OEL 542: Effective Communication - (Graduate Level)

Course Description

This course presents communication as integral to management strategy and as a critical component for success in the workplace. In this class, you will develop a foundation for designing effective messages, both written and oral, from concept to delivery. You will use a strategic communication model to identify objectives, analyze audiences, choose information, and create the most effective arrangement and channel for that message. Particularly, the course emphasizes elements of persuasive communication: how to design messages for diverse and possibly resistant audiences and how to present that information in a credible and convincing way. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

OEL 501: Learning Community

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Evaluate various theories and communication modules/methods that focus on interpersonal interactions and the challenges of interpersonal conflicts - within groups, cultures, and workplace.
Analyze and apply various communication models/theories used in dyadic, small group, formal and informal communications, including the theories of symbolic organization (humanistic and social scientific approaches), discourse and interaction, and relational communicating in small groups and from an organizational perspective.
Assess organizational communication strategies/processes considering various communication modes/methods, including strategies in international organizations.
Research and analyze key contemporary digital communication avenues that are currently being used by corporations - strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
Create scenarios applying the most appropriate message structure, delivery structure, and argument support for the avenue.
Develop a personal and an organizational communication model based on the information gained in the course.

Applicable Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

PLO 2. Evaluate and formulate an individual leadership style.
PLO 3. Develop professional communication skills.
PLO 4. Recommend how one develops effective groups.
PLO 5. Construct organizational leadership strategies.
PLO 8. Create strategies to support intercultural/global inter-relationships.
PLO 13.Conduct research utilizing online sources and databases and write research papers that analyze and synthesize information and data gathered.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments	Points
Discussion Board Participation	200
Short Papers
Analyzing Communication Effectiveness	100
Announcement Recommendation	100
Short Report Scenario	100
Conflict Management	100
Mid-Course Paper
Internal Digital Communications	100
Final Individual Presentation	200
Total Points	1000

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore

Munter, Mary and Lynn Hamilton. (2014). Guide to Managerial Communication. 10th ed. Pearson Publishing. ISBN-13: 9780132971331

Course Schedule

Week	PLOs	SLOs	Readings and Exercises	Assignments
1	3,4,13	1,2,5	Weekly Topics: Developing a comprehensive communication strategy Understanding organizational climate and culture for effective communication Determining appropriate communication channels Readings: Munter and Hamilton, Part I Lecture material	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions Complete paper on effective business communication Review final presentation assignment due in Week 8. Email instructor with scenario choice
2	3,4,5,13	2,3	Weekly Topics: Importance of analyzing business situations Communicating in a digital environment Crafting and employing effective communication strategies Readings: Munter and Hamilton, Part II Lecture material	Read assigned chapters and supplementary articles Participate in the Discussions Complete announcement recommendations paper
3	3,5,13	3,4,5	Weekly Topics: Planning, Writing, and Completing Reports and Proposals Researching, compiling, and applying credible evidence Readings: Munter and Hamilton, Part III-IV Required assigned articles Lecture material	Read assigned chapters, supplementary articles, and videos Participate in the Discussions Complete report scenario paper
4	3,4,13	2,4,5	Weekly Topics: Applying business communication principles in a digital environment Analyze communication challenges using social network technology Readings: Required assigned articles Lecture material	Read assigned articles Participate in Discussions Complete internal digital communications paper
5	2-5,13	1,2,5,6	Weekly Topics: Mastering interpersonal communication Practicing active listening skills Effective meeting communication Readings: Required assigned articles Lecture material	Read assigned articles Participate in the Discussions
6	3,4,8,13	1,3,4,6	Weekly Topics: Intercultural Communication Effective communication in a diverse workplace Readings: Required assigned articles Lecture material	Read assigned articles Participate in the Discussions
7	2-5,8,13	1,3-6	Weekly Topics: Effective Team Communication Resolving Conflict in Teams Readings: Required assigned articles Lecture material	Read assigned articles Participate in the Discussions Complete Conflict resolution paper
8	2-5,8,13	1-6	Weekly Topics: Effective Presentations Readings: Munter and Hamilton, Part V-VII Required assigned articles Lecture material	Read assigned chapters Supplementary articles Complete final presentation Complete Course Evaluation

Assignments:

Discussion Boards. Each week you will answer questions on the discussion board in the online classroom. You are to post a substantive (250-300 words) response by Wednesday that addresses the question. You are also to respond to at least two classmates’ responses (100-150 words each) by Sunday. Each contribution must be supported with at least one scholarly source.
Short Papers. You will be given several opportunities to demonstrate your understanding of topics which are either scenario or research-based papers.
Mid-Course Paper. You will complete a mid-course paper to demonstrate understanding of concepts and learning through Week 4.
Final Presentation. As a final assignment, you will prepare and deliver a presentation following concepts and methods you have learned throughout the course.

Students Please Note:

It is the student’s responsibility to understand all course requirements and policies as identified in the course syllabus and / or Blackboard.
Grading polices, course rubrics, and student expectations will be found in the Course Policies Section of Blackboard. Detailed assignment instructions will be found in the Weekly Course Modules and Discussion Board sections of Blackboard.
All items in this syllabus, including course assignments and due dates, are subject to change at the discretion of the course instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to check Blackboard for corrections or updates to the syllabus. All changes will be clearly communicated to the students in the Course Announcement section in Blackboard.

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.