Oral Communication courses equip students with the communication skills needed to be successful in future courses, careers, and communities. In this course, students learn how to conduct research for, organize, and deliver effective presentations that allow them to explain complex ideas, persuade, and advocate for change. Students learn how to build and sustain meaningful relationships as well as manage conflict in those relationships. Additionally, students develop small group and leadership skills that will help them work successfully on teams. All of these skills are embedded within a diversity and equity context so that students can understand, analyze, adapt messages for, and demonstrate respect and consideration for the multitude of audiences with whom they will communicate in a range of intercultural, personal, and professional contexts.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completing an Oral Communication course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of and proficiency in constructing and delivering multiple message types.
- Understand and practice effective elements of ethical verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Develop analytical skills and critical listening skills.
- Understand the influence of culture in communication and will know how to cope with cultural differences when presenting information to an audience.
Required: COMM 101 should be taken by all students unless their degree program specifies a different requirement. Students will be expected to continue developing oral communication skills in additional Mason Core courses as appropriate.
Approved Courses: For the current list of approved courses, please see the Catalog.