Communication Studies 204

Organizational and Managerial Communication

Instructor
John English
113 Buttrick Hall

Phone 3-6989 Home: 297-3509
e-mail address john.h.english@vanderbilt.edu

Office Hours: 7:30-9:00 MWF
8:10-9:25 T-TH
11:00-12:30 MTWRF

Class Hours:
9:35-11:00 T-TH
9:10-10:00 MWF
10:10-11:00 MWF

Text: Fundamentals of Organizational Communication

Pamela Shockley-Zalabak, Fourth Edition

Text:Leadership, A Communication Perspective

Michael Z. Hackman & Craig E. Johnson

Basis of the Course:

CMST 204: Is designed to improve the student's ability to understand and apply Communication theory, most particularly in an organizational and managerial context, by (1) presenting elements of organizational and managerial communication theory. 2) by providing an opportunity for practice in a variety of organizational , managerial and leadership situations, 3) By a thorough analysis and criticism of those practices.

Course Guidelines:
The instructor will provide detailed directions for each assignment. Additionally, you are required to seek advanced approval of your thesis/topic statements for each new assignment.


Honor Code:

Each speech assignment is expected to fully demonstrate the student's individual effort. The student is required to complete each assignment independently, including the selection of topic, researching the issue, and organizing the presentation. The sharing of theses, bibliographies, research materials, outlines, or visual aids between any CMST 204 student, past or present, constitutes a violation of the Honor Code. Any clarifications or questions concerning this matter should be directed to the instructor.

Presentation Assignments:

Assignment # 1. A 5 minute formal introduction speech. (One note card)


Assignment #2. A 25 minute group presentation. (One note card)


Assignment #3. A 8 minute product presentation (No notes)


Assignment #4. A 5-7 minute Video-Resume.


Assignment#5. A 7-9 minute policy speech. (One note card)


There will be specific instructions provided for each assignment. There will be an emphasis on research/evidence, style/language use, and presentation skills for all presentations. Practice is essential for success in this class.


Presentation Evaluations:

Students must acquire VHS videotape to be used to record all speeches. Students will meet individually with the professor to review and critique the recorded classroom speech. A two page typed criticism of each of the videotaped speeches is due when the student meets with the professor
(Missing a criticism review appointment costs the student 10 points)

Grades:

Final grades for the semester will be calculated as follows, using a standard plus/minus grading scale.

1000 Perfect
900 and above A
800 and above B
700 and above C
600 and above D
Below 599 F



Points are accumulated as follows:

Assignment #1 100
Assignment #2100
Assignment #3100
Assignment #4200
Assignment #5 200



Exam #1150
Exam #2150

Total 1000



There is mandatory attendance for CMST 204 class.
Each absence results in a loss of ten (10) points from the student's grade.
Each tardy results in a loss of five (5) points from the student's grade.
Student's are assigned speaking dates well in advance of the actual presentation of the speech. All presentations must be delivered on the assigned day. If a student is not prepared to deliver their presentation on the assigned day, there will be a twenty percent (20%) deduction from the total grade.