Communication

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate improvement and understanding of skills and content in the Communication courses in which the student is concurrently enrolled (e.g., courses covering topics in public speaking, group discussion, interpersonal communication, argumentation).

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• apply rhetorical theories to create and analyze public speeches in a variety of contexts including historical and/or contemporary. (CCN)
• formulate and implement effective research strategies to gather information and ideas from primary and secondary sources, evaluating them for credibility, accuracy, and relevancy. (CCN)
• employ sound reasoning and construct compelling arguments in support of a guiding thesis and organizational pattern appropriate for the audience, occasion, and purpose. (CCN)
• demonstrate rhetorical sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging and adhere to ethical communication practices which include truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason. (CCN)
• compose and deliver a variety of speeches, including Informative and Persuasive speeches, to a live audience (one to many) using effective delivery practices. (CCN)
• employ effective listening practices. (CCN)
• Manage communication apprehension/public speaking anxiety.
• Perform the fundamentals of extemporaneous delivery.
• Present special occasion speeches.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify and apply a variety of theories relative to public communication.
• demonstrate critical listening and effective feedback.
• use appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication techniques in oral presentations in mediated contexts (e.g., vocal quality, eye direction, movement, gestures, avoiding vocalized pauses).
• construct and extemporaneously deliver oral messages (including informative and persuasive) to diverse audiences in diverse contexts, including selection and use of supporting material and presentation aids, organizational structure, language choice, and delivery style.
• analyze, develop, and implement strategies to productively manage oral communication apprehension to minimize its impact on the message.
• apply ethical standards to research and advocacy, including the integration of presentation aids.
• adapt oral communication skills to mediated channels, including audio only and audiovisual.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify historical and theoretical foundations of the field of oral interpretation.
• construct, perform, and evaluate individual and group oral presentations of literature.
• research various types of Western and non-Western literary works, including poetry, prose, and drama for performance.
• analyze and evaluate a variety of literary selections to determine merit for inclusion in a cohesive script.
• assemble literary selections thematically to support the thesis of an oral interpretation program.
• assess the importance of narration, dialogue, and themes in literary selections and be able to choose among competing elements to create a unified, coherent literary script.
• analyze and adapt literature performances to diverse audiences.
• demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques when interpreting literature for a live audience.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• describe the history and role of argumentation and debate.
• synthesize the nature and function of argumentation in various contexts.
• construct and deconstruct oral and written arguments according to a variety of argumentative models.
• recognize and evaluate the impact of fallacies in written, and oral arguments.
• create and deliver oral and written persuasive messages that demonstrate adaptation to audience attitudes, values, beliefs, and preferences.
• utilize strategies to minimize communication apprehension.
• identify and use ethical principles in argumentation and debate.
• demonstrate individual responsibility, integrity, respect, and influence to effectively and appropriately communicate with diverse people.
• identify and demonstrate effective and appropriate written communication skills utilizing research in the construction of an organized argument.
• construct, deliver, and evaluate a variety of oral and written arguments using stock issues and negative strategies (including argument presentation, refutation, rebuttal, and cross-examination).

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• critique (orally and in writing) persuasive strategies as they exist in a variety of contexts (e.g., public speaking, advertising, politics, media), including use in propaganda and subliminal techniques.
• identify and apply humanistic and social scientific approaches to persuasion.
• analyze, evaluate, and demonstrate persuasive messages, including identifying and explaining the persuasive components or strategies used to effect change.
• distinguish between inductive/deductive reasoning and fallacious arguments as they occur in persuasive communication.
• evaluate and formulate criteria for the development of successful persuasive campaigns.
• design and deliver ethical persuasive messages directed toward a specific audience and apply evaluation criteria to determine potential success.
• articulate differences between various types of audience research techniques.
• apply ethical criteria to persuasive appeals (e.g., legal, religious, political, human nature, situational, dialogical).

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify and apply various theoretical models of argumentation in a variety of communication contexts.
• apply critical thinking to evidence and reasoning in oral and written messages, both as a sender and receiver of messages.
• identify and refute fallacies in a variety of formats, including print, sound, motion, and digital media.
• evaluate components of an argument (claim, reasoning, evidence, etc.).
• conduct effective research.
• refute arguments using tests of reasoning and evidence.
• design, discuss, and deliver appropriate, effective, and ethical messages to diverse audiences.
• identify, analyze, and discuss diverse perspectives in the development and delivery of oral and written arguments.
• apply appropriate and effective listening and reading skills to comprehend written and oral messages.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• 1. (SLO#1) IDENTIFY AND APPLY A VARIETY OF THEORIES RELEVANT TO INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION.
• a. contrast interpersonal communication with other forms of communication (e.g., intrapersonal communication, impersonal communication, public communication).
• b. demonstrate understanding and application of fundamental theories (e.g., models, theories) of relational dynamics.
• 2. (SLO#2) ANALYZE THE IMPACT OF INDIVIDUAL VARIABLES IN THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS.
• a. analyze the role of the individual as both a sender and receiver in the communication process.
• b. differentiate between self-concept and self-esteem and evaluate the impact of each on communication.
• c. analyze the impact of perception in effective interpersonal communication.
• d. assess the impact of intercultural communication and adapt communication appropriately in interpersonal communication.
• e. demonstrate and evaluate the use and effect of verbal and nonverbal symbols in interpersonal communication.
• 3. (SLO#3) DIFFERENTIATE THE VARIOUS FACTORS INVOLVED IN COMMUNICATION THAT ENHANCE, OR RESTRICT COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS IN RELATIONAL SYSTEMS.
• a. apply appropriate listening styles and assess the importance of effective listening in producing satisfying interpersonal relationships.
• b. assess interpersonal conflict in communication and differentiate amongst general strategies to manage conflict effectively, including the expression of emotions.
• c. contrast factors that contribute to supportive and defensive communication climates (e.g., honesty, empathy, provisionalism) and incorporate supportive communication behaviors.
• d. diagnose self-disclosure approaches and their impact in interpersonal relationships.
• e. evaluate the role of ethical standards on interpersonal communication and the impact of various relational challenges.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain the evolution and multidisciplinary nature of theories and perspectives related to intercultural communication (e.g., definition of terms, conflict, barriers to intercultural competence).
• analyze the impact of culture on individual and social identities.
• analyze the impact of intercultural communication in a variety of contexts (e.g., work environment, interpersonal relationships, persuasive appeals).
• analyze evidence and reasoning to identify and provide appropriate and credible support for written and oral communication in diverse contexts.
• analyze the influence of verbal and nonverbal messages as related to communication barriers across cultures.
• demonstrate an understanding of the impact of individual responsibility, ethics, respect, and influence in effectively and appropriately communicating with diverse people.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: explain the evolution and multidisciplinary nature of group communication theories.
• SLO #2: identify and apply theoretical approaches to group development, leadership, decision making, power, and conflict in group communication.
• a. prioritize criteria to enhance group decision making.
• b. generate ideas utilizing standardized problem solving techniques.
• c. integrate and validate group members' contributions to create collaborative solutions and provide effective feedback.
• d. plan, organize, and record group meeting progress through the use of agendas and minutes to accomplish goals.
• e. analyze communication role behaviors in group interactions and evaluate their impact on group dynamics.
• SLO #3: design and organize presentations for diverse audiences.
• a. plan and organize informative and persuasive presentations.
• b. analyze evidence and reasoning to identify and provide appropriate and credible support for written and oral communication across diverse contexts.
• c. apply ethical standards to every phase of the communication process (e.g., selection of arguments, support, and use of appropriate academic form).
• SLO #4: identify and demonstrate effective and appropriate oral communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal across diverse contexts.
• a. present informative and persuasive oral presentations.
• b. apply ethical standards to the communication process (e.g., selection of arguments, support, and delivery).
• c. demonstrate professionalism in oral presentations (e.g., professionalism, vocal variety, eye direction, use of notes, and presentation aids).

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify theoretical principles associated with interpersonal conflict.
• describe various practices and strategies for improving interpersonal skills in conflict management.
• demonstrate effective conflict communication strategies in formal and informal settings.
• utilize various assessment tools to develop tactics for effective conflict management.
• illustrate various nonverbal (physiological) aspects of conflict.
• design appropriate third-party strategies.
• conduct conflict management scenarios applying models and strategies based on best practices.
• critique approaches to conflict management models and provide recommendations for various contexts.
• evaluate approaches to addressing U.R.P.s (Undesirable Repetitive Patterns) that are the result of cultural difference and power imbalances to make recommendations for effective problem solving.
• evaluate, emotional intelligence and how it impacts our psychological health, physiological well-being, and decision-making in organizations and society.
• develop principles for successful negotiations in a variety of settings.
• analyze, compare and contrast negotiation strategies for win/win, win/lose, game theory, and zero sum approaches to managing conflict situations.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify the various types of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) methods.
• identify the goals of the four stages of community mediation.
• demonstrate the use of mediation facilitation techniques (clarifying, summarizing, reframing, paraphrasing).
• demonstrate the effective use of active listening (AVECS).
• understand and demonstrate the role of pre-mediation.
• roleplay a mediation scenario from opening through all phases of the community mediation process.
• write an effective mediation agreement.
• identify barriers to effective communication.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify and define key terms used by health communication researchers and practitioners.
• identify various career and service opportunities in health communication research, health education, public health and wellness care, and private health and wellness care.
• identify and demonstrate communication competence in clinical encounters.
• think strategically about the use of different forms of media to promote health behaviors and/or to empower patients.
• appreciate the ethical dilemmas inherent in the use of strategic communication designed to persuade people to change their behavior.
• design and plan a health communication campaign that utilizes a variety of communication tools.
• implement and evaluate a health communication campaign that utilizes a variety of communication tools.
• identify and demonstrate communication techniques for averting, managing, and/or mitigating conflict in health care contexts.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: EXAMINE COMMUNICATION THEORY AS IT APPLIES TO ORGANIZATIONS.
• a. assemble the necessary communication components to create a working organization.
• b. describe the various historical and theoretical approaches to studying organizations including classical, human relations, human resources, structural, critical, and standpoint theory.
• SLO #2: ANALYZE ORGANIZATIONS AS SYSTEMS.
• a. identify and analyze types of communication networks.
• b. illustrate influences of organizational culture on various types of organizations, purposes, and industries.
• c. examine the impact of economic, political, and cultural models on various organizations.
• SLO #3: ANALYZE THE ROLES OF PROCESSES IN ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING DECISION-MAKING, POWER, CONFLICT, LEADERSHIP, AND DIVERSITY.
• a. contrast types of decision-making.
• b. analyze the role of power and implement conflict management strategies in a variety of organizational situations.
• c. compare and critique the various theoretical perspectives of change and leadership.
• d. explore the role and impacts of emotion, diversity, and multi-culturalism.
• SLO #4: DEMONSTRATE THE APPLICATION OF COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE ORGANIZATIONS.
• a. critique the implications of technology and service culture for the changing landscape of organizations.
• b. predict the effects of globalization, cultural diversity, and outsourcing on current industries and organizations based on theoretical principles.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify the basic principles of each form of basic communication.
• demonstrate an understanding of mass media and its relationship to the public.
• differentiate among news, opinion, feature writing, and electronic presentations.
• analyze and evaluate each form of media.
• assess the impact of media messages on various audiences.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify and apply a variety of theories relative to interpersonal, small group, and public communication.
• utilize a variety of communication strategies to increase effectiveness in interpersonal relationships with diverse communicators.
• demonstrate critical listening and effective feedback.
• assess the impact of intercultural communication on various aspects of communication.
• analyze communication behaviors and roles in group interactions and make recommendations to improve effectiveness of group communication behaviors, including methods of managing conflict.
• use appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication techniques in oral presentations, interpersonal, and group settings (e.g., vocal quality, eye direction, movement, gestures, avoiding vocalized pauses).
• construct and extemporaneously deliver oral presentations (including informative, persuasive) to varying audiences, utilizing and appropriately documenting research from various sources according to a standard referencing style (MLA, APA, etc.).
• apply ethical standards to research and advocacy, including the integration of presentation aids.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain and apply the basic concepts of the field of communication to personal and professional contexts.
• differentiate between ethical perspectives in communication.
• explain the contextual, cultural, and social foundations of human communication and where their own communication style fits within these.
• critically discuss human communication theories and events.
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of the specializations comprising the communication discipline.
• articulate the importance of communication expertise in professional development and civic engagement.
• explain an expanded world perspective that demonstrates an appreciation of the diverse range of individuals, communities, and viewpoints.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• apply the theories and principles of communication through a variety of competitive contexts: debate, platform speeches, limited preparation speeches, and oral interpretation of literature performances.
• evaluate the research process, development, revision, and delivery of competitive oral presentations.
• implement strategies to manage communication apprehension.
• demonstrate the practical application of communication techniques in public and academic debate, social discourse, and literature interpretation.
• analyze matters of political, social, and economic importance in relation to communication.
• demonstrate competency in active listening, organization, critical thinking, and oral presentation skills.
• employ audience analysis to create, adapt, and deliver oral messages to a live audience.
• recognize the ethical issues inherent in public discourse and competitive forensics.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate the skills necessary to compose, create, and present informative and persuasive messages, with an emphasis on an extemporaneous delivery style.
• demonstrate competence in active listening skills and provide appropriate constructive feedback.
• compose and present appropriate oral messages to diverse audiences in diverse contexts, including selection and use of supporting material and presentation aids, organizational structure, language choice, and delivery style.
• analyze, develop, and implement strategies to productively manage oral communication apprehension to minimize its impact on the message.
• apply ethical standards to every phase of the communication process (e.g., selection of arguments, support, and delivery).
• demonstrate knowledge of rhetorical theories, communication theories, motivational theories, and psychosocial theories.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills as they relate to the study of communication.
• demonstrate understanding of and apply principles of communication.
• collect (through research) and interpret data related to the topic area content.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• produce work independently on communication-related topics.
• debate communication topics with other professionals in the field.