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Introduction to Communication
COM101 | 3 Credits
Introduction to Communication explores the theories and principles of speech communications, conflict and negotiation, ethical issues in the communication process, and foundational principles. You’ll learn how to apply communication in all contexts — from personal communications to the workplace!
Professor: Jay Becker
About Introduction to Communication
What You’ll Learn
Effective communication is what drives social change. Introduction to Communication will empower students to become confident advocates for issues they care about most. Students explore public speaking as a tool for civic engagement and positive change, developing personal, informative, and persuasive advocacy presentations that transform their passions and knowledge into effective public communication. Building on these
foundational skills, the course emphasizes audience-centered approaches, evidence-based argument development, and ethical communication practices. Students will progress from sharing personal experiences to researching and presenting complex information to crafting persuasive appeals for local change. Throughout this journey, they will master techniques for managing speaking anxiety, structuring compelling narratives, using visual aids effectively, and adapting their message to different audiences. Upon completing the course, students will have a comprehensive toolkit of communication skills that enables them to engage meaningfully in democratic processes, influence policy discussions, and inspire action within their communities turning them into effective agents of positive change in both local and broader civic contexts.
- Transform personal experience into effective advocacy through structured presentation
- Analyze audiences to create relevant, engaging presentations for specific contexts
- Develop clear, well-supported arguments using credible research and evidence
- Craft and deliver speeches that inform, explain, and advocate for change
- Apply ethical communication principles in research, writing, and presentation
- Adapt complex information for different audiences and purposes
- Use structured organization and effective delivery techniques to enhance message impact
- Apply rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) strategically to enhance persuasive communication
- Design and integrate visual aids effectively to enhance audience understanding and engagement
- Demonstrate reflective analysis of personal learning and growth in civic communication skills
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Students will design preparatory, informative, persuasive, research and reflective projects, engaging in civic discourse as a process of advocacy including consideration of the following: organizational structure, context, content, modality, language, aesthetic and rhetorical choices, statements of connectivity, and desired outcomes. In addition, students will learn how to appropriately select, analyze and synthesize credible source material, with the ultimate goal of combining researched evidence with their own unique insights.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0052
Flexible Schedule
29-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 3,100 times
$3,400,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Communication.
Course Text
No need to track down a textbook; the readings are built right into this course.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Public Speaking as Civic Engagement
- Civic Engagement and Speech Communication
- Foundations of Advocacy Communication
- Preparing for Public Speaking
- Video Spotlight: What is Civic Engagement?
Checkpoint 2: Advocacy Communication
- Understanding Personal Advocacy
- Crafting Your Personal Advocacy Message
- Effective Delivery and Recording Techniques for Advocacy Communication
Checkpoint 3: Informative Communication
- Understanding Informative Speaking
- Developing Your Informative Speech
- Creating Visual Aids and Delivering Your Informative Speech
- Video Spotlight: Informative vs. Persuasive Communication
- Video Spotlight: Presentations and the Three Ts
Checkpoint 4: Persuasive Communication
- Applying Rhetorical Strategies to Your Persuasive Speech
- Developing and Supporting Persuasive Arguments
- Delivering Your Persuasive Speech
- Video Spotlight: Rhetorical Skills
Checkpoint 5: Reflective Communication
- Understanding Reflective Analysis for Your Speech
- Structuring Your Reflective Speech
- Delivering Your Reflective Speech
- Video Spotlight: Reflective Learning
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 5 Checkpoints
- 4 Capstones
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
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Course Professor
Jay Becker
M.S.A
Jay Becker is a student-centered educator with an extensive background in higher education over the span of 15 years. He teaches, guides, and mentors students in Sport Management, Sport Marketing, Sport Leadership, Business, and Communication both at the community college and university levels. Jay is well-versed in course planning, research oversight, course development, and student mentoring.
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Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
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Professional development assistance
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Develop Important Skills for Your Social Sciences Career
Communication is the thing that bridges the gap between ideas and making an impact. It’s an important skill to have for careers in social sciences and beyond! Whether you go on to work as a one-on-one therapist or study general trends in the public sector, being a great communicator will help you make your biggest impact.
Why it matters:
- New jobs for mental health counselors are projected to grow 19% between 2023 – 2032, nearly 5× higher than the average.
- Looking for job security? Professions in social sciences tend to earn more and have lower unemployment than average.
In-demand careers in this field include:
Licensed Therapist, Social Worker, Public Health Analyst, Urban Planner, Diversity Officer, Sociologist, Case Manager, Policy Analyst, Research Coordinator
How this course sets you up for success:
Introduction to Communication will strengthen your ability to analyze, make sense of, and get your ideas across. These will prove to be important skills in any social sciences career!
3 Credits
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