Professional Documents
Culture Documents
course; within a communication major; at a four-year institution; at the junior level; with a
campus facility available for student video recording. With minor variations, it can be
adapted to the quarter system; to professional business programs; to the community college
experience; and for students who don’t have ready access to institutional assistance in
recording.
The sample syllabus includes a lengthy introduction some instructors will find
dispensable, but we’ve found that it helps students orient to the expectations of an
community professionals and other interviewees. In our experience, once this expectation is
clarified and the reasons for it explained, virtually all students cooperate enthusiastically. It’s
wise, however, to have a straightforward discussion of ground rules and trust early in the
term.
For example, we recommend that instructors overtly discuss with their classes the
implications of representation, because each student represents the class, the department, and
the institution as he or she interacts with professionals and community representatives.