Recent emphasis in the field of communication has been on the study of power groups and how their ideology constrains us as members of society. Social criticism has been levied against the practices of business, media, and government. Futility and isolation are said to have swept the country leaving many members of our society feeling powerless and unable to get their needs met. There are individuals and groups who endeavor to create social systems to influence those in power. You may already have participated in one of these groups.
Powerful communicators use many techniques to influence society.
In this course, we will study communication practices which will provide us with an understanding of these techniques. During the term students will attend a public forum to study how communication influences the political process. Students will also have an opportunity to analyze their personal communicative power. We talk about integrity in our society as a valuable characteristic. Yet we discover our society creates conditions which challenge what we value, think, believe and behave throughout our daily interactions.