Study and application of effective workplace communication principles. Focus on development of communication skills that support the development of healthy workplace relationships, delivery of effective business presentations, and pursuit of career opportunities.

Introduction to theory, knowledge, and practice of communicating within and between cultures in the context of the United States and globally. Influence of cultures, languages, and social patterns on how members of groups relate among themselves and with members of different ethnic and cultural groups. Development of communication strategies and skills that result in deliberate and equitable intercultural relationships and outcomes.

Focus on the principles of group interaction and decision-making, including the study of leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Participation in groups to share information, solve problems, and reach consensus.

Critical approaches to social, legal, and political problems are studied through oral argument and debate. Analysis, evidence, reasoning, ethics, rhetorical power and persuasion from a communication studies perspective.

Studies the rhetorical tradition and significant rhetorical artifacts. Analyzes public discourse through the application of rhetorical methods. Communication artifacts are evaluated for support, reasoning, language use, message construction, and context in a series of academic research papers. Emphasizes critical thinking principles alongside techniques of effective discourse.

Principles and practical applications of construction project administration with an emphasis on construction-phase services. Topics include: an overview of project administration throughout the phases of a construction project; the contractual and regulatory environment of construction projects; the development of a project procedures manual; computer-based project administration.

Study of the basic concepts of construction scheduling: scheduling techniques with a focus on Critical Path Method; CPM schedule planning, scheduling, updating and analysis. Manual procedures in scheduling are followed by computer applications.

A study of the fundamental approaches to estimating the cost of building construction projects. Topics discussed include: types of construction estimates; the material takeoff process; the use of computers in estimating; total project estimating including direct costs, indirect costs, contingency and profit.

Introduction to basic graphic and communication skills and knowledge required to effectively read and use drawings in the construction industry. Analysis of drawings in the civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical fields and their relationship to construction planning and estimating. Material quantity surveying. Freehand sketching.

Introduction to the basic concepts of construction project management including: the building design and construction process; project participants, their roles and responsibilities. Areas of focus to include the application of the principles of contracts in relation to construction projects, estimating, scheduling and project control.