Special Topics in Professional Communication

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
CMNS 3800
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CMNS 3800
Descriptive
Special Topics in Professional Communication
Department
Communications
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202210
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
3 hrs/week
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities

Some or all of the following methods will be used:

  1. lecture/discussion
  2. group work
  3. peer review
  4. projects
  5. instructor feedback on students’ work
  6. individual consultation
  7. presentation (individual or group)
  8. field trip(s)
Course Description
This course examines a special topic in professional communication chosen to highlight a theoretical, historical, technological, thematic, or practical focus. Readings will include theory, criticism, and applied research, and will introduce students to a range of perspectives on the topic.
Course Content

Topics, readings, and assignments will vary with each instructor’s version of this course, but all versions will meet the objectives stated in Learning Outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will

  1. develop a comprehensive and critical understanding and appreciation of the selected topic
  2. become familiar with the range of perspectives on that topic, including its historical development, controversies, and implications in the future
  3. identify aspects of the topic that can be applied to their practice as professional communicators
  4. make connections between the selected topic and other issues in the field of professional communication
  5. write and present a significant final paper that reflects their understanding of the topic
Means of Assessment

Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.

Evaluation will be based on this general format:

Short papers (2) 40%
Proposal for final paper or project 10%
Final paper or project and presentation 30%
Presentation 10%
Professionalism/participation 10%
  100%
Textbook Materials

Texts will be selected by the instructor based on the topic and may include a coursepack.

The following list includes sample texts for a course focusing on the special topic of “Social Media for Professional Communication”:

Jonah Berger, Why Things Catch On
Seth Godin, Tribes
H. Jenkins, S. Ford,, and J. Green, Spreadable Media
Andrew Keen, The Cult of the Amateur

Prerequisites

Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication

or a minimum of 45 credit hours including a university-transfer course in English, Communications, or Creative Writing with a grade of B or higher

or permission of the Professional Communication program coordinator