Communication Arts Courses
CO1023 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Credit hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the communication skill of public speaking. The course includes topics such as audience analysis, speech, and critical thinking.
CO1203 Introduction to Communicating
Credit hours: 3
Communication is the product of communicating. This course will examine the foundational components of the process of communicating. Particular attention will be given to understanding the importance of audience and contextual analysis as well as learning about communicating strategies and how to adapt them to specific situations to affect a specific purpose.
CO2013 Linguistics I
Credit hours: 3
This is a general survey course of linguistic concepts and an introduction to the study of word and sentence structure, as well as grammatical and semantic relations.
Crosslisting: LI2013
CO2023 Linguistics II
Credit hours: 3
This course focuses on articulatory phonetics and phonology. It includes practice in the perception, production, and transcription of speech sounds.
Crosslisting: LI2023
CO2113 Introduction to Acting
Credit hours: 3
Acting is a skill that needs to be learned, and the goal of this course is to teach the fundamentals of the acting process. This includes exploring character objectives, situation, and physical/emotional nature. It also includes some basic text analysis and comedic structure. This course will include written assignments, in-class projects, and a final written examination.
Prerequisite: An audition may be required
CO2723 Media and Society
Credit hours: 3
This course examines the social organization of the mass media in contemporary Canadian society, the creation and nature of media content, and audience impact. Special emphasis is placed on advertising content as a mechanism of persuasion.
CO3053 Narrative Theory
Credit hours: 3
This course provides a theoretical foundation for the major in Communication Arts – Theatre. It considers both historical and contemporary perspectives on both the philosophical themes and practical applications of narrative theory as they relate to the process of generating effective communicating.
Crosslisting: EN3053 Prerequisites: CO1203
CO3113 Advanced Acting
Credit hours: 3
This course offers a continuation and more in depth analysis of the acting process and of comedic structure. This course will include written assignments, in-class projects, and a final written examination.
Prerequisites: CO2113 or an audition
CO3133 History of English Drama I
Credit hours: 3
This course is designed to provide both the history of drama as well as insight into practical production techniques. (Generally taught as part of the Oxford Study Programme.)
Crosslisting: EN3213
Prerequisites: CO1203 plus six additional credit hours in Communication Arts
CO3143 History of English Drama II
Credit hours: 3
This course is a continuation of CO3133. (Generally taught as part of the Oxford Study Programme.)
Crosslisting: EN3223
Corequisite: CO3133
CO3213 Language Development
Credit hours: 3
This course examines the sequence of language development throughout the span of humans’ lives. Emphasis will be placed on major theoretical approaches to language development and on related areas such as cognition and literacy.
Crosslisting: ED3343, PS3213 Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1033
CO3413 Interpersonal Communication
Credit hours: 3
This course focuses on the development of communication skills in the dyadic setting, including emphasis on essential preconditions, conflict management, interpersonal relationships, non-verbal behaviour, and creative support climates.
Prerequisites: CO1203
CO3423 Small Group Communication
Credit hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the principles of the small group process as it relates to decision making, problem solving, and negotiating.
Crosslisting: BU3763, ED3473 Prerequisites: CO1203
CO3513, 3523 Directed Studies in Communication Arts
Credit hours: 3
These courses are available for students when their interests and the professor’s expertise allow for a more in-depth tutorial approach. Students must be highly capable and must have completed upper level prerequisite courses in the area of the directed study.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
CO3613 Methods of Communication Research
Credit hours: 3
This course presents the methods and procedures employed in Humanities research which are applied to the field of Communication Arts.
Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1033
CO3713 Elements of Theatre Production
Credit hours: 3
This course has two primary goals: to understand a script and to produce a script. With this in mind, students will be taught to investigate a theatrical text with a producer’s ‘eye’. They will also develop a system of effective implementation for that text from casting, hiring, and running rehearsals, to selling tickets for opening night. Students should walk away with a solid understanding both philosophically and practically of how to stage a theatrical production.
Prerequisites: CO1203
CO3723 Principles of Theatre Directing
Credit hours: 3
This course extends students’ understanding of the theory and practice of directing a dramatic production. It includes both classroom study and on-stage directing experience.
Prerequisites: CO2113, CO3053
CO3773 Communication Disorders
Credit hours: 3
This course surveys the field of human communication disorders. It will commence with a brief examination of the basics of the field including the professions concerned with human communication disorders, definitions of the oral-verbal aspects of communication, and the anatomy and physiology of the human speech mechanism. This will be followed by an introduction to various speech and language disorders. Finally, the course will look specifically at communication differences and disorders of special populations.
Crosslisting: ED3773, PS3773
Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1033 plus six additional credit hours in Communication Arts. CO3213 is recommended.
CO3813 Oral Interpretation
Credit hours: 3
The purpose of this course is to develop vocal technique and to learn how to analyze a text and its relation to voice. Students will learn basic speaking mechanics, warm-up techniques, diction, rhythm, and melody. This will be followed by basic text study including both classic and modern works.
Prerequisites: CO1023 or CO2113 plus six additional credit hours in Communication Arts.
CO3823 Oral Debate and Persuasion
Credit hours: 3
The course examines the forms and procedures of various styles of debating and persuasive speech.
Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1023. Recommended: CO3013.
CO3833 Public Relations
Credit hours: 3
This course explores issues faced by organizations as they seek to communicate effectively with their publics (e.g. shareholders, employees, community groups, etc.). Emphasis is placed upon the development of communication plans and crisis communication management.
Crosslisting: BU3833
Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1033 plus six additional credit hours in Communication Arts.
CO3923 Communication and Canadian Politics
Credit hours: 3
This course examines issues relating to the development of an interaction among elements of political communities with a major emphasis on the realities of contemporary Canadian society. Topics such as the Constitution, Cabinet, federalism, nationalism, separatism, interest groups, conflict of interest, elections, and political parties are covered. Communication within Canadian political culture, institutions, behaviour, and public policy is investigated.
Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1033 plus six additional credit hours in Communication Arts.
CO3933 Effective Writing
Credit hours: 3
This course explores the techniques necessary to produce good critical thought and focused, effective writing. Students will develop their skills by studying relevant theory, analyzing sample works, and writing original works of their own.
Crosslisting: EN3933
Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1033 or EN1013, EN1023
CO4493 Conflict Management
Credit hours: 3
This course investigates the nature of conflict: why it happens and how it can be managed. Drawing on interpersonal-small group theories and skills, the course seeks to understand various types of mediation strategies and approaches to crisis management.
Crosslisting: BU4493 Prerequisite: CO3413 or CO3423
CO4513, 4523 Advanced Directed Studies in Communication Arts
Credit hours: 3
These courses are available for students when their interests and the professor’s expertise allow for a more in-depth tutorial or project approach. Students must be highly capable and must have completed upper level prerequisite courses in the area of the directed study.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
CO4813 Advanced Public Speaking
Credit hours: 3
This course is designed as a capstone course for students interested in continuing the development of their awareness and practice or oral communication. This course introduces students to the theories undergirding oral communication and pays particular attention to the explicit application of communication theory in attempts to communicate in public forums. A significant portion of the course will also challenge students to face contemporary issues in communication ethics.
Prerequisites: CO1013, CO1023, and CO1033. Recommended: CO3813, 3823.
CO4853 Internship
Credit hours: 3
This internship course is designed to provide Communication Arts majors with an opportunity to apply the theories and skills learned in a professional environment. Working closely with an on-site supervisor and a Communication Arts faculty member, students will do a minimum of nine hours of work per week and submit a final essay that connects their knowledge of Communication Arts to their practical experience.
Prerequisite: CO2113
CO4866 Theatre Internship
Credit hours: 6
This 250-hour internship provides students opportunity to work with a supervisor and a faculty member while experiencing and participating in a theatrical production.
Prerequisites: CO2113, CO3053
CO4930 Rosebud School of the Arts – Block Transfer
Credit hours: 30
This course represents the completion of a 30 credit-hour block of transfer credit earned through successfully completing a specialized theatrical program at Rosebud School of the Arts.
Prerequisites: CO2113, CO3053
CO4996 Thesis
Credit hours: 6
Certain exceptional students, upon request prior to the completion of their third year, may be granted permission to write a thesis as an element of their Honours degree requirements.
