COMM 198 - Applied Activity
Applied Activity in Communication, COMM 198/157SL/193, requires that you apply in a practical setting what you've learned in your major courses. The options are offered in 1-unit modules; you are required to take 2 units.
Ordinarily, students take one unit per semester in the last two semesters of their senior year. Each unit requires 50 hours of work. Alternately, you may complete COMM 157SL, Community Action/Community Service, which counts for both units of the Applied Activity as well as SJSU Studies Areas S.
You may also consider completing COMM 193, Activity Projects in Intercultural & International Communication, where you complete both units of the Applied Activity over the summer while studying abroad in Berlin, Germany.
Registering for your Applied Activity
Students typically sign up for 1 unit of COMM 198 in their last two semesters at SJSU. Please note that COMM 198 is not available in the summer or winter sessions. You must have a permission code from one of the Applied Activity coordinators to register for the course. Here are the options for the Applied Activity requirement and the contact person for each area:
- Communication Center Speech Coach or Writing Consultant - Go to our website to apply online. We are now full for Spring 2020, but you may apply for Fall 2020. Contact Professor Roxanne Cnudde at Roxanne.Cnudde@sjsu.edu.
- Communication Studies Internship Program (CSIP) - Earn academic credit when you complete internship hours. Please secure an internship and review our website before contacting the CSIP Director, Dr. Jennifer Morrison at jennifer.morrison@sjsu.edu.
- Forensics (Speech and Debate Activities--COMM 191A, B, C, J and COMM 91J do not serve as a substitute for this option) - Contact Professor Scott Laczko at Scott.Laczko@sjsu.edu.
- Social Media Team - Contact the faculty advisor, Professor Minna Holopainen at minna.holopainen@sjsu.edu.
- COMM 157SL: Community Action/Community Service - Enroll in COMM 157SL, complete the coursework, and 50 hours of community service. Please contact the current instructor for more details about the course.COMM 157SL fulfills the Applied Activity in one semester.
- COMM 193: Activity Projects in Intercultural & International Communication - Take the Berlin FLP (faculty-led program) during summer and earn credit towards your Applied Activity. COMM 193 fulfills the Applied Activity in one summer. Visit the COMMSA website to apply or contact the program leader for more information, Dr. Tabitha Hart tabitha.hart@sjsu.edu.
- Applied Research Project with a faculty member - Contact specific faculty member. For the research project, you must complete a contract with the faculty member and submit a proposal for the department chair's approval.
Catalog Description
Practical application of communication theory to real world settings to provide meaningful applied capstone experiences. Students demonstrate proficiency in the critical application of core communication requirements to speech acts and contexts outside the traditional classroom.
Requirements
Each option of the required Applied Activity must meet the following basic requirements for one unit of credit in accordance with university practices for supervised activities:
- Students must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised activity for each one unit of credit.
- Students must meet all prerequisite requirements.
- Students must receive prior instructor and departmental approval to enroll on the selected activity.
- Students must select their Applied Activity option and complete all required paperwork to receive the suppressed code to add the activity before the end of the add period.
- Students should complete all necessary training and readings in a timely manner.
- All work must be completed under the supervision of the designated faculty member or members.
- Students will keep a journal, log, or complete all necessary paperwork to document their activities.
- Students are expected to sign an agreement specifying the terms of their applied activity.
- Students will complete reflective assignments periodically throughout the experience as appropriate.
- Students will complete as assessment and evaluation of their Applied Activity.
- Students should behave professionally and appropriately at all times during the completion of Applied Activities.
- Students should report any unsafe or inappropriate circumstances to the supervising faculty member or a department administrator as quickly as possible.
Failure to meet the requirements for COMM 198 will result in a grade of No Credit (NC).
Learning Objectives
All COMM Applied Activity courses share these basic learning objectives:
- Translate theory into practice.
- Explain and demonstrate abilities in oral and written communication.
- Integrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Exhibit knowledge of communication theory.
- Relate communication strategies to varied audiences.
- Apply critical listening skills.
- Work effectively with others.
- Respect cultural and linguistic diversity.