To develop student understanding and utilization of communication theory in all major communication contexts, including the development of critical thinking skills. These contexts include interpersonal and family relationships, small group professional and business situations, and public/media messages. Examples of communication theories include, but are not limited to, expectancy violations theory, social penetration theory, relational dialectics theory, social judgment theory, cognitive dissonance theory, cultivation theory, agenda-setting theory, face-negotiation theory, and standpoint theory.
Objective
Applying Communication Theory
Graduates will be able to apply communication theory to specific communication contexts.
Indicator
Student Application Of Theory
We will measure attainment of Goal 1 through an annual evaluation of a sample of final student term papers in 3300 and 4300 level courses, such as Intercultural Communication, Small Group Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Communication Theory, and Family Communication. The first component of this rubric is Evidence of Understanding of the Applicable Theory or Theories including the Effective Connection of Theory or Theories to Communication Behavior (see Supporting Document attached). The scale for measuring this degree objective will be the same throughout the department's set of objectives for BA/BS students.
Criterion
Student Application Of Theory
An average grade of 3 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome.
Finding
Student Application Of Theory
Faculty member evaluated student papers (N = 10). The mean of the evaluation was 3.8.
Indicator
Student Mastery Of Written Composition
The second component of this rubric is Control of the Mechanics of Written Composition (see Supporting Document attached).
Criterion
Student Mastery Of Written Composition
An average grade of 3 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome.
Finding
Student Mastery Of Written Composition
A set of student papers were evaluated by a faculty member. The combined mean of the evaluation was 3.75 (tabled results can be found in the attachment for Student Application of Theory).
Action
Improve Student Writing Competence
Although student writing exceeded the level set for mastery, faculty felt that improvement was called for. A faculty committee constructed a document entitled “Communication Studies Writing Guidelines” (see attached document) that establishes writing expectations across the department for organization and structure, grammar, and format of papers. The document was initially disseminated in some classes in fall 2014 with full dissemination across all classes in fall 2015.
Goal
Communication Presentations
To train students (majors and nonmajors alike) to make a variety of effective communication presentations in different professional, educational, and social contexts. These presentations include informative and persuasive speeches, group decision making discussions, and interviews.
Objective
Communication Presentations
Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of oral communication situations
Indicator
Student Presentations
We will measure attainment of Goal 2 first through an annual evaluation of a sample of recorded final student presentations given in such courses as Public Speaking and Speech for Business and the Professions. The components of this rubric include the following: Evidence of Content Mastery and Evidence of Mastery of Delivery including Visual Aids (see Supporting Document attached).
Criterion
Student Presentations
An average grade of 3 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome.
Finding
Student Presentations
Student presentations (N = 9) were evaluated by faculty. The mean student score for the presentations were 3.3.
Indicator
Student Speech Outlines
We will measure attainment of Goal 2 secondly through an evaluation of the student speech outlines accompanying the recorded final student presentations. The components of this rubric are adherence to standard outline form and proper reference citation form (see Supporting Document attached).
Criterion
Student Speech Outlines
An average grade of 3 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome.
Finding
Outlines For Presentations
The mean student score for the presentation outlines was 3.6 (tabled outline scores are included in the attachment for Student Presentations).
Action
Improve Student Outline Writing Competence
Although student writing exceeded the level set for mastery, faculty felt that improvement was called for. A faculty committee constructed a document entitled “Coms Departmental Speech Outline Format” that establishes writing expectations across the department. Another document with a detailed example of a complete speech outline was also constructed. (See attachments) The documents were initially disseminated to selected public speaking classes in fall 2014 with full dissemination across all classes in fall 2015.
Goal
Research And Computer Literacy
To develop student competencies in locating, understanding, assessing, and reporting communication research findings. This includes training in the use of print and electronic database sources and focuses attention on published scholarly research. It also includes training in the use of computer software appropriate for the word processing of reports and the use of online research sources.
Objective
Research And Computer Literacy
Graduates will be able to assess and report the results of communication research found in refereed scholarly journals as well as in electronic and online databases.
Indicator
Student Research And Computer Literacy
We will measure Goal 3 with an annual evaluation of a sample of student papers involving reviews of research literature assigned in such courses as Introduction to Communication Theory and Communication Theory. The first component of this rubric is Evidence of a Comprehensive Knowledge of a Confined Research Area and is the same as for Goal 1 Indicator 1. Included in this rubric is an assessment of each student's mastery of Microsoft Word and the use of Communication Abstracts and similar online databases. (see attachment)
Criterion
Student Research And Computer Literacy
An average grade of 3 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome.
Finding
Student Research And Computer Literacy
The mean score for Research and Computer Literacy was 3.9. (see Supporting Document attached).
Indicator
Student Mastery Of Written Composition II
The second component of this rubric is mastery of written communication (see document attached to Goal 1 Indicator 1).
Criterion
Student Mastery Of Written Composition II
An average grade of 3 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome.
Finding
Student Mastery Of Written Composition II
A set of student papers were evaluated by a faculty member. The combined mean of the evaluation was 3.75 (tabled results can be found in the attachment for Student Application of Theory).
Action
Improve Student Writing Competence
Although student writing exceeded the level set for mastery, faculty felt that improvement was called for. A faculty committee constructed a document entitled “Communication Studies Writing Guidelines” that establishes writing expectations across the department. (See attachment) The document was initially disseminated to selected classes in fall 2014 with full dissemination across Coms classes containing writing assignments in fall 2015.