CMNS 1161 - Introduction to Communications

Delivery Online, self-paced

Course Description

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.

Learning outcomes

Explain the key terms and assumptions from a range of communication theories in multiple contexts, including organizational, interpersonal, mass media, and culture and diversity.
Apply communication theories to interpret and illuminate particular communication scenarios and challenges.
Assess critically and compare the potential and limitations of particular communication theories.

Course topics

Unit 1: Introduction to Communications and the Process Model
Unit 2: Perception
Unit 3: Verbal Communication
Unit 4: Nonverbal Communication
Unit 5: Interpersonal Communication
Unit 6: Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Unit 7: Self and Identity
Unit 8: Group Communication
Unit 9: Public Speaking
Unit 10: Informative and Persuasive Speaking
Unit 11: Listening
Unit 12: Pop Culture and Mass Media

Required text and materials

There is no required textbook to purchase. All materials will be provided within the course.

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

Assignment 1: Media Influences on Perception	11%
Assignment 2: Johari Window	11%
Assignment 3: Cybervetting and Online Identity – A Self-Assessment	11%
Assignment 4: Online PechaKucha	11%
12 Unit Quizzes	36%
Mandatory Final Exam	20%
Total	100%

Recommended requisite(s)

Completion of BC grade 12 or equivalent.

Exclusions

CMNS 1160

Enrol now - select a section to enrol in

CMNS 1161 - 71207

Start: Any Time

Online, self-paced

Available

Introduction to Communications

Any Time (30 weeks duration)

Online, self-paced

Canadian in BC/YT non-credit	$837.62	Click here to get more information
Canadian outside BC/YT non-credit	$946.70	Click here to get more information
International Student non-credit	$1,661.15	Click here to get more information

3 credits

Open Learning faculty member information

An Open Learning faculty member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.