Paying for college:
| New course | Undergraduate |
| First term offered : Spring 2012 | ||
| Course Prefix&Number | Descriptive Title | Credits/Hours |
| COM 405 | Human Communication Theory | 3 - |
|
Abbreviation for Class Schedule(20 spaces) Comm Theory |
|
Catalog Description: This course involves an examination of contemporary human communication theories, largely from a social scientific perspective. |
|
Course Goal and Objectives: Projected Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Students will learn terminology and concepts in order to examine the theoretical foundations of communication; 2. Students will gather the tools needed to apply theory to personal and social situations; 3. Students will be more proficient consumers of communication. |
|
Justification for adding the course (e.g. alignment with other institutions, program revision, etc.): This course covers a substantial portion of communication theory not addressed directly by other courses. This course is considered necessary by most communication studies departments, as comprehension of the theoretical foundations of communication are required for fuller understanding of specific content areas. This course is also vital to students planning to attend graduate school. |
|
Faculty and facilities needed: No new faculty or facilities are needed. This course is currently taught as part of the existing rotation. |
|
Brief Course outline: COM 405 Human Communication Theory Spring, 2011 Instructor: Nick Backus, Associate Professor of Communication Studies Office: HSS 115 Office Hours: MTWR 9:00-10:00, TR 12:30-1:00, and by appointment Contact: email backus.wou@gmail.com (preferred); phone 503-838-8851 (not preferred) Required Textbook: Miller, K. (2005). Communication Theories: Perspectives, Processes, and Contexts, 2nd ed. Boston: McGraw Hill. Projected Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Students will learn terminology and concepts in order to examine the theoretical foundations of communication; 2. Students will gather the tools needed to apply theory to personal and social situations; 3. Students will be more proficient consumers of communication. Class Policies 1. I expect regular attendance. In each class, we cover substantial amounts of material. The discussion generated by this material is not reproducible. 2. If you have an excused absence, meet with me no later than your first day back (or earlier). If your absence is not excused, you receive a substantial penalty up to earning no credit for work missed. 3. Academic dishonesty (types defined in the 2010-2011 WOU Catalog, p. 26) is unacceptable and will result, at minimum, in a grade of zero (0) on the assignment and may include adjudication within the university¿s administrative Campus Judicial Program. 4. Class discussion helps advance understanding. Please do not disrupt class. You will be penalized if this becomes a problem. 5. Students with disabilities requiring accommodation must work through the Office of Disability Services. 6. If you are having problems with the class (academic or personal), see me first. Other resources include the Academic Learning and Advising Center, Student Health and Counseling Center, and the Writing Center. Graded Assignments A = 94+; A- = 90-93; B+ = 88-89; B = 84-87; B- = 80-83; C+ = 78-79; C = 74-77; C- = 70-73; D+ = 68-69; D = 64-67; D- 60-63; F = 59 and below. Tests: There will be three (3) mixed format tests, each covering a specified portion of the course. Question formats are likely to include true/false, multiple choice, short answer, essay, and terminology. 25% each Participation: You really need to talk about this information. Stay engaged. 25% Tentative Schedule Date Topic Reading/Assignment Work Due 3/29 Course Orientation 3/31 Class does not meet 4/5 Conceptual & Philosophical Foundations Chapters 1 & 2 4/7 Post-Positivist Perspectives Chapter 3 4/12 Interpretive Perspectives Chapter 4 4/14 Critical Perspectives Chapter 5 4/19 Test #1 Test #1 4/21 Theories of Symbolic Organization Chapter 6 4/26 Continued 4/28 Theories of Message Production Chapter 7 5/3 Continued 5/5 Theories of Message Processing Chapter 8 5/10 Continued 5/12 Test #2 Test #2 5/17 Theories of Discourse & Interaction Chapter 9 5/19 Continued 5/24 Theories of Communication in Developing Relationships Chapter 10 5/26 Theories of Communication in Ongoing Relationships Chapter 11 5/31 Continued 6/2 Test #3 Test #3 |
| Step | Approver | Decision | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Department | Emily Plec | Approved | January 09 2012 |
|
Comments: This course meets departmental program development goals and has been vetted by the Communication Studies department. Please approve. |
|||
| 2 - Division | Curtis Yehnert | Approved | January 11 2012 |
| 3 - Division Curriculum | Uma Shrestha | Approved | February 06 2012 |
| 5 - Curriculum Committee | Thaddeus Shannon | Approved | February 21 2012 |
| 6 - Faculty Senate | Gavin Keulks | Approved | February 23 2012 |
| 7 - Dean | Stephen Scheck | Approved | February 24 2012 |
|
Comments: As noted, currently offered in course rotation under temporary course approvals. |
|||
| 8 - Provost | Kent Neely | Approved | February 26 2012 |
University Computing Services 503-838-8925 | or e-mail: webmaster@wou.edu
