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COMMST 101Theories of Communication

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
Communication Studies

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This is an introductory course addressing the major theoretical issues in, approaches to, and applications of communication. Theories from various branches of communication, including interpersonal, group/organizational, rhetorical, mass and cultural, will be explored in-depth. Historical, current, and practical critiques of each theory will be conducted. Coursework is designed to encourage students to give critical consideration to the place of theory within the field of Speech Communication and within everyday life.

Prerequisites

None listed.

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 0813879199 / 200Online or by arrangement

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 00137050 / 150TTh 16:00–17:20
LEC 701143143 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Reviewed on UW Flow

67% liked it54% easy64% useful

From 15 ratings and 3 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • It had a lot of concepts that connect to other courses in the Arts department, so if you're an Arts student looking for a good breadth requirement or if you want to major in Communications, I highly recommend it. The co-operative work was surprisingly easy. Like the prof said, if you show up to every class you'll have no trouble getting a good mark.

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • content was really interesting, kinda hard to follow at times so make some friends in this class especially if you have rob. hes really funny but doesnt post anything on learn so show up to class; otherwise "youre cooked" - rob

    Aug 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • I took this class with Dr. Svec in Fall 2023. The course got more interesting (and more manageable) as it went along, so prepare to stick it out. I liked the layout of the course: no final exam, two application logs worth 20%, two term tests worth 25%, and weekly written reflections worth 10% (2% x 5). If you're a COMMST, CADP, THPERF, or ENGL major, you'll particularly enjoy the course content. If you're in another major you should consider your workload before enrolling as it is a heavy course in regards to readings and complex material, but it is worth it because of the engaging discussions.

    Dec 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

One post or comment in 1 thread mentions COMMST 101, August 2024 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Spring 2024

COMMST 101- Course review? 3 points, 0 comments

u/confusedmhdolphin: “… Couldn't find the syllabus of this course nor many reviews for COMMST 101 - Theories of Communication, the course I finally ended up enrolling in. Could someone give me an overview of the topics and feelings about this course? …”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar