FAQ's

Can I get a diploma or certificate in Communications?

Douglas College does not currently offer a diploma or certificate program in Communications.

Why should I take written Communications courses?

To enhance your written, oral, and interpersonal skills in workplace and personal settings.

To meet the requirements of some programs at the College or (as designated) to apply them towards university degree studies.

Why should I take interpersonal Communications courses?

To enhance interpersonal effectiveness in one-to-one and group settings.

To learn how to manage interpersonal conflict in personal and workplace settings.

Who takes courses in multicultural/intercultural Communications?

Anyone who wants to develop constructive relationships in multicultural personal and workplace settings.

Will the oral communications course help me overcome my fear of speaking in public?

It will help you to manage your fears, as you will have opportunities to practise public speaking and develop vocal, verbal, and nonverbal speech delivery skills.

When should I take a Communications course that's required for my program?

Please refer to your program's sequence of courses.

* For written communications courses, CMNS 1105 is recommended, as needed, as a preparatory course for CMNS 1110, CMNS 1111 or CMNS 1115. (For information on any of these courses go to the Calendar.)

What if I already have the knowledge or experience covered in a course?

Check with Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) to determine whether you can gain credit for your knowledge or experience in the subject area.

If I've taken a similar course before, how can I find out if I can get credit for an equivalent Communications course?

You may be able to get credit for the course you've taken. See the Transfer Credit section of the College Calendar for details.

How do I find out if a course has college- or university-transfer credit?

For the most current information, visit the BCCAT (BC Council on Admissions and Transfer) Web site.

Where can I find specific course descriptions?

Go to the Communications course section of the Douglas College Calendar.

At the New Westminster Campus, come up to the Communications Field Base (Room 3300) to obtain information sheets on Communications courses.

How are students evaluated in Communications courses?

Evaluation varies depending upon the course. Evaluations might include written assignments, quizzes, research papers, video/audio tape projects or oral presentations.

Are there prerequisites for other Communications courses?

Yes, there are prerequisites for some courses. Review the information on individual courses at the College Calendar.

Are Communications courses prerequisites for other courses?

Some programs require that you take certain Communications courses. You should check your program's requirements.

I need to improve or upgrade my written, oral, or interpersonal communications skills in my current work situation. What courses should I take?

For written communications courses, you'll need to take an Assessment Test to help determine the best course for you. For other Communications courses, refer to the course descriptions, or you might want to speak with the course instructor to help you select the most suitable course.

How does the writing assessment work? Is it pass/fail?

Please consult with the Assessment Centre for details.

Do I need to follow the advice given by the Assessment Test?

It is strongly recommended that you follow the advice you receive as it will likely help to make your learning a more enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Please refer to the Assessment Centre for more details.

How are written Communication courses different from English writing courses?

Written communication courses focus on workplace and business settings, while English courses are geared toward academic writing.

Will a Communications course help me with unruly customers/clients? Supervisor/peers at work?

Interpersonal courses will offer you tools to manage yourself and others during situations of conflict. Many of these courses focus on workplace settings.

If the course is full, how do I get a place in it?

You should see the instructor of the course and get yourself on the wait-list for the course.

If a section of a course is restricted to students from a particular program, can I still register for it?

Yes and No. If you are not a student in that particular program, you normally cannot register for that section of the course. However, if there is another section of the course that is not restricted and you meet the prerequisites, you may enroll in it. Do note, however, that the program restriction on some sections is lifted on a date identified on the course listing in your registration material. You may register in such sections after that date.