COM 101 - Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
Section outline
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Introduction to Communications (3 credits)
Instructor: Steve Elzinga (B.A.; M.Div.)
Overview: This class shares insights on effective communication that will aid you in your communication skills as a Christian Leader.
Introduction: Communication is a necessary part of relationships and leadership. A fundamental way that God communicates with us is His Word, the Bible. Communication was vital to what Jesus did during the three years of His earthly ministry. If you are a leader, a pastor, a Christian business leader, then you need the principles of communication discussed in this course.
Course Outcomes:
- Identify major insights of communication that can be applied to leadership in ministry settings.
- Apply principles of team building, motivation, delegation, communication, and integrity.
- Discern how to be a godly change agent through the use of healthy communication.
- Understand and practice tactful and compelling communication.
Resources: This class includes resources from many books and articles. All required materials are posted here.
Required Assignments:
View all online lectures and read all articles on each topic. Active engagement with course materials prior to attempting the quiz is required for each unit. If a resource is provided in multiple formats, simply choose whichever format best supports your learning. CLI’s system tracks your viewing history to determine meaningful engagement. Make sure you are logged into your student account when viewing or downloading the materials.
- Take the online quiz for each unit. You will have 75 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Each quiz covers the readings and video lectures for that unit. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you cannot retake it.
Quizzes must be completed independently. The use of AI tools, search engines, other websites, or assistance from other individuals is prohibited.
Quizzes are open-note. You may reference your own notes or any of the provided CLI course materials during the quiz. However, you should plan to study materials prior to attempting the quiz.
Quiz Tip: First answer the questions you know. Then use your own notes or the provided CLI course materials to help answer any questions you are unsure about.
3. At the end of the course, you will be invited to complete a brief Course Feedback Survey. Your feedback helps CLI evaluate the course and identify opportunities for improvement.
Course Forum
Each course forum is located near the beginning of the course, immediately before the first course-content section. The forum allows students to post course-related questions and comments for other currently enrolled students to view and discuss. You can also search previous posts to see whether your question or topic has already been addressed.
The forum is intended primarily for peer discussion and may not receive an immediate response. Questions or concerns requiring timely assistance should be directed to the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net.
Grading Scale
A 93-100% A- 90-92% B+ 87-89% B 83-86% B- 80-82% C+ 77-79% C 73-76% C- 70-72% D+ 67-69% D 63-66% D- 60-62% F 0-59%
Students' final grade is based on the average of all required quizzes and assignments. Each graded activity is weighted equally unless otherwise stated. The single lowest quiz score will be excluded from the overall grade.
Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no credit.
Deadline
You have 180 days to finish the course. If you have not received a final grade for the course before your enrollment ends, you will be automatically unenrolled, you will receive an “Administrative Withdrawal” for the course on your transcript, and all coursework will be removed. You will have to start over and take the class again to receive credit.
To avoid potential administrative delays or additional fees, please complete all assignments at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.
If you believe you qualify for a two-week extension, as outlined in our Catalog policies, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net as soon as possible, ideally at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.
Conclusion: Watch the presentations. Read the attached readings. Take the quizzes. But most importantly, start putting the principles that you learn into practice in your relationships.
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Communication Basics
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Tools of Effective Communication
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More Tools of Effective Communication
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Further Communication Tools
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Written Communication
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Connections
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More Connections
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Connection Seven
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Please note: The scripture reference at 29:47 (Matthew 27:37-39) should be Matthew 22:37-39.
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Communication Objectives: Comfort, Challenge, Encouragement
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Please note: The first reference to 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 should be cited as 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 instead.
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Please note: The reference to Acts 10:36 at minute marker 27:38 should be Acts 13:36.
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Communication Objectives: Persuasion, Inspiration, Team Building
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Communication Objectives: Problem-solving, the sermon, how to ask questions
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Please note: The reference to Matthew 7:2 at minute marker 18:54 should instead be Matthew 7:3.
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Communication Killers, Personality Types, and Conversation
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🎉 Well Done!
Congratulations on Completing This Course!
You've successfully completed this course. Celebrate your accomplishment with a personalized Certificate of Course Completion that recognizes the time, effort, and dedication you've invested in your learning journey.
Purchase Your Certificate
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The course has ended. Please make sure all quizzes have been completed. If your work is incomplete, it is considered a drop, and you will have to take the class again in order to receive credit.
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Our staff will be using this time to review your work. Your grade should appear on your "My Home Page" in the "Course Overview" section. Please contact Helpdesk if you have any questions or did not receive your grade.