Learning Outcomes

the Communication Major

Mission Statement

The "Three A's"

• Academics
• Aesthetics
• Applications

Communication is at the core of who we are as human beings and as citizens of a diverse world. The ability to write clearly, to speak and listen well, and to express one's self and one's ideas is at the heart of success, in any profession.

The mission of the department of Communication is to graduate students who are schooled in the academics, historical underpinnings, theory, traditions and tenets of communication ... who understand and appreciate the standards of excellence in communication, and have a strong aestheticsensibility ... and who are able to apply aesthetics and academics in the communication praxis, the practical applicationsof learning, in their futures - careers, personal, and professional lives.

Learning Goals

The "Three A's" form the cornerstone of the following learning goals for our students:

1)      Oral Communication:  Students will understand the preparation and presentation competencies necessary for oral communication in a variety of contexts, as both a speaker and a listener

2)      Written Communication: Synthesis and analysis of the written text; proficiency in utilizing standard forms of writing and grammar for a variety of audiences in multiple contexts

3)      Research and Theoretical Competency:  Competency in modeling and theorizing basic communication phenomena, and using foundational research techniques in basic and applied contexts.

4)      Historical Recognition:  Knowledge of the history of communication and understanding the transformation and progression of communication on society

5)      Aesthetic Sensibility:  Competency in understanding the constant interplay between form and content in various communication modalities

6)      Adapting and Innovating:  Competency in interpreting and adapting communication messages to global audiences in a constantly changing media environment  

7)      Critical Thinking:Critical evaluation of the credibility of both source and information in order to make informed, ethical communicative choices (or decisions).

8)      Personal Identity:  Awareness of the self in process and its impact on interaction with others

9)      Application/Development:  Through experiential learning opportunities, researching communication industries, and exposure to professional journals, students will develop career interests allowing them to prepare to use their communication skills in the professional world.

Learning Outcomes for Each Goal

Goal One: Oral Communication

a)      Demonstrate preparation and research skills for oral presentations 

b)      Develop proper listening skills

c)       Articulate and enunciate words and sentences clearly and efficiently

d)      Show confidence and clarity in public speaking projects

e)      Demonstrate ability to gather information and apply it to persuade or articulate one's own point of view

Goal Two: Written Communication

a)      Understand the rules of spelling and grammar

b)      Read and analyze text and be able to summarize ideas in writing

c)       Organize thoughts in a manner that emphasizes flow and paragraph development

d)      Learn proper footnoting and bibliography skills

e)      Understand different writing techniques and styles based on the communication medium being used

Goal Three:  Research and Theory

a)      Interpret and utilize various theories and apply them to current communication models

b)      Describe theories and offer examples of how they have been utilized in communication

c)       Demonstrate the ability to research topics and present them using various mediums, including written reports, group presentations, and multimedia projects

Goal Four:  Historical Recognition

a)      Show an awareness of the major historical moments in communication history

b)      Identify historical connections to present-day communication challenges

c)       Evaluate how the future of communication will be impacted by past models

Goal Five: Aesthetic Sensibility

a)      Analyze how communication models impact the sender/receiver in various formats

b)      Differentiate between the message and the medium

c)       Understand the communication differences when working with various cultures around the world

Goal Six: Adapting and Innovating

a)      Demonstrate awareness of various communication formats and their evolving nature

b)      Describe the differences and challenges in using each medium for your message

c)       Determine the best uses for each communication medium and work on incorporating them into your life

d)      Recognize the importance of global communication and your role in the larger world

Goal Seven: Critical Thinking

a)      Question the theories and paradigms in communication research

b)      Understand the laws and ethics involved in communication

c)       Examine and critique media arguments and verify accuracy

Goal Eight: Personal Identity

a)      Assess your strength and weaknesses to better assist you in career development

b)      Demonstrate an ability to work with a variety of personality types

c)       Provide evidence of growth in the communication field through work performed in classes and in experiential learning opportunities

Goal Nine: Application/Development

a)      Explore trade publications and websites closely related to your career field(s)

b)      Provide examples of experiential learning opportunities that you have participated in that have helped develop your communication skills in a professional environment

c)       Research prospective communication industries and individuals that will give you access to career opportunities