News and events

CPCF Meets Prospective Students at the Ontario Universities Fair

Wednesday, October 01, 2025 | By pmcilroy
This past weekend, the Ontario Universities Fair was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. OUF is the main recruiting event for Brock University, as the two-day event draws over 80,000 prospective students and their families annually, and CPCF was well represented.

Staff, faculty, and student representatives promoted our Communication and Film programs. It is always a great opportunity for CPCF to meet prospective students and share how our programs offer fresh, relevant ways to understand the world we live in. Department Chair Dr. Derek Foster was there to share his enthusiasm and “looks forward to seeing many more potential CPCF students at Brock’s Fall Preview Day on Sunday, November 2nd.”

If you are interested in the programs offered by the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film, have a look at the courses offered here.
Tags: Communication Studies, CPCF, Film Studies, Media Studies, OUF
Categories: News
Professor Joan Nicks Returns to the Niagara Falls Museum for the Fall Film Series

Monday, September 22, 2025 | By pmcilroy

Over 10 years ago, CPCF’s Adjunct Professor Joan Nicks was approached by the Niagara Falls History Museum to program a public film series, and today it is still going strong. Professor Nicks curates two series a year, one in the fall and one in the winter. On September 25th, the newest series begins with “Borders – Crossing the Line North and South.”

Each series has its own theme. This fall, it is “borders” and how particular genres, from westerns to crime films, characterize border themes. Professor Nicks explains that it “fits today’s social and cultural currents of unstable borders, something people in the Niagara Region understand directly.”

Every film receives an introduction from Professor Nicks, followed by a lively discussion with the audience. “Museum audiences are very engaged,” Professor Nicks explains. “Many are regulars from the get-go. Some are first-timers discovering a particular series (and, in some cases, the Museum) for the first time. What they all share is an appetite for a special movie-going experience.”

The first film in the series is The Grey Fox (Phillip Borsos, 1982). The film is about an aging stagecoach robber who crosses into British Columbia to rob trains and finds romance. For the full line-up and to purchase tickets, check out the Museum’s website. Films are free with a museum membership or $5 at the door.

Tags: CPCF, Film Studies, Niagara Region
Categories: News
Team CPCF represents at 2025 Homecoming Grape Stomp

Monday, September 22, 2025 | By pmcilroy
On Friday, September 19, nearly 300 students and alumni participated in Brock’s Homecoming Grape Stomp! It has been hailed as one of the best university traditions in Canada by University Affairs magazine. And CPCF was well-represented by some enthusiastic students.

Organized by Professor Karen Louise Smith, students were encouraged to “Join Team CPCF.” Those who did received a clean white T-shirt before the festivities that would soon become a stained souvenir from the event. The students piled into Jubilee Court and, using two metric tonnes of Concord grapes — donated by Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in Jordan — slid and stomped to show their Brock spirit.

Thanks to Professor Smith and everyone who participated in the event. Check out the photos to see the messy fun.
Tags: CPCF, Grape Stomp, Homecoming, Homecoming 2025, Homecoming Weekend, Student Life
Categories: Events
Professor Anthony Kinik Participates in Terry Fox Run

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | By pmcilroy

On September 14, 2025, CPCF professor Anthony Kinik participated in the Terry Fox Run in St. Catharines, Ontario. A tradition for Professor Kinik, he runs in honour of his father, John Kinik. He explains that his father “started jogging in his 30s as part of the jogging craze of the 1970s, continued running for nearly 40 years after that, and… instilled a love of jogging in me when I was just a kid.”

The goal for this year was $2,479. Professor Kinik explains, “My father died of cancer 17 years ago. This year, he would have been 87 years old. As a result, my personal goal was to raise $2,479 (17 × 87 + 1,000).”

However, this year’s run had additional meaning for Professor Kinik. He recently became the director of the Centre for Canadian Studies at Brock University. “Canadian icons like Terry Fox are an important part of our curriculum, so it made sense to start a team to honour him and his remarkable Marathon of Hope, and to further help with the cause.” CANA is the code used for Canadian Studies courses, so the team name is “Yes We CANA.”

A huge congratulations to all involved. Not only did Yes We CANA end up raising over $3,500, but Professor Kinik also surpassed his personal goal, raising over $2,500.

If you would like to donate or get involved with the Terry Fox Foundation, [click here].

Tags: CANA, Canadian Studies, Charity, CPCF, Terry Fox
Categories: News
A Guest Lecture from CPCF Alum Paige Johnson-Serjue

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | By pmcilroy

Paige Johnson-Serjue is the first guest speaker of the semester in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film’s Internship in Communication course. As a CPCF alum, best-selling author, and award-winning marketing strategist, she returns with a message for the COMM 4F00 students: your story matters. Speaking about forging her own path, she explains, “Who you are will get you further. Your story is more important than any resume.”

Johnson-Serjue works with parent-focused brands and entrepreneurs, helping them craft authentic marketing strategies and build meaningful connections. Through her company, PG Marketing, she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in digital marketing. Sharing her unique voice, and helping companies find their own, has made her a sought-after consultant in her field.

As the Communication students examine the history of work, identity, and ethnography, Johnson-Serjue encourages them to think about how they view their careers. She reminds them that understanding their own voice is key to plotting their own path. By embracing their genuine identities and stories, students can challenge traditional notions of work and create spaces where they not only succeed but also make meaningful impact. She explains, “When jobs tell you you have no experience, flip that around and let them know that you have the educational background and you’re part of the generation they’re selling to.”

When speaking about her past, her time at Brock, and the people she now works with, a major theme Johnson-Serjue returns to is community. She urges students to build connections among each other because, as she reminds them, “you are not alone in this.”

Tags: alumni, CPCF, internship
Categories: Events
Welcome New and Returning CPCF Students!

Thursday, September 04, 2025 | By pmcilroy
The Department of Communication, Popular Culture, and Film is excited to welcome new and returning students for the 2025/2026 academic year at Brock University.

At a new student orientation session, Dr. Derek Foster, Dr. Tim Dun, and Dr. Anthony Kinik commended the students for choosing Brock as a point of stability in an increasingly unpredictable world.

They reiterated the importance of media literacy, communication, and the understanding of visual language in an era of video saturation, AI intrusion, and unprecedented trade wars.

Thank you to Koreen McCullough for all the amazing work she did to coordinate and facilitate this event. For information on Academic Advising, email [email protected]
Congratulations to our new CPCF graduates!

Wednesday, July 02, 2025 | By Janine Duff
Congratulations to all the CPCF graduates who crossed the Convocation stage this spring!

Your passion, dedication and hard work have paid off. We are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished during your time at Brock University, and we can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you.

Check out the full 2025 Spring Convocation gallery on the Brock University Facebook page.
Categories: Events, News
2025 CPCF Spring Courses

Friday, February 28, 2025 | By Janine Duff
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 Connor Wilkes

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!”
Memorial for Dr. Laura Wiebe

Thursday, January 16, 2025 | By Connor Wilkes

On August 16^th, 2022, the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film lost a former professor, student, and friend Dr. Laura Wiebe after a battle with cancer.

Dr. Laura Wiebe was not only a beloved student and professor here in the CPCF Department, but also a beacon of kindness and compassion. Her dedication to her students and her love of animals (especially cats!), heavy metal, horror films and basketball were well-known and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In her final lecture, she left us with a powerful message: “Always be kind to each other.” These words continue to resonate deeply within our community.

In honour of Dr. Wiebe’s enduring legacy, we are creating a special memorial space on campus. This space will not only celebrate her contributions to academia but also serve as a sanctuary for reflection, kindness, and the joy she found in her friends. It will be a place where students, faculty, and visitors can come together to remember her and be inspired by her example.

To bring this vision to life, we need your support. Your generous donation will help us create a beautiful and meaningful space that truly reflects Dr. Wiebe’s spirit. Every donation will make a significant impact.

Together, we can create a lasting tribute to Laura, ensuring her legacy of kindness continues to inspire future generations.

Link to donations.