|
 |
Edison Community College
The impact of
communication on society
Communications 121 Term Project
How did public speaking and/or other forms of communication impact
society as we know it today? What role did communication play in
history? These were questions addressed by nearly 50 Communications 121
students last fall.
Bob Robinson’s COM 121 students Edison Community College were
challenged to pick a current or historical social reality and research
the role that communications played in bringing it about. It was their
written term project for the semester.
While COM 121 is a Public Speaking course, considerable leeway was
given regarding public speaking as opposed to various forms of written
communication. For instance, it could easily be said that social media
has had a negative impact on verbal communication, whether one-on-one
or giving a speech.
Throughout the course, students were required to “think critically,” to
go beyond first impressions and take an in-depth look at the topic.
This was especially crucial in their term project. They were allowed to
choose their own topic, subject to instructor approval.
The topics they chose ranged from Social Media and the Vietnam Era
Protests to the impact of communication (or lack thereof) on marriage.
Two topics of special interest were on the infamy of Adolph Hitler and
the Salem Witch Trials. They weren’t bashful, as some of their choices
included a look at homosexuality, the role of parenting in developing
“you,” and abortion.
Out of three classes totaling about 50 students, most did well, but
over half (27) completed research and turned in projects that were
especially deserving of recognition. Sixteen of them agreed to allow
their work to be published, and will be presented to CNO readers over
the next several weeks.
Most students are “Post Secondary” students from local high schools,
while several are adults in their 20s and early 30s. The depth of
research and ability to go the extra steps to develop an excellent
project speaks well for today’s college students.
Communications 121 is a Public Speaking course, with more than half of
the course grade emphasizing public presentations and class
participation… the course “key” is message Sending, Receiving and
Responding.
Speech assignments included informational speeches, opinion/persuasion
and team presentations.
In addition to the concentration of speeches, students had a written
final exam, a midterm and final course summary, and the written term
project.
|
|
|
|
