Communication Applications

Communication Applications 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 Communication Applications 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.

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course you will understand and use:

• 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.

Required Course Materials

Note: This course does not require a textbook.

Course Organization

This course is a single semester that contains 7 units and one final exam.

Each Unit contains:

• 3-5 lessons. Each lesson includes 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 in each lesson. You must complete these assessments in order to advance in the course.
• 1–2 graded assignments. These are a mix between projects scored by the instructor and computer-scored quizzes.

Final Examination

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. You can apply to take the Final Exam after 100 percent of your graded assignments have been submitted, and at least 70 percent have been graded and returned to you.

Format: Multiple-choice and short answer, online

Time Allowed: 3 hours

Materials Allowed: #2 pencils

Semester Topics

Topic 1: The Communication Process – Part 1

Topic 2: The Communication Process – Part 2

Topic 3: Interpersonal Communication

Topic 4: The Interview

Topic 5: Group Dynamics

Topic 6: Group Purposes

Topic 7: Incorporating Technology

The University of Texas at Austin
1616 Guadalupe St., Ste 0.134
Austin, Texas 78701