Business Communications Minor

Effectiveness in public speaking is vital for students who wish to achieve prominence in their chosen field. Intensive study of the preparation and delivery of various forms of public speaking. Continued focus on oral fluency and clarity of articulation. Skills include audience analysis, the development of ideas, organization and outlining, unity and coherence of speaking through impromptu, informative, demonstration and persuasive speaking assignments. Required of Education majors. *satisfies Speech Core Requirement

Much of the pain and confusion that result from misunderstandings can be avoided through a more complete awareness of the process of communication. The ability to communicate effectively is determined by self-concept and by sensitivity to and understanding of others. verbal and non-verbal behavior. Includes elements of how people use communication to relate to each other: self-concept, needs, power, emotions, general, cultural values, conflicts and communication competence. Dialogues and role plays between client/case worker, teacher/pupil, parent/child are analyzed. Required for Human Services majors. *satisfies Speech Core Requirement

This course provides an overview of the functions, practices, and use of public relations in the professional workplace. It provides preparations for entry into the public relations profession. Issue analysis, press releases, press kits, brochures, newsletters, and public relations planning are covered. Communication theories and applications are covered.

A study of basic marketing theory and practice. Major topics include analysis of consumer market structure versus industrial market system; product planning; channels of distribution; pricing; promotion; and relevant government regulation.

An introduction to psychology as a behavioral science and profession. Topics such as physiology and behavior, learning, memory and forgetfulness, intelligence, life span changes, personality development, social behavior, abnormal behavior and treatment approaches are examined.

The study of modern society with emphasis placed on the concepts of culture, socialization, and social perception; the sociology of knowledge and norms; groups and stratification; culture, continuity and change; human ecology. Research methods and reporting techniques are also analyzed.

Human beings are faced daily with decisions about the rightness and/or wrongness of their actions. Many make decisions without an ethical yardstick. This course focuses on analysis of classical and modern views of ethics and their relation to written and oral communication. Evaluation of contemporary standards and practices in the media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television, online), politics, the arts (theatre and film), the legal system, sales and advertising, the pulpit and classroom.

Through the Internet, CDs, videos, live performances and museum visits, students will introduced to the major art forms of theatre, music, dance, film, the visual arts of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as drama, poetic and prose literature. They will discover how each artist uses common elements like idea concept, form, line, color, rhythm, the use of sound and movement to create a work of art. Works from various cultures will be explored. Required for Education majors.

The public receives most of its information through the filter of the media. To make informed decisions, students need to be aware to the forces that operate in the media. An examination of the responsibilities, values, structure, dissemination of information and effectiveness of the media (newspapers, magazines radio, television, film, on-line). Attention to the freedoms of speech and press and potential conflicts with the rights of the individual and public.

We are assaulted daily by billions of stimuli. Often we are not aware of how we are influenced. This course analyzes how visual, kinetic and verbal/non-verbal strategies and techniques are used in the media, advertising, sales, politics, etc. to influence public opinion and to sell ideas, products, people and politicians. Exploration of the differences between persuasion and propaganda, the power of emotion, flattery, the group mind, the impact of mythology and hero-worship, stereotyping and scapegoating, suggestion and concealment.

A consideration of the artistic standards governing the understanding and appreciation of literature as it is communicated orally. Techniques in ascertaining the purpose, ideas, and moods of the author.

Meetings and discussion are the principal means by which business and professionals arrive at decisions. How they are conducted affects the outcome. A comprehensive study of the principles methods of discussion and the impact on group dynamics on meetings of all kinds. Topic includes preparation for presentations to small groups. Listening, non-verbal communication, proxemics, Robert's Rules of Order, conflict resolution and negotiation.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the field of dispute resolution. Key theories and approaches to peaceful dispute resolution, including negotiation, litigation, arbitration, mediation, and mediation-arbitration, will be explained and discussed. Students engage in mediation and arbitration of disputes. Each student prepares mediation agreements and arbitration awards.

Communication and management in non-profit institutions are not the same as in profit-oriented firms. The materials, language and publics have different expectations that require approaches to them that entail the acquisition of specialized written, research, and analytic communication knowledge and skills. This course addresses the communication environment and publics of nonprofits and key writing skills needed for professionals in this career area: analyses, reports, and funding proposals for businesses, foundations, and individuals.

This course is designed to introduce communication techniques for specific workspaces. Upon the completion of the course students will be able to effectively communicate in the workplace, use professional language and etiquette and use technology specific to certain work environments.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of principles and practices in effective customer-service management communication. The focus is on writing, speaking, information literacy, and non-verbal communication in business settings. Students learn about communication frameworks that include customer service policy formation, customer service in organizational/institutional planning, marketing, and profitability. Students analyze complex customer service issues and problems and make logical and sensitive written and oral presentations.

Principles and practices in the writing, editing, and publishing of community newsletters, journals, and other periodicals. Preparation of news releases, feature stories, and editorial writing. Techniques of securing and disseminating information.

Culture is communication. It is the way we organize our lives and interactions. This course is designed to explore ways that verbal and nonverbal communication occurs in various cultures in workplace, management, marketing, social, and other interactions. Recognizing globalization and our increasingly multicultural society, the aim of the course is to develop culturally fluent persons.

This course is directed to those preparing for careers in the private or public sector in which the planning and implementation of events, seminars, programs, promotions (such as fund-raising), and conferences are occasional or frequent responsibilities. The focus of this course is the development of analytical and planning skills and the social, cultural, and psychological context in which these are used in communication. Students learn to do various types of research used in communication, to prepare basic budgets, and to work as part of a communication team.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of principles and practices in effective business communication. The focus is on writing, speaking, information literacy, visual/graphic arts, and non-verbal communication in business settings. Students learn about business communication frameworks that include business plans, business proposals, reports, business studies, graphic aids, and oral presentations. Students learn to organize their thoughts logically, to analyze complex issues and problems, and to present points of view.

The purpose of this course is to improve the ability of prospective managers to communicate effectively within organizations and with external publics. Students, individually and in teams, make oral presentations about case studies and problems. Students analyze research and compose various types of business and professional reports and materials. Students learn how to identify barriers to communication and methods to overcome them.

Students work in a Communication capacity in a business or organization related to communication to gain practical experience in the field. Performance is assessed by the site supervisor and a department faculty member. A weekly journal is required. May be taken twice with two different organizations.