This foundational course introduces students to the main schools of thought that comprise communication theory. Its objectives are to understand the interdisciplinary complexity that constitutes communication studies, to appreciate how theories allow scholars to build a body of knowledge in an organized and synthesized way, and to explore how the theories presented have implications and applications in our own lives as communicators.
As part of their careers, graduates in Professional Communication will be asked to conduct research projects in their workplaces. The objective of this capstone course is to provide students with the experience of designing such projects. The course will focus on research design and on data-gathering techniques such as interviewing, document collection, observation, and surveys. Students will develop research projects related to a specific organization or workplace.
In this course, students in groups will conduct and complete their research projects proposed in CMN480. Attention will be devoted to data analysis techniques. The course will build on students’ previous course work in terms of theoretical perspectives and identification of issues related to professional communication. The course will conclude with students presenting the results of their research to the School and to their industry partners.
