Table of Contents
Weekly Quizzes:
Every week, students complete open book quizzes on Blackboard, based on the readings and lectures. There are between 20-25 T/F and multiple-choice questions. You can do each quiz three times (your highest score will be used). There is no time limit once you begin the quiz, but each one has a deadline as stated on the syllabus and Blackboard. You may wish to read ahead and take quizzes before they are assigned. NOTE: After the deadline has passed, you are no longer permitted to take the quiz (no exceptions).
In-class Personal Narrative:
We are from various majors, but we are also experts on our own health, because we are people with health issues and concerns, as well as patients and consumers of healthcare products and procedures. We care for children, elderly or sick family members, and may accompany them on medical visits. That means we can speak about health, based on our experience, irrespective of our medical training. During class meetings, a writing prompt is displayed at the start of class with ten minutes or so to write an answer. The in-class personal narrative is “stream of consciousness”—meaning, spontaneous and impressionistic. You are encouraged to share personal experiences, but remember your right to privacy as well. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing personal details, there are other forms of writing the instructor can suggest. After, volunteers read their narrative out loud or summarize it extemporaneously. Others are encouraged to relate their own experiences to what was shared. You are awarded full credit for each week completed (no letter grade).
Blackboard Discussion Board:
Blackboard is used to retrieve course files and assignments; take quizzes, upload completed assignments and post on the Discussion Board. Each week the instructor posts a prompt that you respond to by creating your own “thread.” In addition, you will read threads posted by others and respond to at least three. Users can post links to news stories, videos and other websites. The Discussion Board is “asynchronous,” meaning, you can log in, post and reply at any time of the day or night. You are awarded one point for each week completed.
Class Participation:
Speaking in class is an important way to practice communication skills. There will be opportunities to ask and answer questions and even debate current issues. There may also be times when we break up into pairs or small groups. Each student in the class should also give at least one impromptu speaking assignment during class. This involves getting up in front of the class to deliver a short, unrehearsed speech, based on a health topic provided by the instructor. Sometimes, two or more students will act out scenarios that might take place in a medical context. Your participation in these activities is required and the enthusiasm you bring and effort you make will positively contribute to this portion of the grade.
NOTE: Missing class and coming in late will negatively affect your Class Participation grade. More than 3 absences will lead to an automatic D or F on your Class Participation grade. 3 lates=1 absence. See “Humanities Department Policy on Absences/Lateness” below for department policy.
Final Presentations
The Final Presentation is the final exam in this class. Work on Final Presentations begins early in the term, and they are presented during the last 4 weeks of the course. Final presentation is evaluated by classmates and Instructor who complete an Evaluation Form. Please choose only one of the three choices below:
Health in the News: Find recent news articles related to a health issue that interests you, relevant to the subject matter of Health Communication. Conduct research on the topic and prepare a presentation that clearly summarizes the issue and presents your critical assessment. Presentation should include a succinct summary of issue, reference to the news stories and course material, and a critique or evaluative response.
Observation Report of a Healthcare Setting: Involves an (at-least) one-hour observation, note-taking and write-up of a healthcare setting. Using a participant-observation approach requires immersing yourself in a setting, paying close attention to what is happening, taking notes and asking questions. Your presentation should include vivid details of your observation and interaction and an explanation of how you connect the observation report to the course material. Note that outside research is still required.
Design a Health Campaign: This assignment gives you the chance to design a strategic intervention for some kind of health issue. For COMD and PTW students, this is an opportunity to use your design and writing skills to make a print ad, fact sheet, press release, audio or video spot, or social media campaign. Your media work (PowerPoint, audio-visual recording, poster, etc.) must be accompanied by a rationale where you explain your methodology and how the evidence base (i.e. what we know about what works) supports your approach.
Final Presentation Requirements:
- Requires outside research and citing 3 to 5 sources.
- Detailed, typed outline (manuscript) with in-text citations and Works Cited section.
- First draft due mid-semester
- Second (final) draft due on day of presentation
- Structured presentation with distinct Introduction, Body and Conclusion (and required sub-parts).
- Visual aids should include high resolution images. Slides must have NO text or MINIMAL text.
- Rehearsed, polished, 8 to 10 minute in-class presentation, delivered extemporaneously (meaning, not read, word for word, off a manuscript)
- Presentations not within time limits receive grade of F. Therefore, time speech carefully and adjust contents accordingly.
- Presentation is followed by a short question/answer period (about 5 minutes).
NOTE: Outline with Works Cited is due mid-term.
Peer Evaluations:
During Final Presentations, students will complete thorough peer evaluations of their classmates. Evaluators will consider the speaker’s content, delivery, and visual aids. The evaluation requires detailed comments showing that you listened closely, as well as constructive criticism that may help the speaker improve.
Grading
Weekly Quizzes 20%
In-class Personal Narrative 10%
Blackboard Discussion Board 15%
Outline (due mid semester) 10%
Final Presentations
(graded on revised outline, content, delivery and visual aid) 20%
Peer Evaluations 10%
Class Participation 15%
Total 100%
