Course Descriptions
Communication 214
Interpersonal Speech Communication (3 credits) Examination and explanation 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.
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 220
Interviewing (3 credits) This course will examine factors which influence successful attainment of
interview objectives, which maximize information quality, and which enhance
participant satisfaction. Theory and strategies appropriate to
information-gathering, information-giving, personnel selection, performance
appraisal, discipline, complaint and persuasive interviews will be discussed.
Students will analyze professional interviews, participate in class exercises
and role-playing to develop their interviewing skills.
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 443
Organizational Communication (3 credits) The course deals with the basic content of organizational communication:
theory of communication, small groups, interpersonal communication, conflict,
communication variables. Attempts to draw the link between the theoretical
perspective and the pragmatic application of the topic.
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 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 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 315
Managing People at Work (3 credits) This course focuses on the human resource management component of
the management process. The course includes both theory and application
related to effectively managing individuals in their work roles.
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 405
Project Planning and Implementation (3 credits) This course includes
the "science" of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing
projects, following the proven structure developed by the
internationally-recognized Project Management Institute. Topics also cover the
"art" of time management, conflict resolution and effective communication and
partnerships-methods and behaviors associated with successful projects. This
course uses a series of case studies, problems and papers designed to help
learners demonstrate their ability to apply course topics to workplace settings.
Liberal Studies 425
Senior Seminar in Organizational Administration (3 credits)
Focuses the
student's prior work, both on and off campus, on the applied and the theoretical
basis of the organization, of leadership, and on the efforts of people within an
organization. This seminar will, through reading, class lectures and
discussions, applied research and presentations, in written and oral reports,
seek understanding of the theories and operational definitions of organizations
and leadership. The student will be able to analyze existing organizations for
problems or opportunities in organizational operation, leadership, and team
efforts. The student will be able to design plans, programs, strategies,
tactics, and resource requirements to accomplish predetermined goals and
objectives. The student will be required to convince his/her classmates of the
validity of the findings and proposals. They will be evaluating each other's
work and that evaluation will likewise be evaluated.
Liberal Studies 463
Budgeting and Bookkeeping (3 credits) This course provides the students an opportunity to learn the basics
of budgeting and bookkeeping. The course of study will help prepare
program and profit center managers to develop and manage their budgets
and expenditures. They will also have the opportunity to learn to use
accounting information and make monetary and financial decisions. The
relationship between organizations and the national economy and
monetary decisions will also be discussed. Prerequisite: PBIS 189
Liberal Studies 466
Applied Data Gathering and Analysis (3 credits)
Using data effectively
in the workplace: the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data for
decision-making and problem solving within organizations. Topics include
question posing, qualitative data gathering and analysis, quantitative data
gathering and analysis, descriptive statistics, beginning inferential
statistics, feasibility techniques, and process analysis. This course will use
an extensive series of cases and problems and conclude with student projects
that demonstrate an ability to take a problem from inquiry and data gathering,
through analysis and solution identification, to formal presentation.
