MGT 3373 has gone through many changes since AY2010-11 to improve both student learning and
assessment. In Fall 2011, a Managerial Communication Program Director was hired and after many
planning sessions with instructors and administrators, the objectives of the course were refocused and
aligned with expected learning outcomes for the area of management. The main purpose of these
planning sessions was to:
1. Engage students in active learning rather than mere lecture
2. Raise expectations of teaching and student work
3. Treat students with respect
4. Keep lines of communication open between teachers and students
5. Create a better connection between the lecture and the smaller lab sections
6. Create value of the importance of communication among students.
The objectives for the course were modified as follows:
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the importance and complexity of communication in business
2. Analyze situations and audiences to develop effective communication strategies
3. Use appropriate grammar and punctuation for professional written communication
4. Determine the most appropriate writing styles for various communication situations
5. Understand the benefits of different channels of communication
6. Prepare and deliver effective presentations
7. Effectively use technology and social media to communicate in business
A new textbook was selected for Fall 2012 (the first new book in three years) and the course curriculum
was revamped to provide continuity among lecture, lab, and textbook readings. The schedule for the
course was changed from either a Monday or Wednesday lecture section with a lab section scheduled
twice a week to a Tuesday/Thursday rotation which allowed extended time for lecture and lab class
meetings. In addition, steps were taken to reinforce the curriculum with the core requirements for the
university. For Fall 2012 and Spring 2013, students were assigned to groups to participate in various
activities for the entire semester. Since a group presentation is required in each lab class, using these
same groups to complete projects in lecture provided an opportunity to promote teamwork and
improve synergy among group members.