I. Description of the Course
Liberty University Catalog Description: “Study and practice in communicating ideas
competently in public speaking. Students are also given a foundation for development of
communication ski
...
I. Description of the Course
Liberty University Catalog Description: “Study and practice in communicating ideas
competently in public speaking. Students are also given a foundation for development of
communication skills in other human communication contexts, including dyadic and
small group communication” (167).
II. Rationale: Communication Studies Department’s Statement of Purpose,
Statement of Learning Outcomes, and Professor’s Introductory Comments
Purpose: As published in the Liberty University Undergraduate Catalog, “The purpose
of the Department of Communication Studies is to provide students with a theoretical
understanding of various communication processes and the ability to make practical
application of knowledge in a multiplicity of professional and personal contexts” (103).
Department’s Learning Objectives: The Catalog states that upon completion of courses
in the communication curriculum, you should be able to: (1) apply communication
theory and principles; (2) gather and synthesize pertinent information from a variety of
sources; (3) create effective and audience-appropriate messages; and (4) integrate a
Christian worldview with best practices for communication.
Professor’s Introductory Remarks: Given the noble purposes and learning goals from
the Catalog expressed above, this course will introduce you to the theory and practice
of speech communication in personal, semiformal, and formal settings. The course will
center on the examination and practice of communication between persons attempting to
1
present themselves authentically and virtuously to each other in interpersonal
relationships and public communication. We will be concerned with verbal
communication (using words), nonverbal communication (communication without
words), the art of listening, handling conflict, the constellation of skills necessary for all
public communication, and the challenges of speaking truthfully and being virtuous in a
dark world.
III. Prerequisite
ENGL 100 or advanced standing on the English placement test. As stated in the Liberty
University Catalog, it is your responsibility to make up any prerequisite deficiencies
which would prevent you from successfully completing the course.
IV. Textbook
Seiler, William J. and Melissa L. Beall. Communication: Making Connections. 8th
edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, 2011. ISBN-10: 0205691269
V. Learning Outcomes/ Objectives of the Course
Overall Framing Objective: As might be expected at an evangelical Christian university
and as set out in the department’s objective #4 in “II
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