What is the point of a Communication class? I talk just fine.

You may ask yourself why you have to take a communication class as you may already have great communication skills...at least in your humble opinion. Check out this article on why a communication class can benefit you: http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-reasons-we-need-classes-how-to-talk-to-people/

Some things to think about:
1. Why do you think medical schools are starting to test applicants on communication skills?
2. The article makes a comment about misanthropic characters like Dr. House on the television show House M.D. How do you think shows and characters like this effect our perception of communication?
3. The article mentions business majors not knowing how to handshake or eat properly. Are notions like "proper etiquette" forms of communicative behavior? As in do they communicate something about us to ourselves and to other people?
4. Why is communicating so hard that some people (the article mentions engineers) want as little of it as possible in their jobs?
5. What purpose is there in engaging in communication with people on things you don't agree on?

These questions are designed to get your brains going and aren't designed for a right or wrong answer.

Reminder: "Like" us on Facebook

Don't forget to like the UNT Department of Communication Studies on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/UNT-Department-of-Communication-Studies/208875609144665?sk=wall

Our department Facebook page will come in handy as we work on the COMMunity Fair together. More on that in class this week!

The Straight A-Method

Study Hacks is a website devoted to "decoding patterns of success." Study Hacks' basic philosophy is that you don't have to sleep 3-4 hours per night, take 17 hours of classes, double major/double minor, and be the president of 5,000 thousand clubs on campus in order to succeed in college. Seriously, you don't have to. However, there are certain things successful people do in order to be succeed in college that isn't about being book smart and always saying no to having fun. Check out this short post on "The Straight A-Method" for some tips on how to do that:

http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/03/09/the-straight-a-method-how-to-ace-college-courses/


Knowing what is expected of you as a student is key, which is where a planner or some sort of system that involves knowing upcoming important dates comes in. The UNT Bookstore has some good planners, but rather than spend money I recommend finding a planner template online. Check out this link for free planner templates that you can print off from a computer (use one on campus so you don't waste your own printer ink and paper): http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT010142351.aspx

And your first most important key to success in any college class READ YOUR SYLLABUS! Those aren't just for covering teacher's asses and reminding students that they shouldn't be on Facebook while in class. They are for you the student!