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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

BSHS - Pre- Physical Therapy, Pre- Occupational Therapy, Pre-Nutrition and Degree Completion Tracks

COM-101-H - Introduction to Communication & Information Processes

Course Description

Theory and practice in communication studies with emphasis on receiving, processing,
and transmitting information. Particular attention will be paid to interpersonal,
organizational, and intercultural contexts.

Course Overview

This survey course introduces students to the major areas of the communication
discipline. We will explore the meaning of communication, the importance of foundational
communication theories, and assess the role of interpersonal, group, organizational,
mediated, and mass communication in global contexts.

Dual-Audience Focus

This section is designed for students across communication, health sciences, and
wellness programs.

• For communication students, our goal is to show how foundational communication
theories are applied in health and wellness contexts, one of the fastest growing and
socially impactful areas of communication practice.

• For health and wellness students, our goal is to provide a grounding in
communication theory and practice to strengthen skills in patient–clinician
interactions, interprofessional teamwork, health campaigns, and organizational
communication.

Emphasis on Health and Wellness

In addition to disciplinary breadth, this course emphasizes how communication shapes
health outcomes, patient experiences, and wellness behaviors. Students will critically
analyze communication at multiple levels — from everyday interpersonal interactions to
large-scale health campaigns — and develop skills for both academic study and
professional practice.

Interprofessional Collaboration

A recurring thread throughout this course is the role of interprofessional collaboration in health and wellness communication. Effective health communication does not happen in isolation: it requires coordinated work among clinicians, wellness professionals, public
health practitioners, and communication specialists. Each week, we will highlight how communication concepts and theories apply to teamwork across professions, from patient–provider interactions and group decision-making to organizational communication
and public health advocacy. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and practice communication strategies that foster effective collaboration among diverse professional teams.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 3

3 credit, HyFlex (in-person & synchronous online via Zoom)

Prerequisites

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

This course fulfils part of the requirements for the following Rutgers Core Curriculum Goals:
(1) Nature of Languages (AHq), (2) Philosophical and Theoretical Issues (AHo), and (3) Social
Analysis (SCL).

Outcomes

General CLOs:
• Discuss and evaluate the main branches of communication.
• Analyze different communication scenarios and interactions.
• Learn the basic aspects of communication theory.
• Recognize differences between vernacular (informal) and academic approaches to
communication.
• Apply theories of perception, the self, culture, language, nonverbal communication,
mediated communication, relationships, organizations, and mass communication
to real life situations.
Additional CLOs (Health/Wellness Emphasis):
• Apply communication theories and concepts to healthcare and wellness contexts.
• Evaluate the role of communication in shaping health outcomes and wellness
behaviors.
• Demonstrate effective communication strategies for professional and clinical
settings.
• Analyze how organizational, mediated, and mass communication processes
influence health systems and wellness industries.