Articles from:February 2025

  • 2025 CPCF Spring Courses

    Friday, February 28, 2025 | By

    Students walking outside on Brock University's main campus.

    Whether you want to jump on the fast track to graduation, reduce next year’s course load, satisfy a program requirement or pick up an elective, Brock’s Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film is offering Spring courses to help you advance your area of study and explore topics of interest.

    Course Spotlight: Nonverbal Communication (COMM 2P96)

    ONM – ONLINE MIXED

    How much of what we’re thinking and feeling is communicated without saying a word? In this course, you’ll decode the hidden language of nonverbal cues and gain greater insight into how people manage conversations and relationships across the channels of communication that escape our everyday attention.

    • Examine how body language, facial gestures, clothing, tone of voice, proximity and other nonverbal cues convey emotions and intentions.
    • Develop a deeper understanding of how you can tap into the power of nonverbal communication to support your personal and professional pursuits.
    • Explore how nonverbal communication influences significant moments such as job interviews, first dates, boardroom negotiations, courtroom trials and police interrogations.

    Recommended for Business Communication and Media Communication students looking to fulfill a third year COMM 290+ requirement.

    Prerequisite(s): COMM 1P91 and COMM 1P92 (COMM 1F90) or permission of the department. Please email [email protected] to request permission.

    This course may also be of interest to students in Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, LawPlus and Business.

    Other Spring CPCF Courses

    • FILM 1F94: Introduction to Film Studies

    Learn more about our Spring COMM courses and FILM courses.

    Registration opens March 5!

    For more information or to register for Brock’s Spring/Summer courses, visit brocku.ca/springsummer

    Categories: News

  • CPCF Grad Spotlight!

    Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | By

    Today we are featuring CPCF graduate Devon Ainslie.

    Devon graduated from CPCF in 2017 with a degree in Media and Communications Studies with a Concentration in Digital Culture. She currently working for the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) as the Senior Communications Associate. In this role, Devon oversees the strategic direction of ICES social media channels, website strategy, and builds relationships with internal departments to advance new communication initiatives and projects with community partners.

    “As a transfer student, I really enjoyed the interdisciplinary courses and variety of courses in the CPCF department. There is course content that is still relevant to me today at work and has been assisting me with current projects. I studied abroad in Scotland which gave me a whole new perspective on media in other parts of the world. The internship course was of particular interest as well, it allowed me to discover the area of communications I wanted to focus on and gave me everlasting partnerships and connections.

    During my time at Brock, I interned with McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences Public Relations Office, which propelled my interest in health communications. After my internship ended and I graduated, I took time off and a break from school to travel (highly recommend if you get the opportunity). I then started at McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Regional Campus as the Communications Assistant where I was immersed in all aspects of media/communications, design, event planning and social media content creation. It was a wonderful experience and allowed me to build a solid foundation of many different areas. I was also able to mentor my own CPCF intern to give her the experience to propel her forward.

    My advice to current students would be to stay curious and adaptable – health communications is a dynamic field that’s always evolving. It’s important to build a strong foundation of both technical skills (writing, social media management, data analysis, project management) and soft skills (like empathy, active listening, creativity, and time management). Don’t underestimate the power of networking – seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or roles that have an emphasis on health communications and connect with individuals already within that field. Build a strong foundation with storytelling – whether you’re sharing research findings, promoting health initiatives or creating social media messaging, it is important to frame your message in a way that resonates with your audience. Finally, use your creativity to think outside of the box. Health communications often involve navigating complex issues, crises, and engaging with the public. Ensure your ideas are innovative, current and fresh will be the key to engaging people effectively. Stay open, keep learning, and take every opportunity you can to grow!”