The Basic Communication Course at Two- and Four-Year U.S. Colleges and Universities: Study VIII—The 40th Anniversary

Abstract

This eighth in a series of surveys of the basic communication course, begun in 1968, has as its purpose to gather longitudinal and descriptive data on the nature of the course. The latest study differs from past studies in that some of the results are presented comparatively for two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Samples for both populations were randomly selected from the NCA list of 1,295 communication programs resulting in a total of 208 respondents, 165 from four-year schools and 43 from two-year schools. The survey instrument from 2006 was revised and expanded and the study now reports, discusses, and interprets data based on (a) course orientation, interpersonal or hybrid, and demographics; (b) course enrollment and delivery methods; (c) method of course direction; (d) course administration, instruction, and training; (e) assessment and standardization across sections; (f) grading; (g) instructional content and enhancement; and (h) media, technology, and distance education. In addition to discussing results of the present study, observations about the longitudinal results since 1968, and reflections about the basic course in light of broader socioeducational trends and instructional communication research and theory, are provided.

Keywords:

• Basic Communication Course
• Trends in the Basic Communication Course
• Teaching the Basic Communication Course
• Administration of the Basic Communication Course
• Research and Theory and the Basic Communication Course

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge and dedicate this latest survey of the basic communication course to our deceased colleague, Lawrence Hugenberg. Larry's commitment to the basic course, the communication discipline, and our students was exemplary and a model for all of us. We also appreciate the support of the editor of Communication Education and the reviewers, as we revised this manuscript for publication.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sherwyn P. Morreale

Sherwyn P. Morreale (Ph.D., University of Denver, 1989) is Director of Graduate Studies in the Communication Department, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

David W. Worley

David W. Worley (Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1996) is Professor and Communication Department Chair at Indiana State University

Barbara Hugenberg

Barbara Hugenberg (Ph.D., Bowling Green State University, 2002) is Assistant Professor and Basic Course Director, Communication Department, Kent State University