Introduction to the Communication Professions

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CMNS 3000
Descriptive
Introduction to the Communication Professions
Department
Communications
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202120
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
1 hour/week lecture 2 hours/week seminar
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Learning Activities

Some or all of the following methods will be used:

  • lecture/discussion
  • group work
  • peer review
  • independent research or project
  • instructor feedback on students’ work
  • individual consultation
  • presentation (individual or group)
  • guest speakers
  • field trips
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the roles, practices, and contexts of professional communicators, with an emphasis on professional writing and professional readiness.
Course Content

1. Learning about Contexts for Professional Communication

 Students will

  • examine concepts of communication as a political, social, and cultural activity
  • interview a professional communicator regarding his or her writing process and the influence of workplace culture
  • write a profile and prepare a presentation based on the interview
  • understand how technological change affects writers

 

2. Analyzing and Producing Professional Writing

Students will

  • examine models of the writing process and diversify their own process as needed for different writing tasks
  • analyze selected genres for their textual and situational features
  • examine the functional importance of recurring patterns within selected written genres
  • assess the appropriateness of language choices
  • demonstrate their understanding of traditional English grammar, punctuation, and style in their own written work
  • gain a practical understanding of the value of feedback on written work and be able to use that feedback effectively 

 

3. Developing Professional Readiness

Students will

  • review current and emerging job markets and work opportunities
  • research  key business and industry sectors
  • identify key features of effective resumes and portfolios for professional communicators
  • prepare satisfactory mini-portfolios (cover letters, resumes, other material) in preparation for professional experience coursework
  • understand the basics of contracts and work plans for professional communicators
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will

  1. understand the role of professional communicators in different contexts
  2. write intensively to develop skill, style, and speed
  3. become aware of the ethical responsibilities of professional communicators
  4. be introduced to and expected to demonstrate professional readiness skills
  5. learn about the current and emerging job markets and other work options for professional communicators
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 essay 10%
Report on professional association 10%
Interview-based profile and presentation 25%
Mini-portfolio 20%
Final exam 25%
Professionalism/participation (as defined above)                              10%
  100%
Textbook Materials

Students must purchase the program-recommended dictionary and style guide(s).

Texts may also include a rhetorical grammar reference such as a current edition of Joseph M. Williams’s Style.

Coursepack of required readings

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

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies
Which Prerequisite

None