Learning Outcomes

Communication

A. Definition: The student communicates complex policy ideas to a variety of individuals and groups and demonstrates an understanding of the elements, dynamics, and mechanics of personal and professional communication.

B. Competencies: Knowledge: The student understands different professional languages of the stakeholders in a complex policy process and is able to translate information between policy makers, lay persons, and professionals, appreciating the organizational and cultural contexts within which communication occurs.

Ability: The student performs public speaking in small and large groups with the quality of content demonstrating sufficient creativity, thoroughness and thoughtfulness of analysis.

Ability: The student communicates both empathically and critically engages in ethical and effective dialogue when discussing policy development, promotion, and implementation strategies.

Ability: The student prepares written reports reflecting appropriate level of research, to write sufficiently and clearly, to organize thoughts and describe arguments including use of citations, and references, e.g., texts, journals, newspapers, government documents, web-sites, and interviews.

Ability: The student uses quality oral and written communication skills when dealing with the media and public forums producing high-quality professional written documents and electronic presentations.

D. Pre-requisite: An understanding of the need for good communication skills, recognizing one's own biases, attitudes, and assumptions and taking responsibility for responding in ways that improve communication.