Spring 2017  |  COMM 3110 Section 002: Topics in Communication Studies -- Examining Credibility (68140)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 435
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Cases illustrating communication studies, theory, underlying issues.
Class Notes:
If interested in enrolling in this section but you do not fulfill the requirements, please contact the Comm Studies department at 612-624-5800.
Class Description:

When someone communicates, they want to be believed. This course will explore the complexities of credibility (or "ethos") in a wide variety of contexts, covering many specific topics that factor into credibility: authority; neutrality and bias; expertise; the nature of scientific evidence; linguistic factors (such as accents, speech rate, and powerless speech patterns); nonverbal factors (dress and uniforms, facial features, eye-blinks); reputations; leadership and charisma; media credibility; anonymity; and particular message types including boasts, excuses, apologies, threats and reassurances. We will look at credibility in business contexts, politics, the courtroom, interpersonal relationships, science and medicine.

Grading:
A large percentage of the grade will be based on participation, so be prepared to speak up!
Class Format:

Assignments will include:

  • Posting journals in reaction to the readings

  • A paper analyzing the credibility of a public figure who epitomizes some credibility-related issue (such as the charisma of a political or business leader; an athlete or politicians who has made an apology; a scientist or doctor who makes controversial claims; a whistleblower; or a prisoner with a following). This project may be done individually, in pairs, or perhaps in groups of three.

  • Students will present a preview of an upcoming reading, and pose discussion questions for the next class

  • A research paper analyzing a credibility-related topic in depth, followed by an oral presentation

Workload:

The class will not be taught as a "top-down" lecture style course in which the teacher bestows knowledge (based on his/her own credibility); rather, it will be a discussion-oriented class in which all participants explore the subject in depth. There will be no tests, and no Powerpoint slides. Instead, students will read scholarly articles, write reflection journals, and discuss in class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68140/1173
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 July 2016

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