Learning Objectives
Theoretical Literacy
“Theoretical literacy within the communication discipline demonstrated by the ability to articulate at least one theoretical framework and use it to illuminate a real-life communication problem, strategy, or initiative. “
On the my first day of my first course in this program (COM 601), Dr. Pupchek told the class,t hat by the end of this semester, we would have a solid foundation of communication theories that we would be able to build upon and utilize throughout the program. At the end of the first class, I remember feeling entirely overwhelmed. Between the core theories that we were going to learn to our final project where we would have to use a communication theory to illuminate our findings, I did not feel like I would have those sort of capabilities to do so. But as the semester when on, the theories started to make a little more sense and that impending dread of the final project was slightly lifted. During my second class (COM 613), I no longer felt like a novice to this field of study, and it was getting easier and easier to not only comprehend theory, but to apply it in a meaningful way to further illustrate a any communication problem.
From these experiences, I’ve learned to not only apply communication theory, but to do so in a meaningful way. During my time in this program, the ease at which I am able to quickly build connections between theory and real world application has increased tenfold. I no longer feel that apprehension of uncertainty or intimidation as i first did. Even when I’m not 100% sure of how to apply a theory to a situation, I at least have the tools to better decipher what I need to look up next. I’ve also learned to listen to others and how they many interpret a theory, and be more open to ideas other than my own.
Since starting this program, there have been multiple times where I’ve applied a communication theory in both my professional and personal life. At work, if there is a problem comes up that is in need of a solution, I’ve been able to apply a theoretical framework from this program to work through the elements of the theory to better understand the issues surrounding the situation.
In my personal interactions, having this theoretical literacy background allows me to bridge gaps of knowledge I didn’t know before and to make more connections between what I was learning in the classroom and what is happening in real life. Whether it’s thinking about how social capital could help in a PR plan for an organization or looking at medical brochures and wondering how elements of eHealth 2.0 could help improve the materials, this theoretical literacy has become such an important element of my life.
Below are some examples of my work during this program that are related to this Learning Objective:
Writing Literacy
“Writing literacy for chosen audiences, including the ability to draft and format an essay in an appropriate citation style.”
Writing literacy was the one learning objective that I felt like I had a pretty solid grasp on when I first started the program. My undergrad degree was in English Literature, and I was always the friend that read over everyone’s paper before they turned it in. Notice the key word is “felt like,” because as I started the program, it was a pretty swift reminder that this style of writing was very different then what I had previously done, and I couldn’t become complacent in my writing skills from undergrad; I needed to bring them to the next level in this graduate program. There were also types of writing that I had never had to do before like write a script for a podcast or write a strategic communication plan.
From these experiences, I learned to be more open to feedback from my peers during the writing process, and to be more willing to write down something even if it’s not completely perfect. I’ve become stronger in changing my writing style for different audiences. Before this program, almost 100% of my writing was meant to be written in a scholarly or academic setting. However, this program has showed me that it’s more important to write to the audience that it is intended for instead of writing purely for the academic side.
It has definitely changes my outlook on how I approach the writing process. Before this program, I tended to write very much in a silo with little feedback because I always felt nervous of of showing my work before it was complete in fear that it would be wrong. I’ve also changed that writing is a continuous process that needs to be practiced in order to get better at it. I am currently looking at additional academic programs a couple of years down the line, but with the competency of a strong writing background, I feel much more prepared.
Below are some examples of my work during this program that are related to this Learning Objective:
Research Literacy
“Research literacy within the communication discipline demonstrated by the ability to create and complete at least one inquiry project that: Articulates a communication problem, strategy, or initiative to be analyzed and evaluated, Adopts an epistemological standpoint, Locates, aggregates, and analyzes credible research, Drafts a literature review that supports and illuminates a chosen area of inquiry and Composes and supports arguments using at least one theoretical framework.”
Research literacy was a component that was heavily emphasized in every single course I have taken in this program. The final product that was to be turned in at the end of each course was different, but the research process was built upon and strengthened during every step. One semester, I remembered in Dr. Wheller’s Organizational Communication class was the first time where we had to come up with our own epistemological standpoint for our final paper. Before this, the class was usually assigned the epistemological standpoint and then we would individually have to come up with our own supporting theory and evidence. This was one of the first times we had full range to choose anything we wanted to research in relation to organizational communication. While this was scary and a challenge because it was something I was so unfamiliar with, it provided me with practice building a research argument from the ground up. I couldn’t have ask for a better project to prepare me for what capstone was going to be like.
I’ve learned that by providing solid background detail and supporting facts to your theoretical framework, you are able to complete a strong, comprehensive and compelling final product. I’ve also learned, in the creation of a literature review, how to use the works of other communication scholars to further support my new claim or argument. This experiences has provided me with a way to evaluate appropriate resources and evaluate which are the best to illustrate my point.
Going forward from this experience, research literacy has provided me with a solid background of how to conceptualize, build and complete a research project. Academically, this literacy has helped me become sure of my research capabilities that will help me in future programs. This skills will also help me professionally by knowing how to create an argument and back it with the appropriate facts to make a claim. I’ve already used this skill at work by having to come up with research to support a change to the curriculum.
Below are some examples of my work during this program that are related to this Learning Objective:
Digital and Media Literacy
“Digital and media literacy demonstrated by the ability to create and evaluate content on at least one digital or media platform related to a specific communication initiative and audience.”
Before starting the program, I had some background in digital and media literacy. As an undergraduate, I was studying in the hopes of becoming a high school English teacher, and digital literacy is a large component to the Common Core Standards for North Carolina. I had background in different types of different digital teaching tools, the concept of a flipped classroom and utilize digital content for a variety of different learning levels. But what was different when I started this graduate program was the emphasis on the creation of digital and media content through different platforms for diverse audiences.
For me, COM 655 and COM 668 were the two classes that truly brought the discussion of digital/media literacy to life. The other courses in the program did a great job of integrating the use of different digital/media content in our final projects or how to use different resources, but these classes drove home why it is important and how it can be beneficial in different contexts. Having to create a script/podcast and a digital health
From these experiences, I’ve learned how digital and media content can be used in a variety of different ways to further discussion between different individuals using different mediums, allows for asynchronous learning and connection and reaches audiences that you may not have been able to reach before.
Personally, I have a much deeper passion for the creation of digital and media content that I will take with me after this program is over. I’m interested in exploring ways how digital and media content can be utilized by different audiences, particularly in health education. This experience has unleashed a new passion for me which I an very grateful.
Below are some examples of my work during this program that are related to this Learning Objective:
Ethical Consideration
“Ethical consideration within a communication situation demonstrated by the ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate at least one ethical dilemma or scenario related to communication and advocate a specific course of action.”
When thinking about communication, ethical consideration is an important element to keep in mind. In this program, I’ve had to explore and illuminate ethics in regards to intercultural communication by using a famous movie scene as an example. This program has also had me look at organizations and their leaders, how they respond to controversial situations and what is the best course of action that is ethically right.
After this program, I am going to take away how to be thoughtful and mindful of other peoples ideas and ethics. Not only is my point of view important to express and let know, but so are the others around me. It all comes down better understanding the different communication ethics others are coming from and what are the best ways to navigate them.
This learning has changed my outlook in how to think ethically in a communication situation. This has been particularly helpful in my professional life speaking with students who come from different background. It has also helped personally when speaking with new people, or even family members whose ethics may differ from mine, to be mindful of this ethical consideration.
Below are some examples of my work during this program that are related to this Learning Objective:
Global Awareness
“Global awareness and understanding of international issues and practices related to communication demonstrated by at least one activity or assignment that asks students to explore a communication situation or problem from a global/international perspective.”
Living in a Web 2.0 society, world events and international news are able to be captured and shared at an increasingly fast rate. As citizens, we have to be conscious of global perspectives that may alter from our own. In Expanding Communication Boundaries with Dr. Barnes, the class focused on branding, and for our final project was to analyze Apple and Samsung brand. It was interesting in doing so because not only are you looking at these two brands personas and capabilities but, you’re also exploring the brand of their global competitors which could inevitably influence either of these brands and how they choose to market themselves in the U.S. or oversees.
From these experiences, I have learned to be more open to diverse perspectives. It taught me that in order to think strategically, you must broaden your perspective from just what if familiar to you.
My outlook has changed personally from this program to view more situations in a global perspective. It’s so easy with how much we have going on every day to think of international issues that do not specifically affect us. But by being more globally minded, it has allowed me to broaden my perspective and think more critically about global communication problems.
Below are some examples of my work during this program that are related to this Learning Objective:
Integrate Theory and Content Learning
“Integrate theory and content learning by developing and completing a comprehensive communication project”
To be honest, I was not one of those students that knew what they wanted to write their final comprehensive project when they first start the program. My inquiry project idea was not fully solidified until we had to finalize them last semester. However, the threads of what I wanted to write my final capstone project was there all along. Every class I took, all of the experiences and all of the set-backs led me to figuring out what I wanted to write my final project about. As I have said before, the courses focused on digital creation, CMC and health literacy were the ones I was most drawn to and were the most passionate about. Learning about the importance and need for health literacy to patients, providers and caregivers grows rapidly. On a personal note, over the last 8 months, my family has had to deal with several major health concerns. Between my passion in the classroom and my
I’ve learned so much from this experience. This experience has taught me that not everything comes out the way you envision it even when you have the best intentions. My comprehensive project went through multiple iterations before a final method and theory was solidified. It is okay to feel unsure about the road you’re taking, but the use the advise and expertise of your academic adviser to lead you on the right course of action.
My learning has changed my outlook forever and for the better. By being able to learn about so many different types of viewpoints and areas in communication, it has broadened my perspective of how I view the world around me. It has affected my plans going forward because I hope to continue building on this project and expand on my findings to create health resources for different populations. It has changed all aspects of my life because I now know that I am capable on doing this kind of research and work.
Below are some examples of my work during this program that are related to this Learning Objective and my comprehensive project: