Course Syllabus

Meeting Time and Location

Class Time: Tuesday/Thursday from 3:55-5:10pm     Classroom: SPEA (PV) 272

Course Description

This course will develop an appreciation regarding the critical nature of communication by managers in the public and nonprofit sector. It will introduce students to the skills critical for effective communication as professionals.

 Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Evaluate diverse audience types and their communication needs
2. Deliver individualized messages based on the audience
3. Develop substantive strategic communication plans
4. Apply communication best practices when communicating as the organization, communicating as an employee of the organization, and communicating as an industry professional

 Course Requirements 

Required Text and Materials

Textbook: Patterson, S. J., & Radtke, J. M. (2009). Strategic communications for nonprofit organizations: Seven steps to creating a successful plan. Wiley.

Technical Requirements

You will need the following in order to participate in this course:

• Computer or tablet; 
• Reliable internet connection;
• Microphone;
• Some way to make and post a simple video (e.g., using a webcam, or a smartphone);
• Access to Canvas using a supported web browser.

 Technical Support

For additional help with technical issues, consult:

• University Information Technology Services (UITS) (human support)
• IU Knowledge Base (IUKB) (guides)
• IUware (download free software)

 Course Assessment & Grades

Course Assessment:

A variety of assessments will be utilized to determine communication skills strengthened. In-class presentations, video presentations, papers, and a final exam will be utilized. Assignment expectations and a detailed rubric are included on each assignment prompt. 

Submitting Assignments

Assignments should be submitted on Canvas before the due date.

If an assignment is an in-class presentation, all visuals accompanying the presentation should be submitted on Canvas before the due date. Visuals will be graded on what is submitted on Canvas.

How Will I Know How I’m Doing in This Course?

Grades will be posted in Canvas within 1 week after the due date. Since Canvas keeps track of all of your grades, you should always be able to calculate your current grade in the course. If you need assistance, please contact me.

Late Work

All assignments must be submitted to Canvas by the beginning of class on the day they are due. For in-class presentations, students should be prepared to present on the designated class day. If a student anticipates special circumstances that affect their ability to complete an assignment by its deadline, it is their responsibility to contact the Instructor to make alternative arrangements. The Instructor will respond to these on a case-by-case basis. Technology issues will not lead to an excused late assignment. Late assignments without prior approval that are submitted up to 2 weeks late are accepted and given a 10% deduction. Assignments submitted more than 2 weeks late are accepted and given a 20% deduction. If a student has an absence on an assignment presentation day, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the Instructor at the beginning of the class they would like to present the late assignment.