Introduction to the Communication Professions
Curriculum guideline
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
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
Students who successfully complete this course will
- understand the role of professional communicators in different contexts
- write intensively to develop skill, style, and speed
- become aware of the ethical responsibilities of professional communicators
- be introduced to and expected to demonstrate professional readiness skills
- learn about the current and emerging job markets and other work options for professional communicators
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% |
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
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
None
None