Communication Skills (801)
801-100. Intl Service Learning and Comm. (1 Credit)
Through this short term international service learning experience, students will research, write and reflect on cultural components of the country to which they travel.
Prerequisites: (Instructor approval. or Associate Dean approval)
801-136. English Composition 1. (3 Credits)
This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents
Prerequisites: (831-103 with a minimum grade of C or 838-101 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or Accuplacer ESL Sentence Mean with a score of 103 and Accuplacer ESL Language Use with a score of 103 or Accuplacer Sentence Skills82 or ACT-English with a score of 17 or ASSET-Writing Skills with a score of 41 or Completed Intro College Wrtg or COMPASS/ESL - Grammar with a score of 90 or COMPASS-Writing Skills with a score of 59 or College Proficiency - Writing or GED Language Arts-2014 Series with a score of 165 or High School GPA 2.60 or Higher or Next-Gen Accuplacer Writing with a score of 250 or TABE-11 A Language with a score of 631 or TABE Advanced Language with a score of 11.0 or TABE-12 A Language with a score of 631) and (838-105 with a minimum grade of C or 838-101 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or Accuplacer Reading Comp with a score of 70 or Accuplacer ESL Reading with a score of 103 or ACT-Reading with a score of 17 or ASSET-Reading Skills with a score of 40 or Completed Intro College Wrtg or COMPASS/ESL - Reading with a score of 90 or COMPASS-Reading Skills with a score of 75 or College Proficiency - Reading or GED Language Arts-2014 Series with a score of 165 or High School GPA 2.60 or Higher or Next-Gen Accuplacer Reading with a score of 248 or TABE-11 A Reading with a score of 617 or TABE Advanced Reading with a score of 11 or TABE-12 A Reading with a score of 617)
801-191. Fundamentals of Essay Writing. (1 Credit)
Students will learn the writing process by considering the subject, audience, and purpose. Students will apply this knowledge to learn elements of effective essay writing. To be successful in this course, students should have a post-high school level knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
801-195. Written Communication. (3 Credits)
Study and practice a process approach to writing which includes planning, drafting and revising documents in various writing styles. Gain proficiency in the areas of critical thinking, organization, clarity, accuracy, directness and APA style.
Prerequisites: COMPASS-Writing Skills with a score of 59 or COMPASS/ESL - Grammar with a score of 90 or ACT-English with a score of 17 or ASSET-Writing Skills with a score of 41 or Accuplacer Sentence Skills82 or Next-Gen Accuplacer Writing with a score of 250 or TABE Advanced Language with a score of 11.0 or TABE-11 A Language with a score of 631 or TABE-12 A Language with a score of 631 or Completed Intro College Wrtg or (Accuplacer ESL Language Use with a score of 103 and Accuplacer ESL Sentence Mean with a score of 103) or 831-103 with a minimum grade of C or 851-771 with a minimum grade of S
801-196. Oral/Interpersonal Comm. (3 Credits)
Practice the necessary skills for effective speech delivery, listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, teamwork and general interpersonal communication.
801-197. Technical Reporting. (3 Credits)
Prepare and present oral and written technical reports. Analyze the problems particular to technical writing, and study the methods used in assembling, developing and preparing information for technical publications. Discuss the competencies required of the qualified technical communicator. Special Schedule Information: English Composition 1 and Technical Reporting can be taken concurrently in the same semester, but cannot be taken in the same term. English Composition 1 (801-136) must be successfully completed (C or better) before taking Technical Reporting (801-197).
Prerequisites: 801-195 with a minimum grade of C or 801-136 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or 801-223 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C
801-198. Speech. (3 Credits)
Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, included in the course.
801-204. Introduction to Literature. (3 Credits)
Gain an introduction to a variety of literary genres, including poetry, drama and prose, to increase your awareness and appreciation of literature. Explore various theoretical, cultural and contextual frameworks, and discuss selected reading through these lenses. Through discussion posts, readings, classroom discussions, and written and verbal assignments, learn to respond critically, thoughtfully and in a way that addresses an increasingly complex world.
801-209. Pop Culture, Media, and You. (3 Credits)
Popular culture has been dismissed as mere trivia – “just entertainment.” Take a step back from simply consuming popular culture to investigate how different cultural forms communicate ideas about the world. Explore questions including: How do various popular culture forms represent social life? Why do we consume popular culture in the ways that we do? How do people create their own popular culture as it becomes easier than ever in the internet age? Explore a range of media and genres – including our phones and other technology, social media, television, film, advertising and music – to examine the significance of popular culture. Use your own expertise as consumers of popular culture as a take-off point for exploring the various roles played by mass-mediated popular culture in our lives. Learn to assess the value of different critiques of popular culture. Explore various methods to investigate both what popular culture does to people and what people do with popular culture. Learn to think critically about the way media influences your life and the world around you.
801-212. Gaming as Literature. (3 Credits)
Explore the intersection of literature and the interactive digital medium of video games. Analyze a variety of video games spanning different genres, platforms and periods; dissect their narratives to uncover the underlying literary elements; and explore the historical and cultural contexts that helped to shape them. Through critical readings, discussions and hands-on gameplay sessions, develop a deeper understanding of the literary techniques employed in gaming.
801-214. Cross Cultural Communication. (1 Credit)
In today’s globalized world, the ability to navigate cross-cultural situations with mindfulness and sensitivity has become increasingly more significant. This course aims to provide a nuanced understanding of cross-cultural interactions and conflict by reviewing and analyzing relevant theoretical perspectives, case studies, and current events. Through a combination of written and oral projects, students will develop increased tolerance and understanding of intercultural differences in a variety of contexts.
801-223. English Composition 2. (3 Credits)
Build on the foundational competencies developed in English Composition 1. Undertake an advanced level of academic writing, stemming from a critical analysis of problems and issues within a chosen discipline area. Engage in rigorous library research and critical reading of scholarly texts, and learn to recognize agreements and disagreements between sources. Learn to synthesize source materials into a written document while applying appropriate documentation formats through various writing activities. Special Schedule Information: English Composition 1 and English Composition 2 can be taken concurrently in the same semester, but cannot be taken in the same term. English Composition 1 (801-136) must be successfully completed (C or better) before taking English Composition 2 (801-223).
Prerequisites: 801-136 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or 801-195 with a minimum grade of C or ACT-English with a score of 21 or Next-Gen Accuplacer Writing with a score of 263
801-236. 20th Century American Literatu. (3 Credits)
Twentieth-century American literature is a multifaceted, complex topic that explores themes including a burgeoning capitalistic structure, a new and increasing urban space, the shrinking of the world as it deals with two separate world wars, and the troublesome history of its own political past. Explore two major literary movements of the 20th century: modernism and postmodernism. Gain an introduction to a variety of theoretical, cultural and contextual frameworks, and discuss selected readings through these lenses. Respond to these literatures critically, thoughtfully and in a way that addresses their place in our increasingly complex world.
801-243. Business Writing. (3 Credits)
Develop a professional writing style for the workplace, and learn the differences between effective and ineffective communication. Explore current global issues in business entities. Research, synthesize and apply information from various sources into business messages. Examine and develop various types of business writing including emails, proposal reports and other professional communications. Develop a business proposal aligned with your program of study. Special Schedule Information: English Composition 2 and Business Writing can be taken concurrently in the same semester, but cannot be taken in the same term. English Composition 2 (801-223) must be successfully completed (C or better) before taking Business Writing (801-243).
Prerequisites: 801-223 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C
801-247. Contemporary World Literature. (3 Credits)
Explore a survey of world literature from 1900 to the present, focusing primarily on prose, poetry and drama. Most readings will be works of short fiction and will explore a wide array of authors, texts, themes, cultures and histories. Texts will be organized around major societal themes and issues over the past century, including campaigns for civil and human rights, demographic shifts, changing gender roles, familial structures, immigration and postcolonialism.
Prerequisites: 801-204 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C
801-251. Cross Cultural Communication. (3 Credits)
Gain tools and knowledge to navigate cultural differences with confidence, sensitivity and empathy. Critically examine how social dynamics and personal identity shape communication behavior, and explore best practices for effective intercultural engagement. Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies and applied projects, develop strategies to navigate cross-cultural interactions successfully. Explore ways to mitigate culture shock, foster mutual understanding and manage challenging conversations. Deepen your cross-cultural awareness within a specific industry or field, gaining practical insights and skills relevant to your professional goals.
801-271. Pixels and Prose: Video Games. (3 Credits)
Explore the intersection of literature and the interactive digital medium of video games. Analyze a variety of video games spanning different genres, platforms and periods; dissect their narratives to uncover the underlying literary elements and allusions; and explore the historical and cultural contexts that helped to shape them. Through critical readings, comparative assessments, discussions and hands-on gameplay sessions, develop a deeper understanding of the literary techniques employed in gaming. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how literary elements influence and enhance the narrative experience in video games.
801-311. Communication in the Workplace. (2 Credits)
Expand level of awareness and skill in interpersonal communications, both oral and written, while focusing on securing and maintaining a job. Develop competencies in the area of listening, sending, and employability skills.
801-419. Business Writing Skills. (0.2 Credits)
This course is designed to provide participants with the skills necessary to prepare clear and concise business correspondence, including letters, memos and reports.
801-488. Presentation Skills. (0.4 Credits)
Participants in this course will acquire and practice the skills of presenting ideas to small and large groups in clear, concise ways. An emphasis is placed on organization, delivery, achieving visual effectiveness, and achieving the desired response.
801-489. Basic Presentation Skills. (0.3 Credits)
Learn and practice skills to present ideas to small and large groups clearly and concisely. Explore organization and delivery while learning to achieve visual effectiveness and evoke the desired response.
801-490. Presenting Yourself. (0.3 Credits)
Learn the basics of how to present yourself as a professional.
801-623. Creative Writing.
In this workshop-style class, write nonfiction, fiction or poetry for fun, family and friends, or publication. There will be opportunities for optional reading, assignments and sharing, and the recommended reading is Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg. If students would like their writing critiqued by the group, bring copies of manuscripts for classmates and the instructor. (One double-spaced copy for the instructor and 14 single-spaced copies for classmates. Manuscripts should be no longer than 850 words.)
801-623A. Creative Writing 7 Weeks.
A seminar type course open to anyone interested in developing awareness, creative thinking and writing skills. Emphasis will be on short story and the feature article. No experience is necessary. Students will write frequently and submit their work for class evaluation. This is a shortened version of the twelve-week course, designed for summer and other special sessions.
801-991. Communication Skills Elective. (1-5 Credits)
This is a communication skills elective to recognize transfer credit.
801-992. Communication Skills Elective. (1-5 Credits)
This is a communication skills elective to recognize transfer credit.