Communication

Fall, Spring, Summer
This course is designed to help the student build confidence in the theory and practice of public speaking, with the emphasis on the speaker-audience relationship.  Skills include analyzing the speaking situation, choosing appropriate topics, conducting research, organizing ideas, utilizing evidence, using voice and body to deliver public speeches effectively to a live audience, and developing the ability to listen actively and critically.

Spring
This course is a growth-oriented, adaptive communication course that helps students to become more self-confident and self-aware in relationships with friends, co-workers, intimates, and family members. Topics include self-esteem, perception, healthy lifestyle, listening, assertiveness, and conflict management. Required journal entries, exercises, discussions, and readings which focus on feelings and behaviors to promote a healthy psychological adjustment.

Fall
This introductory course explores human communication in its broadest sense. Emphasis is placed on providing entry-level students with an overview of human communication theory; interpersonal communication; small group, nonverbal, intercultural communication; the basics of effective presentations; and the nature of conflict and strategies for its resolution.

Spring
Communication within an organization is a requirement for success and growth in today's competitive business environment. Classic and contemporary theoretical approaches to organizational communication are examined, as well as communication issues in the workplace related to cultural, social, and leadership issues. Students study the formal flow of information as well as the grapevine channels of communication. Students review information technologies, such as the Internet, the World Wide Web, and teleconferencing.

Spring
This course examines the effects of mass media on attitudes and behavior that are observed and experienced. A historical and student experiential perspective for current issues, developed from an examination of the business and profession of mass communication are examined. The functions, interrelationships and responsibilities of print, electronic, cinema and communication, journalism, marketing, public relations, business, management and the general college student or professional who would benefit from a conceptual/analytical examination of mass communication and seek to understand this important part of their culture. Students should leave the course with an understanding of the fundamentals of communication theory; how mass media systems evolved; how organizations, which make up the systems, operate; the effects of mass media on individuals, groups and institutions; and the influence of information technology on media systems and society.