Professional Communications

Welcome to Professional Communications! Professional Applications is a one semester course that blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based environment. Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional or and written communication. Professional Communications is a one semester course. All aspects of human interaction, whether professional or social, rely on effective communication skills. Due to the incredibly rapid expansion in technologies and social media, there exists increasing demands for human communications to be clear and precise in both verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Speaking and listening behaviors require valid critical-thinking and problem-solving processes.

Students enrolled in Professional Communications will identify, analyze, develop and evaluate communication skills in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.

The interesting and challenging aspect of taking a communication course as an independent learner is that you must be more aware of and consciously involve yourself in communicative situations. Unlike a classroom setting, where instructors focus on engagement among students in a conditioned and controlled environment, this course offers you the opportunity to choose from different options for engagement. Having these options will allow you to take control of your learning experience and put the concepts and ideas you explore into action.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• explore and understand the impact of technology on career choices with a focus on the arts, audio/visual technology, and communications cluster.
• analyze the elements of the communication process.
• analyze social and professional interactions.
• analyze the importance of ethical and social responsibility in the communication process.
• analyze types, importance, and usefulness of effective nonverbal strategies.
• analyze the components of listening and the 4 types: deliberative, critical, empathic, and appreciative.
• create a cover letter, resume and participate in a successful interview.
• identify and analyze group purposes, member roles, and leadership styles.
• analyze how groups solve problems, manage and resolve conflict, and build consensus.
• prepare and deliver a speech cognizant of audience, purpose, occasion, topic choice, incorporating ideas in an organized fashion that are engaging and logical, and incorporating relevant technology that enhances the presentation.

Note: This course does not require a textbook.

The semester contains 8 units and one final exam.

Each Unit contains:

• 3-5 lessons. Lessons include the following components of the 5E model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
• Self-assessments to help you check your own understanding of the material covered are available in each lesson. You must complete these assessments in order to advance in the course.
• These is a mix between projects/performances scored by the instructor and computer-scored quizzes.The final examination is comprehensive; it covers the material from all units. To pass the course, you must receive a grade of 70 percent or better.

The final examination is comprehensive; it covers the material from all units. To pass the course, you must receive a grade of 70 percent or better.

Format: Multiple-choice and short answer, online

Time Allowed: 3 hours