A Comparative Analysis of the Role of Communication Studies in the Freshman Seminar Course

Teri D. Buell

Date of Graduation

Spring 2003

Degree

Master of Arts in Communication

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Samuel Dyer

Abstract

The goal of the project was to study how communication was incorporated in the freshman seminar course at colleges and universities in the United States. The data gathering tools consisted of 22 interviews, analysis of syllabi and policy statements, and a review of textbooks. General themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews. The themes were 1) no special degree, background, or experience necessary, 2) written communication wins, 3) class participation is essential, 4) developing student faculty/staff relationships, 5) skills for future and career , and 6) dialogue. The analysis of the syllabi and policy statements divided the findings into communication categories such as written, oral, interpersonal, career, and technology. The findings of the textbooks were general and reinforced the use of communication in the freshman seminar course.

Subject Categories

Communication

Copyright

© Teri D Buell

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

Share

COinS