Graduate Certificate in Television Writing and Producing

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, you will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world.

Founded in 1972, the program has consistently produced many of the most successful commercial and jazz musicians in Canada and the world. With more than 350 students and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, our program is one of the largest, most diverse and highly regarded programs of its kind in the country. Long known for the strength of its professors, Humber offers you the opportunity to study privately, in classroom situations, and in several of the more than 50 ensembles directed by a who’s who of Canadian music. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop.

After two years of core music courses, you will continue with lessons on your major instrument, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology or pedagogy.

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music.
In addition, you will take courses in music history, theory, aural training and improvisation, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles.

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform, compose, produce music at a professional level for entry to the competitive, global music industry.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse musical styles and contextualize themselves within contemporary music history: specifically defined as the idioms of African American musical genres, mainstream pop music, country/folk music, Latin music, music for musicals and film, art music and jazz.
• Demonstrate, through performance and composition, a technical and musical mastery of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic structures.
• Demonstrate, through performance, an extensive knowledge of contemporary musical repertoire and apply appropriate performance skills in diverse music contexts.
• Compose and arrange in a broad range of contemporary music styles.
• Prepare and present a portfolio of recorded material reflecting a broad range of styles.
• Record, edit and produce a broad range of contemporary music.
• Apply computer applications/music technology skills in composition, arranging and production.
• Critically analyze and evaluate sound recordings and describe their production characteristics.
• Demonstrate, through production and performance, organizational, project management, and implementation skills.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of contract law, copyright law, intellectual property rights, royalties, and rules of public domain.
• Make use of entrepreneurial music business skills to engage in the competitive contemporary music industry.
• Demonstrate professional “freelance” etiquette relating to job seeking and keeping skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to research and present findings from primary and secondary sources.
• Formulate, articulate and present their own ideas about music, art and society through discussion and writings.
• Demonstrate an artistic awareness and understanding of musical aesthetics.
• Assess personal strengths, musical and business skills, knowledge, artistic vision, interests, and abilities.

Work Placement

• You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

Humber’s Addictions and Mental Health graduate certificate program will empower you with the knowledge and skills you need for a rewarding career. Learn to deliver responsive, culturally relevant, client-centered assessment and support services to diverse individuals and groups. Practise ways to effectively collaborate and transform lives as a valuable part of a professional support team.

You will acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities required by front-line workers in order to deliver effective addictions and mental health services while promoting empowerment, self-determination and optimum quality of life to individuals with addictions and mental health issues.

Recovery principles, empowerment practice, and the impact of early and ongoing trauma in the lives of individuals across the lifespan are examined in the curriculum.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Analyze and apply current knowledge and services in the addictions and mental health fields using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework.
• Provide and evaluate holistic, client-centred, gender-based, and culturally relevant assessments and interventions to individuals, groups and families within social and cultural contexts across the lifespan.
• Integrate skills and knowledge from a range of frameworks and contexts in addictions, mental health and concurrent disorders to provide non-biased services to women and those from diverse and varied populations.
• Educate individuals, families, groups and the community regarding issues and approaches through knowledge translation, knowledge exchange and the dissemination of relevant and current research and practice via formal and informal education.
• Access, utilize and advocate for culturally sensitive community supports and services for individuals, families and the community.
• Actively participate in and contribute to, relevant networks, groups and organizations promoting development, improvement and advancement in the fields of addictions and mental health.
• Work collaboratively within interprofessional teams providing ethical, effective, timely, and coordinated holistic services.
• Practice ethical and responsible behaviour in all aspects of work.
• Research and integrate the contribution and the participation of the client, family, and community as partners in designing and implementing care and services.

Work Placement
Use and sharpen new skills while gaining crucial on-the-job work experience during a mandatory field placement that takes place in Semester 3. The field placement, which is typically unpaid, is arranged with the assistance of a field placement co-ordinator.

You will have an opportunity to provide evidence-informed, client-based and educational services to diverse individuals and groups experiencing addictions and mental health related challenges.

Humber’s Public Administration graduate certificate program is the first of its kind in Canada providing all of the knowledge, skills and experience graduates need to become successful public service employees. Designed and taught by public administration professionals, this program is your key to succeeding quickly in a public sector job. You will receive advanced training in communications, policy analysis, project management, information technology, public finance, governance, leadership and human resources management. Experienced faculty, most of whom currently work in the public sector, will guide you through the core of the curriculum, with guest speakers addressing specific topical issues. The practical, skills-based curriculum provides the foundation for long-term career success by exposing you to the primary activities of public administration and by providing networking opportunities with civil servants from across the sector.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Describe the machinery of government in Canada, including the roles and responsibilities of executives, legislatures and the judiciary, as well as the relationships between all levels of government.
• Define ethics and values which are key to public administration and explain how they apply at all levels of public administration.
• Explore and compare public administration practices found in industrialized countries, especially member states of the European Union and the United States.
• Discuss current issues affecting Canadian public administration and examine how those issues are managed from a public management perspective.
• Discuss key elements of strategic planning processes and examine how these apply to public administration.
• Understand and relate to governments from two perspectives: as business entities with strategic plans, budgets, and core businesses; and as organizations composed of complex human behaviour.
• Explain key economic and finance concepts such as externalities, public and private goods, deficit financing, debt repayment, and fiscal federalism.
• Demonstrate how governments plan, manage and report on the collection and expenditure of public funds.
• Discuss information technology and software applications used in public administration as well as current information technology issues faced by public sector IT managers.
• Prepare and manage human resources in public administration, including the preparation of HR plans, recruitment and selection processes, supervisory skills, negotiating skills and conflict resolution skills.
• Describe the role that communications plays in the public sector and work with stakeholders and partners to meet the information needs of the public, the media, political staff and the bureaucracy.
• Examine how governments develop, implement and evaluate programs in general and learn how to use specific research and analysis tools to contribute to that process in particular.
• Identify the methodological and conceptual issues associated with evaluating and maintaining quality services in the public sector.
• Identify the skills and knowledge required by project managers and project management teams in the public sector.
• Understand and fulfill leadership responsibilities in the public sector by assessing individual leadership traits and behaviours and apply this understanding to the broader theories and concepts of leadership.
• Understand, contribute to, and manage partnerships in the public sector, broadly defined.

Work Placement

• You will gain on-the-job work experience with an eight-week (minimum) work placement within the public sector. With faculty support, you will find placements with an appropriate organization.

Humber’s Bachelor of Behavioural Science degree program provides you with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for in-depth work in the behavioural science field with individuals throughout the lifespan. The program is firmly grounded in the theory, principles and practices of behavioural science (applied behaviour analysis and cognitive behavioural approaches) and psychology. Applied behavioural analysis uses behavioural rules in everyday situations to help people change their behaviour to improve quality of life. The program focuses on data obtained through observation as it investigates behaviour, cognitive events and the influence of envronmental factors on behaviour.

Courses in the first two years of the program provide a strong foundation in behaviour analytic approaches, psychology, research and ethics, while highlighting specific special populations. This is followed in the final two years with further in-depth study of ethics and professionalism, individual and group counselling, issues in behavioural psychology, further special populations, and two courses of senior thesis work. Overall, the program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, interprofessional practice and leadership. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Critically review and utilize research and evidence in behavioural assessment, intervention and education.
• Analyze and review current theories, treatment options, and professional practices in Behavioural Science and general psychology.
• Examine and explain the application of Behavioural Science with specific populations.
• Design, implement and present single subject research.
• Research, analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative information in Behavioural Science within the wider context of clinical psychology and pharmacology.
• Apply theories and best practices for individual and group counselling in a behavioural context.
• Integrate and deliver behavioural services within a wide range of community settings including social, health and educational.
• Design, conduct and analyze behavioural and cognitive behavioural assessments.
• Propose, design, write and evaluate, utilizing behavioural measures, behavioural and cognitive behavioural interventions for a variety of client groups.
• Plan, co-facilitate and evaluate cognitive behavioural groups.
• Design and deliver educational material using a variety of modes, utilizing principles of adult education and knowledge translation.
• Write professional-style reports, behavior assessment and intervention plans, and educational materials.
• Teach mediators to implement assessment and intervention plans, and educational materials.
• Explain and teach behavioural concepts using accessible language and/or terminology depending on the needs of the learner, colleague, client or other stakeholder.
• Deliver professional services according to ethical guidelines within the scope of practice.
• Acknowledge the limits of knowledge in the field of behavioural science through professional practices and academic writing.
• Work collaboratively within an inter-professional team to deliver behavioural services to a variety of clients.
• Practice leadership and adult education principles to contribute to the development of the field of behavioural science and organizational development.
• Manage and direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills, knowledge and attitudes.

From resolving community disputes, labour grievances and employment-standards complaints to representing clients in the civil justice system, our well-rounded Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) graduate certificate program benefits those wanting to be better conflict resolution facilitators, as well as agents representing parties in various dispute resolution processes.

With a core curriculum spanning community mediation, administrative tribunals, labour law, family law, conflict resolution in healthcare and conflict management system design, the program uses intensive workshop training and community engagement to teach the core principles of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Applying these principles, participants learn to resolve disputes between individuals, businesses, stakeholders in the health sector, government agencies and within families.

It is an ideal program for recent university graduates wanting to enhance their academic credentials, as well as those currently employed in areas such as law, human resources, healthcare, education, social work, real estate and government. Students have the opportunity to apply the theory and skills they’ve learned at Humber's on-campus Dispute Resolution Clinic. Students gain practical experience through a mandatory four-week work placement (160 hours).

Humber’s Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program supports you as you learn and practise the craft of writing while building a professional portfolio. This unique program provides you with the core transferrable skills you need to build a successful career in a variety of communications roles. Building on foundational skills such as storytelling, drafting, editing, pitching, interviewing and research, you will build proficiency in areas such as media writing, social media management, project management and design.

With a focus on writing for different audiences and purposes, as well as using current technologies to maximize the impact of your message, you will be well-positioned to enter the workplace with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a professional writer/communications specialist across a variety of sectors. You will also learn how to think strategically in preparation for taking on leadership positions within communications departments or starting your own freelance writing business.

The program will create a community of writers and support collaboration, networking, professional development and publication.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Analyze the elements of storytelling in texts and choose appropriate narrative techniques and forms for a variety of writing projects.
• Create documents suitable for a diversity of audiences and purposes using advanced linguistic and rhetorical skills.
• Create documents that adhere to standards of structure/formatting for standard print and electronic forms such as informational articles, reports, blog posts, and web site copy, and strategically repurpose content across these forms.
• Integrate new communications technologies into an existing media toolkit.
• Manage a multifaceted editorial project or communications campaign from the planning stages through completion, using a team-oriented, collaborative leadership style.
• Adapt a consistent, unique writing voice to different platforms and genres.
• Assess the needs of complex communications campaigns and then select and deploy appropriate strategies to meet those needs, using knowledge of communications theory and audience analysis.
• Produce and/or edit error-free publications for both print and on-line environments, through the use of grammar and mechanical rules, correct and relevant editorial terminology, and copy-writing and style guides.
• Analyze the structure and mechanics of a variety of document forms, both electronic and print, and apply substantive, line-level, and copyediting revisions as appropriate.
• Analyze the media landscape and the range of communications fields to plan ways to navigate the industry and market oneself.
• Create an online portfolio and social media profile to market writing skills to potential employers and freelance clients.
• Select suitable and credible research sources for strategic applications to a range of advanced communication challenges.

Humber’s Bachelor of Community Development degree program offers a unique blend of theory and practice-based experience. Students learn how to work effectively in communities, how to build capacity for change, lead projects and advocate for people who face barriers to living a full and productive life. 

The first year of the program is comprised of a common platform of courses that includes psychology, sociology, human rights, interpersonal communication, counselling and ethics. The second year of study immerses students in the field of community development including foundational courses which explore leadership and advocacy. The final two years of the program provide in-depth study of program development and evaluation, advanced issues in community development, social movements, community participatory research, and senior thesis work. Project work is linked to applied and academic fields.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Compare and contrast different historical and contemporary approaches, theory, values and methods of community work.
• Investigate psycho/social, economic and political theory underpinning community work.
• Analyze social structures that marginalize people by race, gender, class, sexual orientation and ability.
• Analyze community strengths, assets, complexities and resources from an empowerment perspective.
• Analyze root causes of community problems and select appropriate intervention strategies for change.
• Evaluate gaps in services and resources within communities applying participatory research methods that involve community members.
• Compose, present and evaluate action plans with measurable outcomes tied to empowerment evaluation methodology.
• Critique legislation and social policies and create alternative viewpoints that support communities in positive ways.
• Advocate on behalf of communities arguing for change that focuses on identified community needs.
• Devise organizational structures that support and enable community action plans to be implemented successfully.
• Formulate, implement and evaluate plans to access sustainable resources and concrete benefits for communities.
• Critique community development literature and cases to determine best practices in the field.
• Network with community members and organizations to mobilize citizens and develop allies for the change process.
• Facilitate communities through training, education and social learning to build capacity, create leaders and engage human resources.
• Apply interpersonal and group skills to plan and facilitate discussions that build collaborative relationships and community partnerships.
• Acknowledge the limits of knowledge in the field of community development through academic writing and professional practices in working with others from diverse disciplines to provide holistic services to communities.
• Practice leadership and adult education principles to contribute to approaches to community development that result in social justice.
• Deliver professional services based on ethical guidelines and empowerment centred values within the scope of practice.
• Manage own self-care and ongoing professional development plan using self-reflection and community feedback to target areas for skills, knowledge and attitude growth.

Work Placement
Students will engage in field placements (which are typically unpaid). They will complete 420 hours of field placement across two semesters or 420 hours in one summer semester with one of Humber's community partners. Students will be supported by a field placement co-ordinator.

The field placement may be in a social service, community, educational or non-profit organization where students will have an opportunity to work in the community development field. During this experience, students may have a variety of responsibilities including assessment, research-based work, working directly with community groups and individuals, as well as supporting community workers, educators and/or social science professionals.

Students have the option to gain cross-cultural knowledge and experience by completing this field placement abroad. Students can put theory into practice and directly engage with communities across the globe that will benefit from community development work.

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Theatre Arts - Performance program is known for its rigorous training in physical and devised theatre that enables you to find success wherever your career path takes you. We are nationally known for our innovative curriculum based in the creation of original work.

We believe in:

• Developing creative artists with a strong foundation in essential skills
• Ensuring our graduates have the business skills to make their livings as artists/performers
• Providing a well-rounded education as well as comprehensive training
• Developing collaborative work that is original, thoughtful and challenging
• Exploring intercultural and multidisciplinary theatre that speaks in the present to a vision of the future

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform dramatic roles in a variety of styles, such as in children's plays, plays geared for school audiences, experimental plays presented by alternate theatres, in standard repertoire of current and classical plays presented by regional theatres and festivals, as well as in musicals, revues and cabaret productions.
• Perform non-classical, vocal material – solo and choral - and execute basic dance steps and choreography as required by musical productions and classical plays.
• Apply different techniques required to perform on proscenium, thrust or arena stages, as well as open air theatres.
• Adapt performing style to the electronic media; working for the camera (film, television and video production) as well as the microphone as in various aspects in radio broadcasting.
• Provide services as drama resource person for community theatre, recreational programs, children's programs and private teaching.
• Accept employment as a professional actor and provide services to professional standards.

The Humber Advantage
Humber Productions

• Each year, Humber Theatre presents a number of original productions which demand the full creative engagement of performance and production students under the guidance of internationally recognized artists.

Hands-On Experience

• Students in Humber's Theatre Arts - Performance program are on stage throughout their time at school, building hours and hours of in-class experience.

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our faculty team consists of developmental services professionals who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.

Your studies begin by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling. 

You’ll also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop competencies for working with individuals with limited verbal skills.

Work Placement
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional work-integrated learning opportunities. You will complete 568 hours of experiential education with three separate community partners over the duration of the program.

After consulting with you regarding your interests and preferences, your field placement co-ordinator will refer you to specific agencies for these unpaid work experiences.

Field placements run for 14 weeks in Semester 2 of the first year. Students are required to complete 168 hours in this time. Placements are two days per week. Internships take place during fourth semester of second year. Students are required to complete 400 hours with two different employers, four days per week for 14 weeks.