNS 3210 Digital Communities (3,0,0) CMNS 3210 Digital Communities (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students think critically about the challenges and opportunities of community in the digital era. Through a survey of research in the fields of social media, students consider the effects of our networked culture on media participation, as well as consumer and civic engagement. Students consider the current state of digital media creation and consumption and propose and develop engaging social media strategies that help users connect, create and provide digital content for intended publics.
Prerequisites: Completion of 45 credits in any discipline
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CMNS 3050 Communication Marketing and Design (3,0,0) CMNS 3050 Communication Marketing and Design (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are introduced to the practical and theoretical aspects of professional and technical writing from rhetorical and semiotic perspectives. Topics may include information design, visual rhetoric, advertising and digital design.
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CMNS 4240 Strategies in Crisis Communication (3,0,0) CMNS 4240 Strategies in Crisis Communication (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine an array of media and PR strategies for companies, individuals and non-profits dealing with difficult situations. In doing so, students develop communication plans that can be spread across traditional and digital platforms and solve a variety of problems. Students engage with case studies from a variety of industries that require timely and complex solutions. Classic and contemporary cases from the history of public relations and crisis resolution will be analyzed throughout the term.
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CMNS 3240 Advanced Professional Communication (1,2,0) CMNS 3240 Advanced Professional Communication (1,2,0)Credits: 3 credits Students develop best practice skills in advanced professional writing with an emphasis on the design and production of strategic and planning-level communication documents, including a formal report, with added emphasis on online communication contexts, including multimedia production and social media. In addition, students consider and develop multi-phased communication strategies, learn advanced research skills and consider techniques for effective collaboration.
Prerequisites: CMNS 1290 OR CMNS 1291 AND Completion of 42 credits
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CMNS 3500 Selected Topics in Communication and Public Relations (3,0,0) CMNS 3500 Selected Topics in Communication and Public Relations (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore a selection of contemporary topics in communication theory and practice as they relate to public relations. Topics may vary depending on faculty and student interest and current developments in the field. Contact the department chair for more details.
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| Lower level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 1160 Introduction to Communications (3,0,0) CMNS 1160 Introduction to Communications (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students think critically about a range of communication theories tied to examples from popular culture and address how we transmit information, how we create meaning, and how we persuade others, with a focus on many communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group and organizational communication, public space, mass media, and culture and diversity. Students explore what it means to communicate in these various contexts, and appreciate the contribution of theory to helping us understand what we do when we communicate and why it sometimes goes wrong.
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| One of |
CMNS 1290 Introduction to Professional Writing (3,0,0) CMNS 1290 Introduction to Professional Writing (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students study the theories and practice of professional organizational communication, learning the importance of effective communication to meeting goals, developing and maintaining relationships and the overall facilitation of work. Students develop skills in evaluating communication scenarios, designing communication strategies that meet goals and audience need, including requests, information sharing and persuasion. In addition, students learn to employ writing techniques and editorial skills relevant to professional communication contexts.
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CMNS 1810 Professional and Academic Composition (3,0,0) CMNS 1810 Professional and Academic Composition (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students learn the theory and practice of successful academic and professional writing. Students compare and apply techniques involved in writing for business and academic purposes, learning skills in audience assessment, document planning and design, research, and effective writing. Students complete assignments ranging from academic essays to a variety of professional communication documents.
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| Upper level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 3240 Advanced Professional Communication (1,2,0) CMNS 3240 Advanced Professional Communication (1,2,0)Credits: 3 credits Students develop best practice skills in advanced professional writing with an emphasis on the design and production of strategic and planning-level communication documents, including a formal report, with added emphasis on online communication contexts, including multimedia production and social media. In addition, students consider and develop multi-phased communication strategies, learn advanced research skills and consider techniques for effective collaboration.
Prerequisites: CMNS 1290 OR CMNS 1291 AND Completion of 42 credits
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CMNS 3510 Intercultural and Cross-Cultural Communication (3,0,0) CMNS 3510 Intercultural and Cross-Cultural Communication (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the way culture shapes communication practices, and focus on the issues that arise within organizations when individuals from different cultural perspectives attempt to work together. Students also investigate the ways in which different cultures interact in practice. This course qualifies as a Writing Intensive designated course.
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| Electives — select two (six credits) |
CMNS 3210 Digital Communities (3,0,0) CMNS 3210 Digital Communities (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students think critically about the challenges and opportunities of community in the digital era. Through a survey of research in the fields of social media, students consider the effects of our networked culture on media participation, as well as consumer and civic engagement. Students consider the current state of digital media creation and consumption and propose and develop engaging social media strategies that help users connect, create and provide digital content for intended publics.
Prerequisites: Completion of 45 credits in any discipline
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CMNS 3050 Communication Marketing and Design (3,0,0) CMNS 3050 Communication Marketing and Design (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are introduced to the practical and theoretical aspects of professional and technical writing from rhetorical and semiotic perspectives. Topics may include information design, visual rhetoric, advertising and digital design.
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CMNS 3700 Selected Topics in Communication and New Media (3,0,0) CMNS 3700 Selected Topics in Communication and New Media (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore a selection of contemporary topics in communication theory and practice as they relate to new media. Topics may vary depending on faculty and student interest and current developments in the field. Contact the department chair for details. The course qualifies as a Writing Intensive designated course.
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CMNS 4530 Organizational Communications (3,0,0) CMNS 4530 Organizational Communications (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the theory and practice of organizational communication through an overview of different models of organizational communication and management, a review of common problems and dilemmas in this field and consideration of the associated strategic practices and associated publications. Students apply both stakeholder engagement theory and models of small-group communication and teamwork to solve strategic communication challenges unique to the internal and external communities of a variety of organization types. In this practice-based course, students complete projects by working in teams which model the dynamics of organizational settings in order to develop strategic, theory- informed solutions to organizational communication challenges.
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| Lower level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 1160 Introduction to Communications (3,0,0) CMNS 1160 Introduction to Communications (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students think critically about a range of communication theories tied to examples from popular culture and address how we transmit information, how we create meaning, and how we persuade others, with a focus on many communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group and organizational communication, public space, mass media, and culture and diversity. Students explore what it means to communicate in these various contexts, and appreciate the contribution of theory to helping us understand what we do when we communicate and why it sometimes goes wrong.
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| One of |
CMNS 2200 Technology and Communication (3,0,0) CMNS 2200 Technology and Communication (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore the interface of technology and communication, from the telegraph to the Web, by examining historical and present cases. Students learn how people adapt to, and innovate within, the limitations to communications imposed by technology, and are informed about the choices they face in their personal use of media and technology. This course qualifies as a Writing Intensive designated course. |
CMNS 2160 Mass Communication and the Popular Culture Industry (2,1,0) CMNS 2160 Mass Communication and the Popular Culture Industry (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are provided a perspective based on professional practices within the total media environment in which our society operates. This includes an examination of the historical, sociological and economic realities of industries such as television, film, music, advertising, public relations and journalism. |
CMNS 2180 Social Networks, Online Identities and Internet Memes (3,0,0) CMNS 2180 Social Networks, Online Identities and Internet Memes (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course explores the recent proliferation of communication tools known as social media. Students consider how collaborative networks create and foster unique models of identity construction and offer opportunities for new methods of creating knowledge. Students examine these issues through hands-on approaches and on-line assignments. |
| Upper level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 3210 Digital Communities (3,0,0) CMNS 3210 Digital Communities (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students think critically about the challenges and opportunities of community in the digital era. Through a survey of research in the fields of social media, students consider the effects of our networked culture on media participation, as well as consumer and civic engagement. Students consider the current state of digital media creation and consumption and propose and develop engaging social media strategies that help users connect, create and provide digital content for intended publics.
Prerequisites: Completion of 45 credits in any discipline
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CMNS 3200 Citizen and Consumer Identities in Networked Culture (3,0,0) CMNS 3200 Citizen and Consumer Identities in Networked Culture (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore the practices and responsibilities of the citizen and the consumer in the context of networked culture, considering ways in which these roles are defined and distinguished in digital space. Particular focus is placed on the question of control over access to knowledge and information and on the interdependence of social participation and surveillance through digital platforms. As well, students explore methods and models for citizen activism and civic engagement through networked platforms. Students learn to engage the inherent contradictions and tensions within these issues as they focus on how keywords are deployed within a variety of cultural narratives.
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| Electives — select two (six credits) |
CMNS 3600 Studies in Communication, Film, and Digital Production (3,0,0) CMNS 3600 Studies in Communication, Film, and Digital Production (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore a selection of contemporary topics in communication theory and practice as they relate to film studies and digital production. Topics may vary depending on faculty and student interest and current developments in the field. Contact the department chair for details. This course qualifies as a Writing Intensive designated course.
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CMNS 3700 Selected Topics in Communication and New Media (3,0,0) CMNS 3700 Selected Topics in Communication and New Media (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore a selection of contemporary topics in communication theory and practice as they relate to new media. Topics may vary depending on faculty and student interest and current developments in the field. Contact the department chair for details. The course qualifies as a Writing Intensive designated course.
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CMNS 3800 Communication and New Media (3,0,0) CMNS 3800 Communication and New Media (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine new media studies from a communication perspective. Subjects include the distinctions between old and new media; the relationship between technology and communication; the convergence of cultural artifacts across media forms; and the influence of design principles on new media architecture. The course qualifies as a Writing Intensive designated course.
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CMNS 3160 Media, Entertainment & Popular Culture (3,0,0) CMNS 3160 Media, Entertainment & Popular Culture (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine an array of trending concerns in media, entertainment and popular culture. Students will consider competing perspectives on a variety of media and social issues, in particular, the tension between media content, regulation and commerce. Students engage with classic and contemporary debates within the field of communication and media studies.
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FILM 3300 Special Topics in Media Studies (3,0,0) FILM 3300 Special Topics in Media Studies (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore special topics covering issues in Film and Media Studies. Specific topic(s) vary and could include emphasis on issues of genre, style, individual auteurs, time periods, national cinema, or political economy.
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FILM 3850 Film Theory (3,0,0) FILM 3850 Film Theory (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits FILM 3850 explores the study of cinema by examining a number of theoretical approaches that have contributed to the understanding of film studies. Film theory, by its very nature, is polemic and this course will examine a variety of theoretical arguments, both historical and contemporary, that have been put forth by film scholars. Such theoretical frameworks include film spectatorship, ethnography, psychoanalytic analysis, ideology, feminism, film music and narrative, and postmodernism.
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FILM 4050 Film Noir (3,0,0) FILM 4050 Film Noir (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits FILM 4050 examines the evolution of this often celebrated, but also contested body of films. The Film Noir canon has been defined by its highly visual style. Film historian Andrew Spicer (2002) comments: Film Noir designates a cycle of films that share a similar iconography, visual style (and) narrative strategies...their iconography or repeated visual patterning consists of images of the dark, night-time city, and streets damp with rain. The films are dominated thematically by existential and Freudian images of weak and hesitant males and predatory femmes fatales.
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FILM 4100 The American Frontier in Film, Television and Literature (3,0,0) FILM 4100 The American Frontier in Film, Television and Literature (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits FILM 4100 examines the cinematic, television, and literary West as a reflection of the realities and unrealities of the American Frontier.
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JOUR 3700 Media Law and Ethics (3,0,0) JOUR 3700 Media Law and Ethics (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine and analyze a range of legal and ethical situations and circumstances that commonly confront journalists and other media professionals. Through theory and case study analysis, students consider topics such as libel, contempt of court, freedom of information, privacy legislation, copyright, confidentiality, protection of sources, and the use of 'off-the-record' remarks.
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Open Learning credentials
| Lower level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 1161 Introduction to Communications CMNS 1161 Introduction to CommunicationsCredits: 3 credits Students think critically about a range of communication theories tied to examples from popular culture and address how we transmit information, how we create meaning, and how we persuade others, with a focus on many communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group and organizational communication, public space, mass media, and culture and diversity. Students explore what it means to communicate in these various contexts, and appreciate the contribution of theory to helping us understand what we do when we communicate and why it sometimes goes wrong.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but Completion of BC grade 12 or equivalent.
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| One of |
CMNS 1291 Intro to Professional Writing CMNS 1291 Intro to Professional WritingCredits: 3 credits Students study the theories and practice of professional organizational communication, learning the importance of effective communication to meeting goals, developing and maintaining relationships and the overall facilitation of work. Students develop skills in evaluating communication scenarios, designing communication strategies that meet goals and audience need, including requests, information sharing and persuasion. In addition, students learn to employ writing techniques and editorial skills relevant to professional communication contexts.
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CMNS 1811 Professional and Academic Composition CMNS 1811 Professional and Academic CompositionCredits: 3 credits Students learn the theory and practice of successful academic and professional writing. Students compare and apply techniques involved in writing for business and academic purposes, learning skills in audience assessment, document planning and design, research, and effective writing. Students complete assignments ranging from academic essays to a variety of professional communication documents.
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| Upper level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 3551 Media and Public Relations CMNS 3551 Media and Public RelationsCredits: 3 credits Students develop key skills and techniques used in the field of media and public relations, such as how to prepare and distribute press releases and media kits; how to arrange press conferences and media events; and how to coach organizational spokespersons in media relations.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 credits (any discipline) is recommended.
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CMNS 4531 Organizational Communication CMNS 4531 Organizational CommunicationCredits: 3 credits Students examine the theory and practice of organizational communications which includes an overview of different models of organizational communication and management, a review of common problems and dilemmas in this field, and consideration of a variety of internal publications. Students learn problem-solving strategies unique to a variety of organizations.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 credits (any discipline) is recommended.
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| Electives — select two (six credits) |
CMNS 3211 Digital Communities CMNS 3211 Digital CommunitiesCredits: 3 credits Students think critically about the challenges and opportunities of community in the digital era. Through a survey of research in the fields of social media, students consider the effects of our networked culture on media participation, as well as consumer and civic engagement. Students consider the current state of digital media creation and consumption and propose and develop engaging social media strategies that help users connect, create and provide digital content for intended publics.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 credits is recommended.
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CMNS 4541 Policy writing (3,0,0) CMNS 4541 Policy writing (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine and develop applied skills in the core genres and principles for policy writing, with an emphasis on theories of stakeholder engagement. Students explore the role and process of policy development and communication in a variety of professional contexts, including workplace regulation, industry, government, and the non-profit environment. Working with specific scenarios and the principles of storytelling, document design and revision, students apply best practice approaches to the collaborative creation of policy documents with subject matter experts and other stakeholders, and then communication plans for their dissemination.
Pre-requisites: Recommended completion of 45 upper-level post-secondary credits.
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CMNS 4241 Strategies in Crisis Communication CMNS 4241 Strategies in Crisis CommunicationCredits: 3 credits Students examine an array of media and PR strategies for companies, individuals and non-profits dealing with difficult situations. In doing so, students develop communication plans that can be spread across traditional and digital platforms and solve a variety of problems. Students engage with case studies from a variety of industries that require timely and complex solutions. Classic and contemporary cases from the history of public relations and crisis resolution will be analyzed throughout the term.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 post-secondary credits and CMNS 3551 are recommended.
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CMNS 3241 Advanced Professional Communication CMNS 3241 Advanced Professional CommunicationCredits: 3 credits Students develop best practice skills in advanced professional writing with an emphasis on the design and production of strategic and planning-level communication documents, including a formal report, with added emphasis on online communication contexts, including multimedia production and social media. In addition, students consider and develop multi-phased communication strategies, learn advanced research skills and consider techniques for effective collaboration.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 42credits, CMNS 1290, CMNS 1291 are recommended.
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| Lower level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 1161 Introduction to Communications CMNS 1161 Introduction to CommunicationsCredits: 3 credits Students think critically about a range of communication theories tied to examples from popular culture and address how we transmit information, how we create meaning, and how we persuade others, with a focus on many communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group and organizational communication, public space, mass media, and culture and diversity. Students explore what it means to communicate in these various contexts, and appreciate the contribution of theory to helping us understand what we do when we communicate and why it sometimes goes wrong.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but Completion of BC grade 12 or equivalent.
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| One of |
CMNS 1291 Intro to Professional Writing CMNS 1291 Intro to Professional WritingCredits: 3 credits Students study the theories and practice of professional organizational communication, learning the importance of effective communication to meeting goals, developing and maintaining relationships and the overall facilitation of work. Students develop skills in evaluating communication scenarios, designing communication strategies that meet goals and audience need, including requests, information sharing and persuasion. In addition, students learn to employ writing techniques and editorial skills relevant to professional communication contexts.
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CMNS 1811 Professional and Academic Composition CMNS 1811 Professional and Academic CompositionCredits: 3 credits Students learn the theory and practice of successful academic and professional writing. Students compare and apply techniques involved in writing for business and academic purposes, learning skills in audience assessment, document planning and design, research, and effective writing. Students complete assignments ranging from academic essays to a variety of professional communication documents.
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| Upper level requirements (six credits) |
CMNS 3241 Advanced Professional Communication CMNS 3241 Advanced Professional CommunicationCredits: 3 credits Students develop best practice skills in advanced professional writing with an emphasis on the design and production of strategic and planning-level communication documents, including a formal report, with added emphasis on online communication contexts, including multimedia production and social media. In addition, students consider and develop multi-phased communication strategies, learn advanced research skills and consider techniques for effective collaboration.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 42credits, CMNS 1290, CMNS 1291 are recommended.
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CMNS 4531 Organizational Communication CMNS 4531 Organizational CommunicationCredits: 3 credits Students examine the theory and practice of organizational communications which includes an overview of different models of organizational communication and management, a review of common problems and dilemmas in this field, and consideration of a variety of internal publications. Students learn problem-solving strategies unique to a variety of organizations.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 credits (any discipline) is recommended.
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| Electives — select two (six credits) |
CMNS 3211 Digital Communities CMNS 3211 Digital CommunitiesCredits: 3 credits Students think critically about the challenges and opportunities of community in the digital era. Through a survey of research in the fields of social media, students consider the effects of our networked culture on media participation, as well as consumer and civic engagement. Students consider the current state of digital media creation and consumption and propose and develop engaging social media strategies that help users connect, create and provide digital content for intended publics.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 credits is recommended.
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CMNS 4541 Policy writing (3,0,0) CMNS 4541 Policy writing (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine and develop applied skills in the core genres and principles for policy writing, with an emphasis on theories of stakeholder engagement. Students explore the role and process of policy development and communication in a variety of professional contexts, including workplace regulation, industry, government, and the non-profit environment. Working with specific scenarios and the principles of storytelling, document design and revision, students apply best practice approaches to the collaborative creation of policy documents with subject matter experts and other stakeholders, and then communication plans for their dissemination.
Pre-requisites: Recommended completion of 45 upper-level post-secondary credits.
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CMNS 4241 Strategies in Crisis Communication CMNS 4241 Strategies in Crisis CommunicationCredits: 3 credits Students examine an array of media and PR strategies for companies, individuals and non-profits dealing with difficult situations. In doing so, students develop communication plans that can be spread across traditional and digital platforms and solve a variety of problems. Students engage with case studies from a variety of industries that require timely and complex solutions. Classic and contemporary cases from the history of public relations and crisis resolution will be analyzed throughout the term.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 post-secondary credits and CMNS 3551 are recommended.
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CMNS 3251 Professional and Academic Proposal Writing CMNS 3251 Professional and Academic Proposal WritingCredits: 3 credits Students review literature on best practices for grant writing, and, through the development of a grant application, learn the key elements of the process which include defining the funding purpose, understanding mandate and accountability, adopting effective budget practices, preparing effective material, and completing post-funding due diligence. This course meets the needs of academic, research, government, health, community arts and non-profit professionals who seek the knowledge and skill to write persuasive, informative and professional grant applications.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 30 credits is recommended.
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CMNS 3551 Media and Public Relations CMNS 3551 Media and Public RelationsCredits: 3 credits Students develop key skills and techniques used in the field of media and public relations, such as how to prepare and distribute press releases and media kits; how to arrange press conferences and media events; and how to coach organizational spokespersons in media relations.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, but completion of 45 credits (any discipline) is recommended.
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