This activity motivates students of communication research methods by challenging them to face their personal epistemologies. We introduce them to a set of formal ways of knowing and match these with their personal justifications for knowledge. Through this exercise, students learn that the scientific method is worthy of study not just to pass a…

The polarizing nature of many science-based topics often causes people to engage in a hostile manner with those who have differing perspectives. As the next generation of scientists and industry professionals, students studying in science-based disciplines must understand the value of civil discourse. Additionally, they need the skills necessary…

Gender categories and gender fluidity can be explicitly performed and demonstrated in sexually explicit media such as pornography. In this class lesson, a rhetoric/performance studies class on pornography focuses on trans* performers in scenes. A critical communication pedagogical approach is used to encourage dialogue and intersectional analyses…

Courses: Introduction to Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Communication Theory, and Health Communication across face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. Objectives: Students will demonstrate an understanding of interpersonal communication concepts and theories by (1) identifying artifacts that illustrate the unique features of…

A fundamental challenge for all instructors in higher education is demonstrating the relevance of the material for our students. With the implementation of new technologies, and facing ever-increasing challenges, instructors need to adapt their approach, especially in the teaching of theory. This presentation provides one such approach. Instead of…

Courses: This activity can be used in a wide range of classes, including interpersonal communication, introduction to communication, and small group communication. Objectives: After completing this activity, students should be able to: (1) define attribution theory, personality attribution, situational attribution, and attribution bias; (2)…