CMNS 115
3 credits
Technical Communications for Trades
Prerequisite(s): Admission into a trades program
This course is an introduction to the general principles and techniques of effective communications required in the workplace. Common written and oral communications on the job (including customer and co-worker relations) are the focus of the course including messages, simple reports, definitions, descriptions, instructions, and employment applications (forms, letters of applications, and resumes). The course also examines the barriers to effective communications and how these barriers can be reduced.
CMNS 125
3 credits
Introduction to Workplace Communication
Prerequisite(s): CPT score of 48 or better, or evidence of any accepted test score or course grade listed under the English Language Proficiency Standards published in the UFV calendar and listed on the UFV website.
An introduction to the general principles of technical and professional communications. Emphasis is on the communication process, in particular, direct, indirect, and persuasive messages and presentations. Document design and electronic messaging are also studied and practiced.
CMNS 145
3 credits
Technical Communications for Drafting
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into Architectural Drafting Technician certificate program, or CPT of 48 or better and permission of instructor.
This course provides an introduction to general principles of effective written and oral communication. The focus is on commonly used reports (e.g., progress, field, site investigation) and technical correspondence.
CMNS 155
3 credits
Introduction to Workplace and Academic Communication
Prerequisite(s): CPT score of 48 or better, or evidence of any accepted test score or course grade listed under the English Language Proficiency Standards published in the UFV calendar and listed on the UFV website.
This course will introduce the students to the theory and practice of academic writing and professional communication. The academic writing emphasizes research strategies, essay structure and coherence, and citation/documentation. Workplace communication focuses on direct, indirect, and persuasive messages, document design, and presentations.
Note: Accepted for meeting the UFV Bachelor of Arts writing requirement or as an elective in the BA program.
CMNS 175
3 credits
Writing for the Internet
Prerequisite(s): CPT score of 48 or better, or evidence of any accepted test score or course grade listed under the English Language Proficiency Standards published in the UFV calendar and listed on the UFV website.
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of writing for the Internet. Students will study the particular challenges posed by online communication, and explore approaches and technologies that make possible effective communication to a networked audience.
CMNS 180
3 credits
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Prerequisite(s): None
In this introduction to intercultural communication theory and practice students will learn and apply concepts relating to cross-cultural knowledge, awareness, and understanding as they emerge in communication situations. They will develop their knowledge of verbal and non-verbal intercultural skills. Students will learn about their own cultural worldview and identity; investigate similarities and differences among their own and other worldviews and identities; practice intercultural skills; and learn about the importance of self-reflexivity, flexibility, and mindfulness in their intercultural interactions.
CMNS 200
3 credits
Introduction to Portfolio Development
Prerequisite(s): Same as for CMNS 125; see CMNS 125 for details
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop a learning portfolio and improve oral presentation skills. The course will focus on reflective writing approaches, individual thinking processes, learning principles, as well as designing portfolios for future audiences, developing individual and group oral communication abilities, and creating the learning portfolio. Students will create a written and/or electronic portfolio using a process that will include reflection on formal learning, work, and life experiences.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for CMNS 200 and ADED 200.
CMNS 212
3 credits
Introduction to Media and Public Relations
Prerequisite(s): One of CMNS 115, CMNS 125, CMNS 145, CMNS 155, CMNS 175 or ENGL 105.
Getting a tailored message to a specific target audience in today’s complex media environment requires analysis, creativity, and skill. This course examines the communications process, the public relations environment, and both new and mainstream media engagement.
Note: This course is offered as CMNS 212 and MACS 212. Students may take only one of these for credit.
CMNS 235
3 credits
Public Speaking
Prerequisite(s): None
This course focuses on the principles and psychology of effective speaking. Specific areas include informal presentations to small groups, formal presentations, meeting management, workshop facilitation the use of presentation aids, developing the voice, and improving body language. Videotaped feedback is an important part of the course.
Note: Instructors require 80% attendance for this course. Regular participation and attendance at meeting speaking dates are required.
CMNS 251
3 credits
Professional Report Writing
Prerequisite(s): One of CMNS 115, CMNS 125, CMNS 145, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105.
Advanced skills for short to mid-length reports in both print and digital formats. Students learn to research, interpret, organize, and evaluate information. Document design, accurate documentation of sources, responsible use of rhetoric, and clear and purposeful writing are strongly promoted.
CMNS 257
3 credits
Environment: Science and Communications
Prerequisite(s): One of: CMNS 125, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105; plus GEOG 103 or any first-year lab science course.
Environmental science and communications, while different fields, are both essential for addressing contemporary environmental problems. This course, team-taught by faculty in Geography and Communications, introduces the student to the methods of scientific inquiry, and the principles of effective communication in environmental science. Application of the scientific method to case studies of environmental issues will highlight challenges and possible solutions at local, regional, and national scales, while exploring the interface between science, politics, and popular perceptions. Specific consideration will be given to developing strategies for communicating with various audiences, including stakeholder groups, other scientists, policy makers, and the general public. A field trip outside of class time may be required. Please refer to the Department of Geography website for scheduling information.
Note: Students with GEOG 211 may not take GEOG 257/CMNS 257 for further credit.
CMNS 280
3 credits
Team and Small Group Communication for the Workplace
Prerequisite(s): CSM 108, or one of the following: CMNS 125, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105.
Workplace communication often requires both team and small group interactions. This course expands on skills learned in introductory communication courses by specifically addressing oral and written strategies used when working in teams and/or groups. A focus woven throughout the course will be on diversity and the development of group cohesion and task outcomes. Students will learn principles and practices used for group communication applied to both a face-to-face and virtual context. The course will examine how to assess when group vs. individual work should be used. It will focus on group/team development, membership, leadership, mentorship, and the dynamics of collaboration. Verbal, nonverbal, and listening techniques and strategies will be covered.
CMNS 300
3 credits
Introduction to the Practice of Journalism
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: CMNS 125, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105.
This course covers the fundamentals of news writing and reporting as demanded by newsrooms across all forms of media. The course is writing intensive and requires outside journalistic investigation including interviewing and basic fact gathering. A wide variety of forms will be explored, from image selection, headline, lead, and caption writing to articles based on the coverage of news events. Students will also practice writing feature stories as well as assessing local reactions to national events and issues.
Note: This course is offered as CMNS 300 and JRNL 300. Students may take only one of these for credit.
CMNS 301
4 credits
Advanced Practice of Journalism
Prerequisite(s): CMNS 300/JRNL 300 or 45 university-level credits including one of CMNS 125,
CMNS 155, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105.
This course applies journalism skills to other media formats including radio, television, and the internet. It provides a practical introduction to the technologies and techniques of digital media communication, including video, still image, sound capture and manipulation, internet-based publishing and research, digitizing, editing, and archiving. In the workshop/labs, students will have the opportunity to explore writing across various news genres, writing for the web, developing on-air voice delivery as “news anchor” and “remote reporter”, selecting interview clips, designing graphics and transitions, and presenting final products.
This course is offered as CMNS 301 and JRNL 301. Students may take only one of these for credit.
CMNS 312
3 credits
Public Relations Campaigns
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: CMNS 212/MACS 212, CMNS 280, CMNS 300, CMNS 316, CMNS 360, or nine credits of CMNS and/or MACS courses.
This course explores how social, political, and commercial advancements are often sparked by public relations campaigns. CMNS 312 gives students the opportunity to strategize and plan persuasive campaigns designed to gain attention and motivate targeted audiences to take action.
CMNS 316
3 credits
Communicating for Social Media
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including CMNS 251
This course focuses on writing for social media and examines the rise of web-based communication tools and technologies that create a demand for new ways of writing. Writing in this context needs to be concise, engaging, valuable, authentic, and focused. Communication is now expected to almost be instant. Conversations and decisions are made virtually. This course explores the techniques needed to communicate effectively using social media as well as a variety of web-based technologies.
Note: Students will be required to participate in global social media environments.
CMNS 320
4 credits
Editing Principles and Applications
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CMNS 251
This course examines the types, principles, and processes of editing in a variety of contexts: academic, popular, technical, and business, both online and in print. By the end of the course you will have sufficient understanding and practice to work knowledgeably and correctly as an independent editor of small, in-house publications or alongside established editors of larger publications.
CMNS 325
3 credits
Writing for the Sciences and Technologies
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits, including one of the following: CMNS 125, CMNS 145, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105.
An introduction to advanced principles and applications of written and oral communication for the sciences. Topics covered include the ethics of scientific communication, incorporating online tools in research and writing, defining audiences, designing documents, using visual aids, and preparing presentations.
CMNS 335
4 credits
Advanced Public Speaking
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (45 university-level credits including either CMNS 235 or CMNS 345) or (EDUC 410, 445, and 490). Note: students with at least 60 credits and some background in public speaking can contact the instructor for permission.
Students will develop advanced skills through public delivery of presentations and analysis of landmark and contemporary speeches. Students will give presentations, develop workshops, manage meetings, practice rhetorical technique, and demonstrate leadership skills.
CMNS 340
3 credits
Storytelling for Workplace Application
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: CMNS 335, CMNS 345/ADED 345, or CMNS 445/ADED 445; or 45 university-level credits and CMNS 235.
This course prepares students to apply storytelling and visual communication methods as a means of communicating to influence, motivate, or persuade in the context of the workplace. Research indicates that if you want to influence people or have them remember something then you have two main choices; you can tell a great story or include a strong visual presentation. When you combine both strategies you are considered a polished communicator. This course is designed to incorporate both narrative writing and storytelling techniques, as well as introduce the use of basic graphic elements that can enhance workplace communications. The visual aspect of this course is specifically designed for anyone regardless of artistic ability.
CMNS 345
4 credits
Instructional Skills for the Workplace
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits, including CMNS 251 and 3 additional credits of CMNS.
This course provides an opportunity to design and teach lessons to diverse audiences in three domains (psychomotor, affective, cognitive) using a variety of media and strategies. Students prepare, deliver, and debrief three short mini-lessons using a variety of instructional practices, technologies, and evaluation techniques for conducting workplace training.
Note: Students with credit for ADED 345 cannot take this course for further credit.
CMNS 351
3 credits
Professional Formal Research Report Writing
Prerequisite(s): CMNS 251
This course focuses on the process and production of one long research document commonly used in business, industry, information technology, the arts, the natural and social sciences, and humanities. Students learn to propose and manage a research project in their career field and to practice proven research skills and methods and responsible documentation of sources. They will also learn to analyze, evaluate, and organize evidence, ideas, and arguments, as well as to compose, design, revise, and evaluate their document.
CMNS 353
3 credits
The Responsibility of Using Research in the Workplace
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CMNS 251.
It is an essential workplace-ready skill to be able to determine the credibility and relevance of information and data gathered when trying to make key decisions. This course examines the responsibilities associated with gathering verifiable information, and using secondary research and evaluation theory for the practical and timely application of workplace decision making. At the heart of decision making is an understanding of the specific stakeholder and audience needs. Likewise, it is essential that factors influencing decision making are effectively documented, shared, and communicated. The focus of this course is not on academic research practices, but on incorporating secondary research mindfully into a variety of workplace situations and written reports.
CMNS 360
3 credits
Advocacy Writing
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including one of the following: CMNS 125, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, CMNS 212, ENGL 105, or MACS 212. CMNS 251 or another second year CMNS course is recommended.
Students will practice advocacy writing at an advanced level. The course focuses on writing persuasive requests, advocacy planning, media planning, implementing strategy, and writing advocacy campaigns for social change. This course will address the writing skills connected to larger social and political issues.
Note: Students will be required to participate in global social media environments.
CMNS 375
3 credits
Understanding Design for Print Publications
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: CMNS 125, 145, 155, 175, or ENGL 105
This course focuses on the theory and practice of document design, typography, and desktop publishing. Students will apply their knowledge in design to a variety of documents including brochures, newsletters, and marketing material.
Note: Students with credit for CMNS 275 cannot take this course for further credit.
CMNS 376
3 credits
Understanding Design for Digital Publications
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: CMNS 125, CMNS 145, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, ENGL 105, MACS 110, or MACS 130. Familiarity with word processing software and the Internet is essential for success in this course.
Note: CIS 145 or familiarity with web standards is recommended.
This course will examine social, cultural, and technological issues relating to the design and distribution of electronic texts. Students will collaborate on a project to build an electronic publication using HTML and CSS for web delivery and the EPUB document standard for display on mobile devices and eReaders.
Note: This course is offered as CMNS 376 and MACS 376. Students may take only one of these for credit.
CMNS 380
3 credits
The Cross-Generational Workplace: Closing the Communications Gap
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CMNS 251
This course is designed to provide students with the skills needed to interact and communicate effectively within a day-to-day workplace environment and build on the potential that a cross-generational workplace can have. The workplace now has at least four generations of employees. Gone are the long-held stereotypes of generational-level expertise. Younger people are bringing technologically advanced skills to the workplace, and experienced older people are working well past traditional retirement age to contribute their intellectual capital. Students will learn how to use a variety of communication strategies to effectively draw on the strengths of a cross-generational work team. This course can be applied to a wide variety of workplace settings.
CMNS 385
3 credits
Language and Action: Seminar in Contemporary Rhetoric
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including one 200-level CMNS or ENGL course.
In this course you will be introduced to and examine major statements on the nature of rhetoric from the classical period to the 21st century; you will then apply these to contemporary rhetorical events in an effort to understand the paradigms governing language use in current social and linguistic environments. Rhetoric always includes study of the ways language serves as a call to action; in this course, the emphasis will be on the ways language acts – in itself, on the user, and on the discourse community.
Note: This course is offered as CMNS 385 and ENGL 385. Students may take only one of these for credit.
CMNS 390
3 credits
Designing User-friendly Guides, Manuals, and Instructions
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CMNS 251.
For CIS program students, CIS 285 is recommended.
Effective end-user documentation, both print and online, requires consideration of several key factors. The focus of this course is on gathering information and on structuring and designing documentation for the needs of the end-users. Students will apply the process for effective documentation to a number of exercises and as part of a collaborative team, design a user-friendly document for a specific group as the term project.
CMNS 399
4 credits
Special Topics in Professional Communications
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CMNS 251 and one CMNS course 300-level and above.
This course involves in-depth examination of a selected topic in communications that is not addressed in current course offerings. Development and application of professional communications skill sets will be stressed. Topics covered will vary from year to year.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
CMNS 412
4 credits
Communications Practicum
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits completed, at least 12 must be from CMNS, of which 9 credits must be 300-level and above, and instructor permission. Students must complete an interview with the faculty liaison including presenting a portfolio of their CMNS work as part of the interview process.
Supervised practical applied experience in community and public relations or professional writing and speaking. Students will have an opportunity to practice skills gained in prerequisite courses and will receive feedback about their competencies from both the instructor and practicum supervisor.
Before starting practicum placements, students must sign a practicum agreement. UFV reserves the right not to place a student into a practicum if, in the opinion of the faculty, the student is not ready to be placed.
Note: Students with credit for CMNS 413 cannot take this course for further credit.
CMNS 420
4 credits
Virtual Team Communication
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including CMNS 251
This course blends face-to-face instruction with virtual learning opportunities to provide students with the strategies, tools, and techniques to become effective and productive virtual team facilitators. Virtual teams have become commonplace for many different working and learning environments. They compete globally to communicate across boundaries, time zones, technologies, cultures, disciplines, and workplace contexts. Today’s virtual teams are complex and require specialized facilitation skills designed to leverage technology, build relationships, manage time, embrace flexibility, and ease anxiety and transitions.
CMNS 430
3 credits
Project Management Communication in Action
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including CMNS 251
This course prepares students, with or without project management experience, to work as collaborative, effective, and efficient project team participants and communicators. Students will practice the process of communication within project management that provides clarity, direction, and team success. Students will be introduced to a variety of project management documents and project team roles. They will also learn how to use a variety of written, oral, and interpersonal communication strategies to enhance the project team experience. This course can be applied to a wide variety of workplace settings and projects.
CMNS 445
4 credits
Facilitating Skills for the Workplace
Prerequisite(s): CMNS 345, or 45 university-level credits including CMNS 235 or CMNS 280
The student will develop and apply approaches to facilitating for diverse group situations and workplace learning communities. Students will develop core competencies for managing learners, teams, groups, and committees. The facilitator provides skills, guides discussions, and encourages the group to reach conclusions.
Note: Some public speaking skills are assumed in this course.
Students with credit for ADED 445 cannot take this course for further credit.
CMNS 465
3 credits
Grant and Proposal Writing
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including one of the following: CMNS 212, CMNS 251, or CMNS 312.
Students will make a persuasive case in grants, proposals, letters of intent, and cover letters. Students will write and design a persuasive case document, research potential donors, prepare a budget, and articulate the ethical dimensions of grants management.
Note: Students will be required to participate in global social media environments.
Note: Students with credit for CMNS 365 cannot take this course for further credit.
CMNS 480
4 credits
Crisis Communications
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including six credits of lower-level MACS and/or CMNS.
Crises are unexpected threats for which response time is short. Their origins can be natural (as with ice storms or tsunamis) or human (as with acts of terrorism or oil spills). This course uses Canadian and foreign examples to explore how to (and how not to) deal with serious challenges to public safety. To do so, it draws on both theoretical and practical approaches to communicating with diverse audiences in crisis situations.
Note: This course is offered as CMNS 480 and MACS 480. Students may take only one of these for credit.
CMNS 490
4 credits
Directed Studies in Communications
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including at least 12 credits of CMNS, of which 9 credits must be 300-level or higher, and written permission of the instructor and the department.
Students will pursue independent study of a communications issue, theme, or problem and apply that research to a workplace-based project. The completed project must display the student’s writing ability, knowledge of audience, and thorough familiarity with the topic area.
