Overview
This document summarizes key assignments, expectations, and core concepts from the course calendars and discussion forum prompts for COM-201, ENG-101, and LDR-101, focusing on civil discourse, leadership, academic writing, and public speaking.
Civil Discourse Forums & Expectations
- Participate respectfully and civilly in all class discussions, even when opinions differ.
- Forums are graded; responses should contribute to academic dialogue, not just agree or repeat.
- Respond to classmates and your professor according to forum prompt directions.
- Use examples and experiences to support your ideas.
- Practice MLA citation when using sources, especially in initial posts.
ENG-101: Academic Writing & Research
- Define and apply rhetorical modes (narrative, comparison, process, illustration, etc.) in academic writing.
- Use GMC Library’s Opposing Viewpoints database for research and source evaluation.
- Annotated bibliographies require three credible sources, each summarized in 200-300 words.
- Learn to use MLA style for Works Cited entries and in-text citations.
- Complete quizzes on voice, logical fallacies, thesis statements, and revision.
- Assignments: Discussion posts, annotated bibliography, essay outlines, and essays.
LDR-101: Leadership Concepts
- Reflect on personal definitions of leadership based on research from GMC databases.
- Distinguish between leader, manager, and boss; understand how core values and ethics guide leadership.
- Demonstrate technical skills: library use, online platforms, academic email, and avoiding plagiarism.
- Show Academic Professionalism in coursework submissions and discussions.
- Assignments: Weekly forums, essays on leadership and career goals, quizzes, and uploading volunteer timesheets.
COM-201: Public Speaking Fundamentals
- Prepare and deliver speeches: introduction, informative, persuasive, and special occasion.
- Analyze speeches for organization, audience analysis, main points, and supporting material.
- Address speech anxiety by practicing in low-stakes environments.
- Complete speech outlines and post video links for grading.
- Assignments: Forum participation, speech recordings, quizzes on course content.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Rhetorical Modes — Patterns of organization or strategies for writing (e.g., narration, compare/contrast, analysis).
- Annotated Bibliography — List of sources with summaries and evaluation for each entry.
- MLA Style — A set of guidelines for formatting papers and citing sources in academic writing.
- Civil Discourse — Respectful, constructive communication that acknowledges differing opinions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Post initial and response threads in each week’s discussion forums as scheduled.
- Prepare and submit annotated bibliographies using valid sources and correct MLA formatting.
- Complete assigned quizzes and essays by their respective deadlines.
- Record and upload speech assignments according to instructions.
- Monitor course rubrics and guidelines for grading criteria and academic conduct.