of Communication, Burton Hall
The DoD Joint Course in Communication proceeds from two central
assumptions: first, that communication can best be studied
as a social science, and secondly, that communication is the
basic discipline from which public affairs eminates. Based
on these two assumptions, the approach of the DoD program
is to provide a basic foundation in the social science of
communication for each student, and then to build on this
foundation an understanding of public affairs strategies and
to these two assumptions and goals, the DoD Program is subdivided
into three blocks of academic instruction. Block I orients
students to the scholarly study of human communication and
the theoretical perspectives of human communication behavior.
Block II examines the various directions and contexts for
the application of communication theory and research to foster
the development of effective communication strategies and
tactics. Block III reflects specialized material pertinent
to the students' Capstone (final) project. The Capstone experience
is team-based and serves an integrating function for course
content. The Capstone projects provide students with an opportunity
to solve real problems in the public affairs arena.
supplies and supplemental reading packets for the course are
provided by the university to the students for use throughout
the course, and for future use and reference at their respective
installations. No books or supplies need to be purchased prior
to the course.
Course in Communication is divided into three three blocks
of academic instruction with students receiving seperate grades
for each block based on academic performance.
I: This section is concerned with the development of communication
as a social science within the tradition of similar social
sciences such as psychology, sociology, and political science.
As part of this effort, epistemological issues are discussed.
Objectives during this block are to provide an introduction
to the history and nature of epistomology, introduce significant
concepts and terms and to develop a schema of research functions.
The overall grade for Block I consisits of two exams and one
II: This section provides a basis for translating the
theoretically based material presented in Block I to the concern
for the application of these principles into the work settings,
particularly that of public affairs. The previous Block of
instruction was concerned with the role of theory and research
in understanding communication generally, and in an attitude
toward the value of theory in problem solving. This section
seeks to provide a way to move from theory to the practice
of that theory in “real world” problem solving.
III: This block focuses on integrating communication research,
theory, strategy and tactic into a tool for solving particular
military related problems. Working in teams, students will
employ a case method approach to 1) differentiate a causal
agency problem form an unmanageable situation, 2) embrace
a communication theoretical perspective to guide their analysis,
3) present a comprehensive list of solutions based on that
perspective, 4) choose the best solution and justify its workability,
and 5) create an executable plan relative to their problem,
paying special attention to the evaluation to the success
or failure of the solution. Instruction is designed to show
specialized application of communication research.