Jamaica Theological Seminary

Communication Studies
Course Syllabus
Course Title: Communication Studies
Term/Semester Year: II, 2014 - 2015
Course Schedule: Monday 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Credit Hours: 3
Facilitator: Letetia Black
Phone: (876) 815-2187
Email Address: lettie_black@yahoo.com/letetia.black@jts.edu.jm

“That I may know Him… that I may make Him known”

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a general overview of the field of communication. It entails an
introduction to communication concepts, processes and skills including the use of
language, verbal and non-verbal engagements, as well as, principles and skills related to
the effective writing and delivery of various types of speeches.

II. GOAL (S) AND OBJECTIVES

GOALS
At the end of this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and
processes of communication, also, an appreciation for the skills and techniques required
for effective transference of meaning. They will demonstrate competency in oral and
written presentations, as well as, group interactions. Overall, students will have an
appreciation for the critical role communication plays in all aspects of development.

OBJECTIVES
In order to demonstrate fulfilment of the Goals, students will display improved and
increased knowledge, along with, learned skills and techniques, through oral and written
presentations, group presentations and a written examination.

III. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURE / STRATEGIES: The strategies and tools to

be employed in instruction are, interactive lecture, small group discussion, student
presentations, use of audio-visual equipment and research.

IV. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

A. Attendance: Regular attendance and class participation are expected.
B. Assignments:

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 1. Individual Presentation
 Students will prepare and deliver 1 (one) 3 (three) minute speech. Each
presentation will be assessed based on: content; creativity; speech writing
skills/techniques (format, structure, organization, suitability to intended
audience, delivery etc.).
 This assignment is worth 10% of the final grade. (Week 8)

2. Group Presentation
 Each group will develop a 20 minute presentation on a significant
communication theory. Groups will be allowed to choose their own theory and
practically demonstrate its importance to the communication process.
 Group presentations will be assessed based on content, creativity, ability to
communicate the message, and co-operation.
 Presentation is worth 20% of the final grade. (Week 12)

3. Term Paper
 Students will generate an original paper on one of the following topics:

i. “Terrorism”

ii. What role do you believe communication plays in the

current positive relationship Jamaica enjoys with the International
Monutary Fund (IMF)?.

iii. Discuss the role of technology in the globalisation of

Jamaica’s culture.

Papers must be typed in double space and should be six to eight (6-8) pages in length.
Grade value for this assignment is 30%. (Week 13)

4. Final Examination
 Students will sit a comprehensive examination on the course content worth
40% of final grade.

C. Grading Criteria

A 88-100 A- 84-87 B+ 80-83 B 75-79

B- 70-74 C+ 64-69 C 57-63 C- 50-62
F 0-49

V. MEDIOGRAPHY: Recommended Texts; Multimedia Projector; Charts.

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 VI. CLASS SCHEDULE:

Sessions Date Session Topic Assignments Due

January 12 – Introduction to Final Exam

Course Outline; Gen-
eral Course Overview;
Defining the concept
“communication”.
Diagramming the process of
January19 & 26 communication; Key concepts Group Presentations;
and issues; communication final Examination –
theories and models

Language in Communication
February 2 & 9 Final Examination;
Speech Presentation:
Speech: Types; Techniques of
February 16 & 23 Writing and Delivery; Speech Presentation:
Presentation
Speech Presentations
March 2 & 16 Oral Presentation
Mid-Semester Break
March 10/14
Group Communication: Small
March 23 & 30 Group; Nature: Types: Group Presentation;
Functions Final Exam:

Communication Technology:
April 13 Nature ; Functions; Benefits Speech Presentation;
Group Presentation;
Final exam
Group Presentations
April 20 Oral Presentation
Group 1; 2; 3; 4
Research Paper
April 24 Term Paper

VII. PLAGIARISM & OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES

Plagiarism is “an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts
of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as
one's own by not crediting the original author…”

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(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plagiarism). If a student utilizes the thoughts,
ideas, or work of others, including submitting the work of others as his/her work, such a
student is guilty of plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty, and may be penalized for it.
See the student handbook for detailed policy and penalties for plagiarism.

Students often plagiarize when they are faced with the pressures of meeting deadlines and
when they are not comfortable with their own abilities to produce work of the required
standard. But plagiarism can be relatively easily avoided by doing assignments on a
timely basis (do not wait until near to the deadline to get papers/projects completed) and
seeking the assistance of the library or lecturer in properly formulating ideas and
documenting sources.

NB.
DO NOT answer pagers or cell phones during class; these devices should be turned off
or placed in silence mode during class time.

Late Work
Submission of assignments after the given deadline will attract a zero.

Absence from Class

Students who miss more than three sessions without a reasonable explanation will be
referred to the Academic Dean.

VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY: RECOMMENDED READING

There is no designated text for this course. Students are encouraged to read widely.

Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking, 7th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill,
2001.

Verderber, Rudolph F. Communicate! 9th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth

Publishing Company, 1999.

Wilson, James and Stan Le Roy Wilson. Mass Media Mass Culture: An
Introduction, 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1998.

Fiske, John. Introduction to Communication Studies, 2nd ed. London: Routledge,

1990.

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