uwloo

COMMST 228Public 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 4 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This course introduces a theoretical framework for understanding the nature and significance of public communication. Strategies and techniques typically employed in political and commercial contexts are examined.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Complete 1 of the following
      • Must have completed the following:
      • Complete all of the following
        • The following prerequisites are applicable to students enrolled in a Faculty of Mathematics program
        • Complete 1 of the following
          • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
            • COMMST100 - Interpersonal Communication (0.50)
            • COMMST223 - Public Speaking (0.50)
            • EMLS101 - Oral Communications for Academic Purposes (0.50)
            • EMLS102 - Clear Communication in English Writing (0.50)
            • EMLS129 - Written Academic English (0.50)
            • ENGL109 - Introduction to Academic Writing (0.50)
            • ENGL129 - Written Academic English (0.50)
          • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
    • Students must be in level 2A

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

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 001427646 / 45MW 14:30–15:50
LEC 002890845 / 45MW 11:30–12:50

Reviewed on UW Flow

100% liked it88% easy63% useful

From 4 ratings and 1 comment on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Yay I'm the first person to review this course! This course was not what I was expecting, it is more about the theories of public communication with a focus on framing, ideology, and race. I'm not complaining, just not what I was expecting. I took it with Kevin Carey, and he is super nice and chill. We had some in class written assignments but not for grades, and would have group discussions which were fun. We had a group in class essay for a midterm and final about the readings, which was not hard either. My only complaint is that nothing is marked so you have no idea what grade you have (which is kinda a big complaint). Overall I would recommend!

    Nov 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

4 posts and comments in 3 threads mention COMMST 228, August 2023 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.

Fall 2024

COMMST 225, 227 or 228 1 point, 1 comment

u/anonim0791: “Which one out of COMMST 225, 227 or 228 would you recommend and why? Thank you”

u/chacketplub: “I'd say go for COMMST 228 if you're looking for a mix of fun and useful skills. Plus, you never know when you'll need to smooth-talk your way out of a sticky situation!”

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Fall 2023

Bird bird communication course 1 point, 1 comment

u/serenelmuss314: “… List 2: Second Course The second course must be chosen from one of the following: Any additional course from List 1 COMMST 225 Interviewing COMMST 227 Leadership COMMST 228 Public Communication EMLS 103R Effective English Pronunciation EMLS 104R Reading and Listening for …”

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Spring 2023

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar