COMM 1000H: Introduction to Communications
An introduction to the study of various aspects of human communication. Consideration of the forms, formats, settings, and infrastructure of communication practices and the communications industry. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to understanding our engagements with various forms of communication.
COMM 1001H: Introduction to Public Speaking
Provides students with an introduction to public speech composition and presentation with an emphasis on techniques for informing and persuading audiences. Students learn the process of researching, writing, and delivering various types of speeches with each major assignment culminating in a presentation.
COMM 2002H: Foundations of Public Relations
Why do some messages get attention while others fall flat? In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of public relations and how to design communication strategies that cut through the noise, capture audience attention, and shape public opinion. You’ll practice creating press releases, collaborating with influencers, crafting social posts, and developing other PR essentials. By the end, you’ll know how to think strategically and communicate persuasively.
COMM 2003H: Becoming Digital: Reading, Writing, and Creating
Provides students with the tools they need to navigate the changes to thought and communication that digital technology has wrought. This course not only offers insight into how technology has changed how we read and write, but also how we change with it. Students also engage in making the digital media/objects they study.
COMM 3003H: Digital Storytelling
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create stories from idea to final product. From podcasts to video essays, mini docs to trend videos, you’ll experiment with the latest formats while mastering timeless storytelling principles. You’ll use design thinking to brainstorm, prototype, and refine creative projects that connect with audiences. You’ll also build technical skills in production and post-production, gaining experience with audio, video, and visual design tools. No experience required.
COMM 3004H: Artificial Intelligence in Communication
Offers students an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly mediates and automates digital communication, media and public relations. The course explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of AI in various communication domains and examines the challenges and ethical implications of the evolving role of AI in communication & media.
COMM/ADMN 3001H: Events Management
An introduction to the field of events management. Students learn about planning and managing events from conception to actualization. Includes topics related to planning, marketing, media relations, budgeting, human resource management, logistics, risk management, sustainability, and post-event analysis. Prerequisite: 7.0 university credits or permission of instructor.
Examples of past projects:
Jab India Meets Nigeria (Fall 2024)
Slumber Smarty Showdown (Winter 2025)
Sip, Snack, Relax (Summer 2025)
COMM 3000Y/4000Y: Interdisciplinary Capstone
In this project-based course, students conduct research on a specific issue or question related to the overall goals of the program. Students are expected to respond to this issue or question by synthesizing their previous learning and experience in the program. Students work in teams and with faculty members and community organizations. Prerequisite: COMM 1000H (or CCTH 1000H), COMM 2000H (or CCTH 2000H), and COIS 3850H; or permission of instructor. Students may take only one of COMM 3000Y or 4000Y for credit.
COMM 4800Y: Field Placement
In the course’s first half, students learn how to find and apply for positions in the Communications field. In the second half, students gain professional experience by working with a partnering organization. The details of each student's placement are determined through consultation with the placement supervisor, the instructor, and the student. Prerequisite: A minimum 70% cumulative average and 10.0 university credits. Open only to students in the Communications program or with permission of the instructor.
Testimonial
“I have more confidence to apply some of my assignments and public speaking experiences into my portfolio. I enjoy the time professors take to talk about their careers outside of academics and some of the tips they give to students on professional expectations.” – Jade Gauthier, Communications student.
