COMM 111 Introduction to Communication Studies

This course introduces majors to foundational processes and principles required to become successful within the program and necessary to complete the capstone requirement.  Students will be introduced to critical thinking and analysis, helping them learn the processes for meeting the expectations of college-level major courses.  They will become proficient in articulating key theories within the field, academic reading analysis, foundations of research methods, and discipline standards for writing & presentation.  Through academic reading, lecture & discussion, and project-based-learning, students will begin to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities of an Associate of Arts in Communication.

Credits

3 credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

0

Semester Contact Hours Clinical

0

Cross Listed Courses

n/a

Prerequisite

n/a

Corequisite

n/a

Notes

This course is intended to be a prerequisite for COMM 280.

COMM 111Introduction to Communication Studies

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Social Science Academic

II. Course Specification

Course Type

{D7A8FC71-978F-4003-9933-512C476323B2}

Credit Hours Narrative

3 credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

0

Semester Contact Hours Clinical

0

Prerequisite Narrative

n/a

Corequisite Narrative

n/a

Notes and Advisories (only if included in catalog)

This course is intended to be a prerequisite for COMM 280.

Repeatable

No

III. Catalog Course Description

This course introduces majors to foundational processes and principles required to become successful within the program and necessary to complete the capstone requirement.  Students will be introduced to critical thinking and analysis, helping them learn the processes for meeting the expectations of college-level major courses.  They will become proficient in articulating key theories within the field, academic reading analysis, foundations of research methods, and discipline standards for writing & presentation.  Through academic reading, lecture & discussion, and project-based-learning, students will begin to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities of an Associate of Arts in Communication.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

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

• 1. Identify, review, summarize, and discuss discipline-specific theories
• 2. Analyze, evaluate, and discuss academic research as it relates to discipline-specific theories
• 3. Demonstrate understanding and application of resources for collegiate academic research
• 4. Employ college-level, discipline specific standards for writing, formatting, and citation

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

Week	Unit	Instructional Activities	Assignments	Journals
1	Theory	Introduction to Social Science & Syllabus
2		Hypothesis | Model | Theory
3		Key Discipline Theories
4		Add. Theories & Precis Discussion	Theory Precis 1	Reflection 1
5		Add. Theories & Precis Discussion	Theory Precis 2
6		Add. Theories & Precis Discussion	Theory Precis 3
7	Research	Database & Resources
8		Article Analysis		Reflection 2
9		Article Discussion	Research Precis
10	Writing	APA Style
11		Academic Integrity
12		Article Evaluation (CRAAP)	Annotated Bibliography	Reflection 3
13	Application	Formal Paper Components
14		Literature Review Process
15		Concept & Theory Synthesis
16		Presentations	Literature Review	Reflection 4

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Exams

n/a

Assessment Strategy Narrative

In this course, you can expect to actively construct your understanding of the course content, rather than passively absorbing the lessons. You will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities through independent reading, in-class lecture and discussion, and applied learning projects.  Assessment of your learning will use a combination of activities, discussions, presentations, journals, and formal writing.

This course has four distinct learning outcomes that will be taught in units. The sequence of learning will be as follows: theory, researching, writing, and application.

Assignments in this course are designed to scaffold your learning. You will build knowledge, skills, and abilities by completing formative assignments in each unit that will be utilized to support your work in subsequent units. This will culminate in a summative application of your learning as you complete and present a final paper for the course.

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Assignment Details

Activity & Discussion Participation (15 weekly evaluations – 10 points each)

Each week there will be a variety of opportunities for you to construct your learning.  To gain the most from these experiences, you will need to be prepared and contribute.  There will be class discussions and activities to help you apply and analyze the course material, while also giving you the chance to synthesize new ideas. 

Applied Learning Projects (3 projects – 250 total points)

To demonstrate your understanding of the course material, you will complete projects for the first three units.  In the first unit, you will complete a series of three summaries also known as a precis, each will be on a selected theory from the discipline.  In the second unit, you will create a precis on an academic article which you will present and discuss this with the class.  The third unit’s project will be an annotated bibliography consisting of a minimum of 5 source citations with annotations regarding a subject of your choice related to the discipline.  A peer review and discussion will be required for this project.

You are highly encouraged to work with the instructor to complete these projects.  In addition to demonstrating your ability to synthesize your learning into original material, you will be provided with the opportunity to evaluate your peers’ materials.  Additional details regarding this assignment can be found on Canvas.

Journal Assignments (4 reflections – 75 points each)

Throughout the course, you will be provided the opportunity to reflect on the subject matter covered in the reading list.  Responding to the prompts provided on Canvas, you will explore the connections between your learning and its application.  This writing should demonstrate critical thought regarding the exigence, salience, and applicability of the concepts covered in the material.  You will be asked to analyze the resources provided and synthesize your own ideas about them in terms of the course outcomes.

Final Paper Literature Review (1 paper – 300 points)

The fourth outcome of this course requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply research, standards, and theories.  A literature review will be used to assess your competence in this area.  Using your selected topic area, you will complete a literature review paper that links the current discipline research to specific theories.  This paper should include a minimum of 10 sources with analysis of how they relate to one another and to discipline theories.  In addition to the paper, you will present the highlights of this review to the class, discussing the implications of your findings.  This assignment provides you with the opportunity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the research of others.  Further details can be found on Canvas.

Grading and Evaluation

Activities & Discussion Participation	15%
Journal Reflections	25%
Applied Learning Projects	30%
Literature Review	30%
Total	100%