Learning Objectives for Communication Studies majors beginning with the class of 2011.

Printable pdf version    9/1/09

I.  MESSAGES - All COMM Majors must demonstrate their ability to construct effective messages in their portfolios as follows:

1. For this section of the portfolio students should include at least five artifacts (messages).
   1. At least one of the messages should be in the form of a research paper that involved library research or other significant information acquisition.
   2. At least one of the messages should be in a mediated form (involving the use of some technology beyond writing or speaking, e.g. web page, PowerPoint, video, etc.).
   3. At least one of the messages should be reflective of oral communication.
   4. At least two of the messages should be ones reflective of the kinds of messages the student expects to create in his/her life after college (ideally “best work”)
       
2. Students should write a reflection statement that discusses each included artifact, describing how these works represent good quality messages. For each message the reflection should include:
   1. Identification of the thesis or central concept of the message and the purpose of the message.
   2. Identification of the intended audience of the message and how audience influenced message design
   3. Explanation of how the message represents good quality in terms of such features as:
      
      § use of appropriate organizational schemes,
      § effective acquisition and use of supporting material,
      § good reasoning
      § use of professional forms, language and standards
      § adaptation of the message to the medium and audience

Artifacts used in this section of the portfolio may be used in other sections as well!.

II.  Knowledge - COMM Majors must demonstrate general knowledge of the field and specific knowledge in their concentration.

1. For this section of the portfolio students should include at least four artifacts that demonstrate they have substantial knowledge of four or more different areas of communication study. 
   
   Such areas might involve:

• interpersonal communication,

• group communication,

• social effects of media,

• history of communication,

• theories of communication,

• persuasion, argumentation,

• organizational communication,

• communication criticism.

2. Students should write a reflection statement that discusses how their major (and possibly other experiences) has given them substantial professional knowledge of various areas of the field of Communication Studies. The reflection should make reference to the artifacts as examples and evidence of the communication knowledge the student has mastered.

Artifacts used in this section of the portfolio may be used in other sections as well!.

III.  Application:  COMM Majors must demonstrate their ability to apply their skills and knowledge of the field to reach goals and solve problems in practical settings and professional contexts.

1. For this section of the portfolio students should include at least  five artifacts that demonstrate they have the ability to apply their knowledge of communication in practical ways to five different kinds of problems or issues of personal or professional concern. 
   
   Such applications could include: 

• persuasive campaigns,

• policy cases,

• conflict,

• relationship management,

• training programs,

• web-site development,

• audience analysis,

• communication/media criticism and evaluation,

• news or entertainment programming,

• video or audio production, 

• news reporting/writing,

• effective layout and design.

2. Students should write a reflection statement that discusses how the included artifacts reflect the student’s ability to apply professional communication knowledge and critical skills.

Artifacts used in this section of the portfolio may be used in other sections as well!.
 

IV.  SKILLS: COMM Majors must demonstrate their ability to perform as skillful communicators.

1. For this section of the portfolio students should include at least four artifacts that demonstrate they are competent oral and written communicators in professional contexts.

• At least two artifacts must reflect student skill in differing forms of oral communication,

• At least one artifact must demonstrate skill in written communication,

• At least one artifact must demonstrate skillful, professional level creation of a message using media technology,

• at least one (or two) artifact must demonstrate skillful communication in interactions with others.

2.  Students should write a reflection statement that discusses how the included artifacts reflect competent and skillful communication performance.

Artifacts used in this section of the portfolio may be used in other sections as well!.

Printable pdf version    9/1/09