Course Description

This course examines human communication as a process. We overview the principles and practices of communication in small group and public communication contexts, emphasizing the roles of self-concept, perception, culture, verbal and nonverbal dimensions of interaction. Students develop a toolbox for managing conflict, applying critical listening, practicing audience analysis, and constructing informative and persuasive presentations. The course has significant digital literacy and public speaking components.

Students Said…

When instructing this course, I was ranked among James Madison University’s “Top 10 Diversity Educators” by students who had taken the class. The same year I was awarded the JMU Communication Studies Department’s “Graduate Instructor of the Year” Award.

  • “I liked most the energy that Jackie had and the non-threatening learning atmosphere. I was not afraid to ask a question EVER.”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Knowledge, enthusiasm, communication with students… She is a terrific teacher, by far the best teacher I had this semester”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Jackie was really fun and creative and made the materials interesting and fun to learn”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Jackie was my favorite teacher my first semester at college and made me want to come to class. I t was a very enjoyable semester with her. Definitely going to remember this class.”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Very nice and was to talk to, my favorite teacher in college thus far”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Very good role model as an effective communicator, and very understanding”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Jackie is a great teacher and really knows the subject well. Ive never seen her in a bad mood and she’s always excited to teach”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Favorite course I’ve taken. It was challenging, but Ms. Carroll is an excellent instructor and I would take it from her again if I could”

    • Student, Fall 2014

  • “Miss J was one of the best instructors I’ve ever had. Class is always fun, engaging, and helpful.”

    • Student, Spring 2015

  • “I loved how valuable everything we learnt was. I could learn something and then use the information that very day”

    • Student, Spring 2015

  • “She’s charismatic, funny, and really cares about you”

    • Student, Spring 2015

  • “She’s so good at interacting with students and making them feel comfortable”

    • Student, Spring 2015

  • “The Instructor was very captivating and wanted us to learn”

    • Student, Spring 2015