Course Descriptions

Communication 111

Fundamentals of Speech Communications (GE) 3 credits

Introduction to theory and practice of communicating in interpersonal and public speaking settings.

Communication 214

Interpersonal Speech Communication 3 credits

Examination of the components of interpersonal speech communication. Lectures, discussions, observations and controlled experiences will enable the student to learn and apply relevant concepts and variables of human interaction in dyadic, face-to-face communication situations.

Prerequisite: Communication 111 or consent of instructor.

Communication 215

Small Group Communication (3 credits)

Theory, practice and instructional methods of face-to-face communication in small groups, emphasizing field, role, conflict resolution and problem solving through group communication.

Prerequisite: Communication 11 or consent of instructor.

Communication 304

Business and Professional Speaking (3 credits)

An examination of the unique communication problems and practices in business and industry. Through investigation, case study and practical exercises students should understand and be able to participate effectively in a variety of communications experiences faced by managers in business and the professions. Prerequisite: COMM 118 and COMM 236 or consent of instructor.

Communication 318

Intercultural Communication (ES) (3 credits)

This course provides an examination of cultural influences on human interaction in variety of contexts. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication are explored. Prerequisite: Communications 118 and 236 or consent of instructor.

Communication 380

Introduction to Organizational Communication Studies 3 credits

This course explores the origins and usefulness of organizational communication theory through the examination and pragmatic application of those theories, concepts, and issues to adult learners’ organizational experiences.

A significant focus of the course will be having students gain knowledge for understanding and improving communication skills in a variety of settings by analyzing challenges commonly faced in today’s organizations. Topics may include: decision making, organization change, technology, globalization, emotion, assimilation, and other issues central to organizational communication.

Prerequisites: Communication 111 or Communication 112 or consent of instructor.

Communication 416

Managerial Communication 3 credits

This course explores fundamental aspects of managerial communication by focusing on how to ensure the effectiveness of management messages and interactions in a variety of organizational contexts and in terms of typical challenges managers face.

Prerequisites: Communication 280 and Communication 368 or consent of instructor.

English 309

Advanced Composition for Business (EN) (3 credits)

An advanced composition course for Business majors, designed to enhance proficiency in critical reading and thinking and in expository writing on issues relevant to business. Attention is also given to business communications such as correspondence, reports, and resumes. Required of Business majors. Prerequisite: 60 credits (including ENG 101 or equivalent) or consent of department chair.

Liberal Studies 208

The Ecology of Occupation 3 credits

Examines the relationships between occupation (both work and discretionary) and values, identity and health/wellness in contemporary society. Focuses on the complex variables (economic, psychological, sociological, genetic) which affect occupational choice, and hence our freedom (or lack thereof) to engage in meaningful, rewarding occupation.

Liberal Studies 209

Introduction to Liberal Studies 3 credits

Introduces the concepts related to self-directed, life-long learning with a focus on various types of thinking and writing skills through exposure to a broad range of academic subjects. Students will be introduced to the principles and processes involved in developing a learning portfolio, which will be required in their capstone course.

Liberal Studies 230

Introduction to Leadership (3 credits)

This course will introduce students to a variety of theories and issues involved with leadership, including power and influence; vision, values and ethics; effecting change through teams and coalition; and the importance of embracing diversity. Examples will be drawn from a broad range of contexts, including organizations, education, politics, and communities

Liberal Studies 270

Writing with Purpose (3 credits)

This course offers intensive instruction in (1) writing clear, coherent, correct, persuasive prose, (2) reading and thinking critically, and (3) conducting library research and/or interviews and integrating primary and secondary sources into your own texts. The focus will be on writing clearly and purposefully, developing individuals’ writing skills necessary for academic and professional success. Taught exclusively online, learners will be engaged in reading, analyzing, researching, thinking, writing, and rewriting to learn that everything written holds power to persuade, inform, or confuse by writing memos, reports, and essays.

Liberal Studies 301

Contemporary Global Issues and Problems (3 credits)
This course explores the ethical and religious dimensions of several global challenges in contemporary international society: (1) the expanding role of religion as a motivation for violence as well as a force for justice and peace; (2) the increasing deterioration of the global environment; (3) international efforts to protect human rights in countries where there is systematic oppression or genocide; and (4) the chronic gap in wealth between rich and poor nations.

Liberal Studies 302

The Web of the Future: Workplace and Communication Trends (3 credits)

Examines the history, operation, economics, and applications of computer technology and its significance in contemporary life. Consideration is given to a careful description of present technology and what some of the main decisions are that must be made if humanity is to utilize and control this technology.

Liberal Studies 303

Ethnicity and Demography in Wisconsin (ES) (3 credits)

Examines the historical influence of varied ethnic settlements, cultural diversity, changing economic foundations, and population shifts upon the government and politics of Wisconsin with particular reference to the Fox Valley.

Liberal Studies 318

Ethics and Decision Making in Organizations (3 crs)
Analysis of the influences on decision making in a variety of organizational contexts and the impact on individuals and society.  Students will investigate how culture, science and technology, religion, politics and the economy affect the decisions made at a variety of levels in organizations, and the effects of those decisions.  Particular focus will be on resolving ethical dilemmas which might result from value conflicts, such as between social and responsibility and financial interests.

Liberal Studies 319

Creating Presentations in the Virtual Workplace (3 credits)

This course offers guidance and examples on how to create effective online mediated presentations in a workplace which is increasing dependent upon computer technology as a means to communicate globally.  The course provides students with an understanding of effective presentation creating strategies utilizing story-telling techniques. In addition students will learn the use of new media techniques to optimize organizational, networked and web presentations.  Students will create web-based new media presentations utilizing graphics, animation, and integrated recorded speech.

Liberal Studies 325

Introduction Organizational  Administration (3 credits)
The course provides the student an introduction to some recent and successful theories and practices of organizational administration, including communication basics, persuasion, critical and empathetic listening, leadership development, systems and strategic thinking, planning, programming and budgeting, cognitive complexity, leadership styles and development, total quality management, the improvement of human performance, and learning organizations. The student will also have an introduction to ethics, external affairs, and crisis planning and management.

Liberal Studies 335

Transformative Leadership (3 credits)

Transformative leadership is a creative, passionate and authentic, expression of service inspired by the leadership wisdom of Bennis, Drucker, Greanleaf, Hesselbein, Hooks, and Quinn. In this course learners will have the opportunity to identify and develop individually unique and effective leadership styles and approaches. Through a combination of inventories, reflection and experiential activities learners will explore their passion and what constrains their leadership as well as how they impact and influence others. Learners also will observe and analyze the leadership styles of leaders with whom they associate.

Liberal Studies 336

Collaborative Leadership (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce a theoretical framework for collaborative leadership and the elements of group dynamics that support and maintain its success. Opportunities to integrate theory and practice will be provided to assist learners in understanding how groups function and how they as leaders, impact the ability/behaviors of the group for solving personal, interpersonal, group and organizational problems.