COMM 2081 - Health Communication

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab None
Course Description: This course explores the vital relationship between health and communication. Topics include the study of personal, cultural, and political contexts in examining the theories of health communication to improve health literacy throughout a lifetime of change. This course applies to health communication situations at home and on the job.
MnTC Goals
1 Communication, 7 Human Diversity

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940 with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950 with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052 with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: ENGL 1020 with a grade of C or higher OR ENGL 1021 with a grade of C or higher or concurrently enrolled.

Major Content

An introduction to health communication
1. Overview of communication theory
2. Development of health communication as a field of study
3. The history of health communication
Roles & Interpersonal contexts in health communication
1. Patient/client perspectives
2. Caregiver/provider/health professional perspectives
3. The patient/client and caregiver/provider/professional interpersonal relationship
4. Conflict management
Societal & Intercultural contexts in health communication
1. Social support & emotional labor
2. Advocacy
3. Cultural conceptions of health and illness
Organizational & Technological influences on health communication
1. Leadership & teamwork
2. Media influences on health communication
3. Governmental influences on health communication

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

apply the major communication concepts and theories to the study of health communication.
analyze their own and others communication behaviors in a variety of health contexts.
demonstrate effective communication skills for engaging in a health care context within a diverse society.
explain how health communication theories apply to media, governmental, and socio-political contexts.
write and speak clearly, effectively and professionally about health communication issues, concepts, and theories.

Competency 1 (1-6)
01. 01. Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
01. 02. Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.
01. 03. Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.
01. 04. Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
01. 07. Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.
Competency 2 (7-10)
07. 02. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
07. 03. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
07. 05. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.

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COMM 2081 - Health Communication