Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Format
This 8-week course is multi-modal with asynchronous and synchronous work and meetings. You will have asynchronous online work using Canvas. We have four synchronous meetings, or Live Sessions, for an hour and a half using Zoom. Please note that the first Live Session is on Thursday, Week 1. The following three Live Sessions are Tuesdays in weeks 4, 6 and 8.
Course Prerequisites
None
Course Materials
Reading materials will be provided during each module. The reading materials will be placed in the Module Reading Resources page before each module in order to have recent sources which address current issues.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
- Design, develop and use various techniques and models to facilitate data-informed decision-making regarding technologies, the environment, and demand, considering factors such as risk, uncertainties, and other constraints.
- Effectively establish, lead, and manage multidisciplinary teams to efficiently solve complex real-world problems and promote innovation with a range of technologies.
- Effectively plan and manage costs, schedules, scope of work, logistics and quality systems.
- Explain the legal, safety, regulatory, professional and ethical implications of management decisions and outline the responsibilities of the organization, team or individual.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences, from specialists to non-specialists.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Alignment
| CLO | Description | PLO |
|---|---|---|
| A | Develop the art and science of planning and implementing strategies for engineering communication. | PLO 2 |
| B | Develop an understanding and be able to recognize and implement issue monitoring, issue management, and communication management. | PLO 3 |
| C | Understand and examine the stakeholders’ approach and various contexts of strategic communication for engineering leaders. | PLO 5 |
| D | Demonstrate an understanding of rhetorical strategies for engineering communication, especially risk communication | PLO 5 |
| E | Utilize the art of storytelling by connecting with previous target audiences and various stakeholders and be able to engage stakeholders via effective communication strategies. | PLO 5 |
| F | Examine effective strategies for internal communication, including teamwork and workplace communication. | PLO 2 |
| G | Recognize the ethical and professional implications of strategic communication. | PLO 4 |
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Due | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Board | 5 Discussions at 8 points each | Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 | 40 points |
| Storytelling Experience | Written reflection paper, 2 pages | Week 4 | 10 points |
| Case Study | Case Study Paper, 2 pages | Week 5 | 10 points |
| Presentation | 10-minute PowerPoint presentation of a Case Study | Week 6 | 10 points |
| Risk Communication Plan | Paper, 5-6 pages | Week 7 | 20 points |
| Communication Problem Role-Play | In-class Role Play and reflection, 2 pages | Week 8 | 10 points |
| Total | 100 |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Discussion Board
For each week, you will receive a prompt question (or questions) on the Discussion Board. Please respond to the question(s) and reply to at least two other posts from classmates by Monday of that week. We will have a total of 5 discussions. [CLOs A, B, C, G]
Presentation
You will need select two case studies of strategic communication's DO's and DON'Ts from the industry of your interest to discuss and present in class. Your cases will need to apply concepts and theories from readings and in-class discussions. [CLOs: B, C, G]
Case Study
The case study write-up: You will need to select a recent case of successful or not so successful strategic communication of a company or organization from the industry of your interest. The case should be covered in the Wall Street Journal in Spring 2024. I will offer examples of cases under the assignment description. You will perform SWOT and PEST analyses, stakeholder mapping, and include a detailed discussion and reflection of "the good, the bad, and the ugly" communication strategies of the case. [CLOs; B, C, F]
Storytelling Experience
For this activity, you will be asked to develop a strategic communication narrative on the topic of your choice following the prompt. More information will be provided closer to the activity. [CLOS: D, E]
Risk Communication Plan
You will prepare a template of a risk communication plan for your organization, based on provided examples and readings. More information will be shared during Week 3. [CLOs; A, C, D]
Reflection of Internal Communication Problem Role-Play
During the final live class session (Week 8), we will conduct an in-class role playing activity. You will receive prompts ahead of time so that you can prepare. You will need to complete and submit your written reflection on the activity by the end of Week 8. [CLOs: F, G]
Course Policies
Communication
I will respond your you email within 3 business days (not on evenings or weekends). Please have a proper email subject line.
All communication should be professional. Your email should follow these requirements:
- Use OU email or professional email
- Use the following subject line: ELM Strat Comm: Main reason for email.
- Include a professional greeting: Dear Dr. Tsetsura; Dear Kirsten Bowler, etc.
- Include you full name, class title (ELM Strategic Communication).
- Follow professional email best practices: use a standard greeting, clearly state the purpose of your email on the lead, choose your words carefully, check grammar and spelling, etc.
- Write a concise, professional and respectful email.
A grammatically correct, short email is a simple and effective way to show your respect and professionalism. I will NOT answer any emails that do not meet these requirements.
More information about email etiquette:
- Indeed.com: 28 Best Practices for Email in the Workplace or 5 Tips to Help You Write a Must-Read Email from LinkedIn
Feedback
You will receive feedback and grades on your activities and assignments within one week after the due date. If you submit your assignment after the due date, you may not receive your grade until Week 8 of the session.
Late Policy
To receive full credit for the assignment, please submit the assignment by the due date. Submitting assignments within 24 hrs. after the due date will result in losing 10% of your grade for the assignment. If you need to postpone the due date, you must contact the professor ahead of time and receive a written persmission to change the due date. Under no circumstances, I will accept more than two (2) late assignments from the same person, unless your situation is subject to OU accommodation policies.
Plagiarism
All work must be your original work, exclusively written for this class. Academic integrity is expected. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated and will result in getting 0 points for the assignment and failing the class. A lack of knowledge of academic policy is not an excuse.
If you cheat or plagiarize, you will fail this course.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
AI-Generated Content Statement
Students in this class are NOT to use AI writing tools, such as ChatGPT, Google BARD, Microsoft Bing Chat, Chatsonic, Github Copilot, Wix ACI, Jasper.ai, WriterZen, etc, to enhance their writing OR write their work for them. Work written by an AI writing tool is not your own original work, and as such, is not acceptable in this class.
Use of AI-generated content in any form will not be tolerated and will result in getting zero points for the assignment. Repeated instances of AI-generated content use will result in failing the class. You will be subject to the University of Oklahoma's academic misconduct policy and reported immediately to the Office of Academic Integrity for any violations.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|