Communication Outcome

Level 1: In this level of communication, you will learn to state your position on a given issue in both impromptu speaking and writing. You will develop the ability to define a manageable topic and a provable thesis that includes the main idea you wish to communicate, your attitude toward the main idea, and your purpose. You will learn about the writing process. In particular, you will learn that it usually takes multiple drafts to create and complete a successful text and/ presentation.
Level 2: At the second level of communication, you will begin to develop a structured argument from a set of facts, impressions and ideas. You will learn to present your ideas in written and oral form with clear transitions between an introduction, development of your ideas and conclusion. You will learn to argue from your thesis and offer research and other evidence to support it. You will learn what proofs a given thesis requires, in particular, the ability to discriminate between description and analysis, between repetition and development, and between relevant evidence and irrelevant detail. You will understand writing, whether for a document or an oral presentation, as an open process that permits writers to use later invention and re-thinking to revise their work.
Level 3: At the third level of communication, you will use conventions of format and structure appropriate to the audience and the purpose of your presentation. You will adopt appropriate voice, tone and level of formality. In written work, all paragraphs will have unity, clarity and coherence. Your argumentation in written work and oral and graphic presentation will become more sophisticated, i.e., you will not employ logical fallacies, you will anticipate counter-arguments, and you will use robust cogent evidence. You will develop the ability to accept and profit from criticism of substance and logic as well as of style and mechanics in revising preliminary drafts into finished work.
Level 4: At the fourth level of communication, you will use responsible emotional as well as rational persuasion. You will use a variety of technologies to address a range of audiences. You will be able to recognize and communicate the limits of your own and others’ arguments, and still communicate a coherent judgment. Your communication will be creative, interesting and imaginative. You will understand the social impact of communication. You will develop the ability to effectively critique one’s own and others' works.