Syllabus|
Communication 520 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Office: LA 357 Ashcraft, K. & Mumby, D. (2003). Reworking gender: A feminist communicology of organization. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Maclean, J. (1999). Fire on the Mountain. New York: Washington Square Press. Maclean, N (1992). Young men and fire. Chicago: University of Chicago Press May, S. & Mumby, D. (2005). Engaging organizational communication theory and research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Other readings will be available in the Comm Dept. office or online at electronic reserve. Nature of the CourseThe primary purpose of this class is to provide students a strong foundation in the study of organizational communication. To do so, we will introduce the theoretical foundations of the field, explore the key problems, and examine current theories and trends in organizational communication. Student understanding of course concepts will be assessed through a variety of measures outlined in the "Requirements of the Course/Grading" section below. The course will begin with the reading of two books that discuss the Mann Gulch fire of 1949 and the South Canyon fire of 1994 respectively. In each of these cases, elite firefighters lost their lives to fire as a result of human and natural causes. We will use these two tragedies as examples that will help us to understand, interpret and evaluate theories of organizational communication. We will return to these tragedies at the end of the course to see if what we've learned can inform our understanding of these events. Attendance/Punctuality/Participation The course, like most graduate courses, will be discussion intensive. It is therefore important that you come to class on time and prepared to discuss the assigned readings for the day. As much of the work in this class is reading, your attendance each class period to discuss and debate the readings is essential to the success of the course. You will receive a grade for your participation in daily class discussions. Special AssistanceIf some extenuating circumstances beyond your control prevent you from meeting your expectations for your attendance and performance, I expect you to contact me immediately. It is important that you contact me sooner rather than later. Notice to Students with Documented DisabilitiesI encourage students with disabilities, including but not limited to, chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, to discuss with me, after class or during my office hours, appropriate accommodations that might be helpful to you. Students requesting disability accommodations must follow the DSS handbook, for which see p. 334 in the Catalog. Due DatesA late written assignment will be penalized one full grade for each day it is late unless arrangements are made with me ahead of time. Presentations must be delivered on the day that they are due. Original WorkUnless collaboration is part of the assignment, each assignment you turn in should be your own original work and should be done completely by you. You are expected to follow university policies as outlined in the Student Conduct Code and, as always, you are responsible for knowing what they are. Backup CopiesYou are responsible for keeping back-up copies of all work that you do for the class. Outside ResearchOutside research, beyond the assigned readings, is required for this course (no surprises there). Requirements of the Course/Grading
Letter grades are figured as follows (the +/- grading system will be used):
|
