Policy Statement for Communication Studies 100 and 100P
This course is designed to develop oral communication competence in listening and speaking skills. Both the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Northern Illinois University affirm that communication skills are an immediate and special goal at all levels of education in order to improve the preparation of individuals for work, citizenship and social well being.
Northern's course is distinctive in two respects:
- We emphasize listening skills as strongly as speaking skills.
- We make a continual commitment to value cultural diversity for the opportunities it provides communicators to benefit from each other.
Oral Communication Competencies -- Objectives of COMS 100
Oral communication competency consists of recognizing the unique characteristics of differing communication contexts and adapting speaking and listening skills to those contexts. The goals of this course consist of increasing effectiveness in both the preparation and presentation, and the reception and interpretation of oral messages. These goals are achieved by emphasizing the classical rhetorical skills of invention, organization, language and style, and delivery.
The general speaking and listening skills, or competencies, are listed below. Specific skills are provided separately. Rhetorical Skills
I. Rhetorical Purpose
- Listeners set responsible and appropriate goals.
- Speakers set responsible and appropriate goals.
II. Speaker/Audience Adaptation
- Listeners assess the purpose and credibility of a speaker.
- Speakers analyze listeners in order to adapt messages to them.
III. Establishing Central Themes
- Listeners identify the thesis and main ideas in a message.
- Speakers develop a thesis and main ideas in a message.
IV. Supporting Materials
- Listeners classify and assess supporting data.
- Speakers develop adequate and appropriate supporting materials.
V. Arrangement
- Listeners assess relationships among ideas.
- Speakers develop a logical, consistent, and appropriate arrangement of ideas.
VI. Linguistic Style
- Listeners appreciate the impact of language on understanding and belief.
- Speakers use clear, precise and vivid language.
VII. Non-Verbal Style
- Listeners recognize and assess the influence of nonverbal symbols on the interpretation of messages.
- Speakers use nonverbal symbols to amplify messages and maintain rapport.
VIII. Speaker/Audience Interaction
- Listeners actively interact with speakers and others.
- Speakers encourage interaction with listeners.
Minimum Course Requirements
All sections of COMS 100 use common texts. Fifteen percent of the final grade is based on a uniform comprehensive final exam, covering the cognitive content of the course. The remaining 85% is based on assignments that require demonstration of speaking and listening skills.
- Preparation and presentation of at least 3 speeches including one informative speech and one persuasive speech.
- Interpretation of at least 3 oral messages to include one critical essay.
- Listening to one communication event outside of class.
- Videotaping at least one assigned speech.
- Participating in directed class activities.
Attendance
Attendance is obviously vital in a course designed to improve basic communication skills. Missing more than 15% of class meetings (6 MWF absences or 4 TTH) and substandard course performance constitutes sufficient reason for failure. Students who must miss assignments for a verifiable emergency or serious illness (confirmed by the Health Center) are responsible for making arrangements with their instructor promptly upon return to class to complete missed work at the discretion and convenience of the instructor. It is also the student's responsibility to get information on course content missed or changes in assignments, due dates, or schedules announced during their absence. Failing to give any oral performance at the scheduled time is especially serious since the schedule for an entire class is affected. Assignments not completed will receive a failing grade and/or penalty.
Plagiarism
"The faculty of the university aims to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity. The attempt of any student to present as his or her own work which he or she has not performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense. Students guilty of, or assisting others in, either cheating or plagiarism on any assignments, quizzes or examinations may receive a grade of F for the course involved and may be suspended or dismissed from the University."