CATA 333 - Course Description: An analysis of organizational communication theories and methods and a study of organizational culture and communication patterns. Includes practice in the analysis of organizational communication problems and an introduction to interventions and methods of communication training.

Required Texts: 

• Daniel Modaff and Sue Dewine.  Organizational Communication:  Foundations, Challenges, and Misunderstandings.  Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury Publishing, 2002.  ISBN  1-891487-57-4      [ "OC" ]

• Various Web Pages on this site (see Syllabus for links or go to Course Notes page) and in-class handouts.

Course Goals and Policies: The course goals include:

1. to introduce students to the elements of successful organizational communication,
2. to develop familiarity with organizational communication theory as applied to practical situations, esp. the concept of organizational culture,
3. to develop abilities in organizational communication diagnosis,
4. to develop abilities for making improvements in the communication process of organizations (e.g., training methods),
5. to improve student awareness of what is required for a successful career in organizational settings,
6. to improve student communication skills.

Students are responsible for all assigned reading material whether or not it is discussed in class and all lecture material whether or not duplicated by readings. Students are expected to have prepared answers to study questions or other assignments prior to class in order to participate in class discussions. Of course, class attendance is expected and frequent absences may affect grades. Except for medical or other emergency reasons the instructor has the option not to accept late assignments unless advance arrangements are made. Enrollment in this course constitutes an agreement by the student to permit the instructor to maintain copies of any material submitted in completion of course requirements.

NOTE: ACADEMIC DISHONESTY CAN RESULT IN FAILING THIS COURSE and will be reported to the Academic Dean.

Graded Assignments (and tentative percent of final grade):

All assignments will be given a letter grade and averaged according to the percentages above (e.g. A- = 3.7 x Y%, etc.) in order to compute the final grade for the course. The instructor reserves the right to significantly lower course grades for failure to complete all assignments or for students who cause difficulty in their work groups.

Additional Comments: Success in any organizational setting requires the ability to work with others, to meet deadlines, and to "pull your weight." This course will require these same abilities. Working with your consulting team can make the course fun and the workload less BUT only if you cooperate, avoid procrastination, take the initiative to meet with the team outside of class for planning. Team members must work independently at times. Letting down your teammates (e.g., missing deadlines, expecting someone else to pick up your work, doing sloppy work, etc.) will not only damage your performance but that of your colleagues on the team as well. Being organized will increase what you learn and make the course much easier and less frustrating. On the other hand, in the real world of work it is not uncommon to find yourself working with someone who does not do his or her fair share. Each person must decide how to deal with such situations and accept responsibility for that decision.

If you take your role as an employee of MC Consulting seriously and function in relation to President Amagan as you would to your boss in a real job you will have more success than if you act like the assignments are "just regular class work." Remember. You can get fired from MC Consulting and that will make passing the course very difficult if not impossible.