Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Communication

Program Overview

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This communication program equips students with foundational and proficient communication skills for effective expression in various formats. It emphasizes clear, concise expression and logical thinking through oral, reading, and written communication courses, preparing students for careers in education, business, government, law, and non-profit organizations. The program fosters critical thinking, effective communication strategies, and a foundation for further studies in communication-related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

• Aims to equip students with foundational and proficient communication skills for effective communication in the modern world.
• Emphasizes clear, concise expression and logical thinking through oral, reading, and written communication courses.
• Builds upon these skills in subsequent courses to enable students to effectively convey complex concepts and critical opinions in educational and professional settings.

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Objectives:

• Develop strong communication skills for clear and effective expression in written, oral, and reading formats.
• Cultivate critical thinking and analysis through active engagement with complex ideas and diverse perspectives.
• Foster effective communication strategies for various audiences and contexts, including educational and professional environments.

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Program Description:

• The program offers a structured curriculum starting with fundamental communication skills and progressing towards advanced critical analysis and expression.
• Subsequent courses leverage these skills to equip students with the ability to articulate complex ideas, formulate well-reasoned arguments, and engage in critical thinking.
• The program prepares students for potential baccalaureate degree programs in various communication-related fields, including communication, communication studies, public speaking, philosophy, and education.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Focuses on developing and honing communication skills across various mediums, including oral, written, and reading comprehension.
• Addresses critical thinking and analysis, enabling students to engage with complex concepts, diverse perspectives, and formulate sound arguments.

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Structure:

• Follows a structured curriculum, starting with foundational communication skills and progressing towards advanced critical analysis and expression.
• Initial courses focus on developing strong oral, written, and reading skills.
• Subsequent courses build upon these skills to equip students with the ability to communicate effectively in various academic and professional contexts.

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered throughout the semester, allowing students to tailor their schedules to their individual needs.
• Specific course offerings and schedules may vary depending on the semester and instructor availability.

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Individual Modules:

• Individual modules within the program focus on specific aspects of communication skills development, including:
• Oral communication: Public speaking, interpersonal communication, effective listening, and nonverbal communication.
• Written communication: Composition, grammar, research writing, and effective argumentation.
• Reading comprehension: Critical analysis, textual interpretation, and extracting meaning from complex texts.
• Critical thinking: Evaluating evidence, forming arguments, and developing logical reasoning skills.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:
• Written assignments: Essays, reports, research papers, and critical analysis exercises.
• Oral presentations: Individual and group presentations demonstrating effective communication and critical thinking skills.
• Exams: Assessing comprehension and application of key concepts and skills learned throughout the program.
• Class participation: Active engagement in discussions, group activities, and critical analysis of presented materials.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments are evaluated based on established criteria focusing on the following:
• Clear and concise communication: Ensuring information is presented in a well-organized and easy-to-understand manner.
• Effective use of evidence: Utilizing relevant and credible sources to support claims and arguments.
• Adherence to academic standards: Maintaining proper grammar, spelling, and citation formats.
• Originality: Ensuring work submitted is original and reflects the student's own ideas and analysis.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Employs a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to various learning styles and promote active engagement, including:
• Interactive lectures: Providing clear explanations of key concepts and facilitating discussion and critical analysis.
• Group activities and discussions: Fostering collaboration, peer learning, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.
• Individual assignments and presentations: Allowing students to demonstrate their learning and receive personalized feedback.
• Technology integration: Utilizing online resources, multimedia presentations, and interactive platforms to enhance learning experiences.

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Faculty:

• Comprises experienced and qualified instructors with expertise in communication theory, pedagogy, and various communication-related disciplines.
• Instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment that encourages active participation, critical thinking, and the development of effective communication skills.

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Unique Approaches:

• Incorporates experiential learning activities, such as simulations, case studies, and role-playing exercises, to provide students with practical experience in applying communication skills to real-world scenarios.
• Offers opportunities for students to engage in service-learning projects, allowing them to apply their communication skills in a community-based setting and contribute to social responsibility.
• Encourages student participation in research projects and conferences, fostering intellectual curiosity and the development of advanced communication and critical thinking abilities.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Graduates of the Communication Area of Emphasis are prepared for diverse career paths in various fields, including:
• Education: Teachers, professors, instructional designers, curriculum developers, educational administrators.
• Business: Communication specialists, public relations officers, marketing professionals, human resources managers.
• Government and Policy: Public policy analysts, legislative aides, communication directors, media relations specialists.
• Law: Legal researchers, paralegals, court reporters, legal communicators.
• Non-profit and Advocacy: Fundraisers, grant writers, program coordinators, community outreach specialists.

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for entry-level positions in communication-related fields and further studies at the baccalaureate level.
• Graduates may seek employment in a wide range of organizations, including schools, businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and media outlets.

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Outcomes:

• The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to achieve success in their chosen career paths.
• Graduates are expected to demonstrate effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and the ability to adapt to diverse communication contexts and challenges.

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Other:

• The Communication Area of Emphasis is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in communication theory, skills, and critical thinking, preparing them for success in various academic and professional pursuits.
• The program emphasizes active learning, critical analysis, and real-world application of communication skills.
• Graduates are encouraged to engage in lifelong learning and continue developing their communication skills to thrive in an ever-evolving world.