Departmental Learning Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Competency in Communications Processes
Primary Course and Experiences: COMM 108, 206, 240, 274, 305, 360, 370, 376
Objectives: The student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
- a. The context of and evaluating interpersonal variables that affect communication, such as gender or cultural differences;
- b. The context of and by evaluating group dynamics and variables affecting communication, such as the influence of a corporate culture or group affiliation (e.g., committees, gangs, clubs);
- c. Public communication processes, concepts, and strategies, such as those manifested in political rallies, political rhetoric such as family values, patriotic language, and patriotic and other color symbolism;
- d. Mediated messages--such as the role of editors, reporters, graphic designers, and a particular medium itself (books, papers, television, film) and their impact on various publics.
Goal 2: Competency in Theoretical and Critical Perspectives
Primary Course and Experiences: COMM 309, 434, 435, 490
Objectives: The student should be able to:
- a. Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes general theories, thematic theories, and context theories, such as modeling theory, cultivation theory or socialization theory;
- b. Assess the utility of communication theories applied to, for example, political campaigns, health campaigns, or advertising campaigns;
- c. Apply theories in the interpretation of communication (such as interpersonal, group, public, and mediated) as to how personal variables affect communication;
- d. Identify the impact of diverse perspectives in communication interactions (such as interpersonal, group, public, and mediated).
Goal 3: Competency in the Creation and Practical Application of Communications Techniques
Primary Course and Experiences: COMM 306, 307, 386, 387, 388, 391, 414, 434, 496, PRSSA
Objectives: The student should be able to:
- a. Demonstrate competence and skills in journalism, public relations, or digital media;
- b. Demonstrate practical experience in a wide variety of communication settings such as television commercials, and political campaign headquarters;
- c. Utilize their communication skills and knowledge in a professional setting;
- d. Delegate, organize, and prioritize job responsibilities and work experiences in a professional capacity, for example, as a television assignment editor, a news section editor, a public affairs officer, or a graphic designer.
Goal 4: Competency in the Ethical Practices and Knowledge of the Laws Governing Communications
Primary Course and Experiences: COMM 315, 317, 407
Objectives: The student should be able to:
- a. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical practices in communications and in the major principles of mass media laws, for example, in issues relating the invasion of privacy;
- b. Interpret how legal frameworks and ethical situations have shaped the way media operatives function, for example, the areas of sunshine laws, the Freedom of Information Act, and media ownership;
- c. Analyze media case laws and ethical problem cases;
- d. Demonstrate an understanding of the limits of the First Amendment.
- a. Criterion: Evidence that the student understands and has formulated an operative set of ethical standards in the conduct of public communication and in professional interactions with others.
- b. Examples of Evidence: Analysis of media case law; research report illustrating ethical considerations; papers and/or exams.