West Chester University’s goal is to prepare students as best they can by giving students the necessary skills to succeed. How can one communication course give students enough practice to know all the basics of communicating effectively?
West Chester University wants their students to achieve excellence and excel in each major compared to the rest of the state and the country. If communication and audiology show a reciprocal relationship as described in most articles that I found in my research then the university should require more courses in communication to reach and even exceed their standards. The first problem that arises is that students can pass a general education course (public speaking) with a “C” and still meet the requirements. What if the West Chester University reevaluated the curriculum and put in place that all health science majors, including CSD students, should minor in communications. With that being said, these students would receive a minor degree in business communications or communication studies in addition to their major degree. Looking at the curriculum for Communication Studies, found on the West Chester University Website, in order to minor in Communication Studies, one must complete 18 credits (6 courses) offered by the department (par. 1). So how is this possible?
In the four year plan, which is designed for each individual major, there are three elective courses that students have. These elective courses are in the four year plan so students can decide what additional classes they would like to take. Some students take non-relevant classes such as yoga or art to fulfill these requirements while others use these electives to achieve a minor in a specific field. If health science majors take advantage of these electives and enroll in communication courses, these students would excel in the any health related field because of the relationship between health care and communication.
A problem that could arise is what if a student does not want to minor in communication because he or she wants to minor in another field. That is fine. However, the students in the health science field should consider taking additional courses in communication on top of their minor. These students would not be able to take the six course offered by the communications studies department unless they take summer and winter courses, but the students should consider taking one or two more classes in communication to better themselves for the future. There is a relationship between health care and communication and students need to realize that every profession (especially health and social care) requires advanced communication skills. By doing this, these students will have surpassed others in how they relay messages and communicate in a professional and social setting.
Relating back to the curriculum of CDS majors, there is only one additional speaking class that is required to complete a B.A. in audiology or speech pathology. In the curriculum, there are electives put in place for students to venture out of the major class or general education classes to expand their knowledge in a variety of classes. It should be recommend that these students consider taking at least one or two more communication classes to fulfill their electives. Everyone has heard “first impressions are everything.” When interviewing for a job, communication skills are on the top of the list for most employers. By taking extra classes in communication, students will not only benefit from improving their communication skills but it may be the difference if you or the person next to you get hired.
Writing emphasis classes are extremely useful. Yes I know, writing is boring. Why do I have to take writing classes? They are pointless. I’m not becoming a writer I don’t need to know how to write essays or research papers. Well, yes you do. Writing is a key aspect of every job. The department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders has a focus on writing. There are general requirements that West Chester University has in place to meet the general requirements. In the seminar that I attended at West Chester University, Jacklyn Kasper (a Speech-Language Pathologist) harped on the fact the speech-language pathologists write up analysis of patients that are sent to families, patients, and other doctors involved in the case. Kasper stated that “Knowing how to properly format a report and deliver the problem, evidence and solution, then you are good to go (Kasper).” Kasper also stated that “one must know the fine line between using all medical terminology and terminology that families can understand (Kasper).” This just goes to show that writing is also key in communication because writing is a form of communication. In my personal experience, I have taken many labs and science classes that deal with writing up lab reports. I have also taken multiple writing courses that are required by West Chester University. Writing is not my strength and I know that if I had the choice I would skip writing courses as a whole. However, I know that writing plays a huge factor in both communication and my major. With that being said I am grateful that I have the opportunity to prepare myself for the future.
