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 120
4 credits
Communicating in University
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: C in English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or English 12; CPT score of 47; or evidence of any test score or course grade listed under the Degree/diploma-level English language proficiency standards in the UFV academic calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar/Winter-Summer-2021/General/EnglishProficiency.htm.
In this writing course, students focus on research, writing, and speaking skills within their particular disciplines. Students will learn how to identify a research problem, design a related project, and produce an academic essay or report. They will also use the research to construct a new message for a popular or workplace audience. Students will gain skills to communicate effectively with professors and professionals.
CMNS 125
3 credits
Communicating Professionally to Academic and Workplace Audiences
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: C+ or better in English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or English 12; CPT score of 48; or evidence of any test score or course grade listed under the Degree/diploma-level English language proficiency standards in the UFV academic calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar/Winter-Summer-2021/General/EnglishProficiency.htm.
This course introduces the theory and practice of professional communications for academic and workplace audiences. Emphasis is on the communication process, and on direct, indirect, and persuasive messages and presentations. Research, citation/documentation styles, document design and electronic messaging are also studied and practiced.
Note: Students with credit for CMNS 155 cannot take this course for further credit.
CMNS 126
3 credits
Communicating Visually in Organizations
Prerequisite(s): None.
Introduces the fundamentals of visual communication including psychological and physiological image perception, psychology of color, and principles of effective composition applied to the context of organizational communication. Students will practice using these theoretical guidelines in hands-on projects involving photography, video, computer graphics, and interactive design.
CMNS 140
3 credits
Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: C+ or better in English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or English 12; CPT score of 48; or evidence of any test score or course grade listed under the Degree/diploma-level English language proficiency standards in the UFV academic calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar/Winter-Summer-2021/General/EnglishProficiency.htm.
An introductory course focusing on interpersonal communication primarily between two people and within small groups. Students will reflect on how their own behaviours and responses affect others. Basic skills for workplace contexts, including customer/client relationships, will be practiced and applied.
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 175
3 credits
Writing for the Internet
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: C+ or better in English 12, CPT score of 48, or evidence of any test score or course grade listed under the Degree/diploma-level English language proficiency standards in the UFV academic calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar/Winter-Summer-2021/General/EnglishProficiency.htm.
An introduction to the theory and practice of writing professionally for the Internet. Students will study the particular challenges posed by digital communication and explore approaches and technologies that make possible effective communication to a networked audience.
Note: Students will be required to participate in global social media environments.
CMNS 180
3 credits
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Prerequisite(s): None.
Students explore theory and practice relating to cross-cultural knowledge, awareness, and understanding; investigate similarities and differences among their own and other worldviews and identities; practice verbal and non-verbal 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
3 credits
Multimedia Journalism
Prerequisite(s): CMNS 300/JRNL 300 or 45 university-level credits including one of CMNS 125, CMNS 155, CMNS 175, or ENGL 105.
Note: As of September 2021, prerequisites will change to the following: CMNS 300/JRNL 300 and one of CMNS 126, VA 119, VA 160, VA 180, FILM 260, or GD 281.
Note: Students who have taken MACS 235 or ENGL 215, or have experience in journalistic writing, can request instructor approval.
Students will apply foundational skills of researching, interviewing, and writing to the three most common digital reporting formats – photography, videography and sound. The course emphasizes adapting the tools and capabilities of digital technologies to produce examples of professionally crafted journalistic storytelling.
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
3 credits
Editing Principles and Applications
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CMNS 251.
Students will examine the types, principles, and processes of editing in a variety of contexts: journalistic, academic, technical, and business. Paying particular attention to the practice of editing in the online environment, students will gain sufficient understanding and practice to work as independent editors 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
Research in Organizations
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits, including CMNS 251.
Students will learn theoretical approaches to communications in organizational research. They will identify primary and secondary data sources and conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses. They will examine how to document and apply research ethically in various organizational contexts for a variety of stakeholders and audiences. Students will not conduct primary research using human subjects but will create a research plan.
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
Communicating in the Cross-Generational Workplace
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CMNS 251.
This course is designed to provide students with the skills needed to interact and communicate within a day-to-day workplace environment and build on the potential of a cross-generational workplace. Students will learn how to use a variety of communication strategies from various world views to effectively draw on the strengths of a cross-generational team, in a variety of Canadian workplace contexts.
CMNS 385
3 credits
Language as Persuasion; Communications Theory in Action
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including one 200-level CMNS, ENGL, MACS, or PHIL course.
Students will analyze the ways language is persuasive in the world around them. Students are introduced to a variety of communications/rhetorical theories and will use them to analyze the means of persuasion in diverse contemporary contexts such as advertising, social media, graffiti, and social movements.
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 one of the following: CMNS 235, CMNS 251, or CMNS 280.
Virtual teams are used globally to communicate across boundaries, time zones, technologies, cultures, disciplines, and professional contexts. This course blends face-to-face instruction with virtual learning to connect students with the specialized strategies, technologies, tools, and methods to facilitate virtual teams.
Note: Students will be required to participate in global social media environments.
CMNS 430
3 credits
Communication for Project Management
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CMNS 251.
This course prepares students to communicate as collaborative, effective, and efficient project team leaders and participants. Students will be introduced to a variety of project management documents and team roles, and will learn written, oral, and interpersonal communication strategies that enhance project success and team experience.
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.
