Welcome to COMM 1035: Listening.
Welcome to COMM 1035! I’m really glad you’re here.
This course is built around one core idea: listening is not automatic—it’s an active, learnable skill.
Over the semester, you’ll practice listening in many different ways and learn how attention, perception, memory, context, and response shape communication.
Course structure at a glance.
There are 8 units total in this course. Each unit follows a consistent structure to help you learn, apply, and reflect.
There are no exams, no surprise gotchas, and no single high-stakes project.
Instead, you will demonstrate your learning by working steadily across all eight units. Success comes from consistent engagement, not perfection.
Important: you must work from the Modules page.
This course is designed to be completed entirely through Modules in Canvas. All content, assignments, quizzes, and discussions are organized in order.
Progress through items in sequence so you don’t miss steps or lock yourself out of later content.
Do not rely on the Grades page or To-Do list alone. Always start with the Modules page.
Methods of instruction: how you will learn.
This is a listening-centered course, and much of your learning will happen through audio and video experiences.
Each unit includes required podcast-style recordings: a unit overview, a unit lecture, and a unit recap.
Listening to these recordings is essential. They introduce concepts, explain theories, and provide examples you’ll need to succeed.
You are also required to purchase and listen to the course audiobook.
Murphy, K. (2020). You’re not listening: What you’re missing and why it matters (K. Murphy, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Macmillan Audio.
This must be an audiobook you can listen to, unless you have approved disability accommodations.
Each unit includes required chapters to listen to. This audiobook helps you practice listening while learning about listening itself.
Each unit also includes videos featuring experts in listening, including communication scholars, cognitive psychologists, neuroscientists, and educators and workplace communication professionals.
These videos expose you to multiple perspectives and help you evaluate credibility, evidence, and real-world application.
Next: the Toolbox—resources to help you succeed.
Each unit includes a Toolbox with essential resources. Please use them throughout the semester.
Contact Your Professor includes office hours and a link to book time to meet with me if you can’t attend office hours.
Important communication policy: all course-related communication must take place inside Canvas.
Send messages using the Canvas Inbox. Do not email my WWCC email address for course questions or concerns.
Using Canvas keeps messages secure, organized, and connected to the course.
You can also book time to meet with Dr. Sunny for questions, support, or help working through course concepts.
Canvas Tips for This Course is a required read. It explains how to use the Canvas tools we rely on, including Canvas Studio.
How to Use Canvas Studio walks you through recording, uploading, and submitting videos—an essential skill for this course.
Use the Help Forum for non-personal questions about assignments, deadlines, or requirements—especially questions classmates can benefit from.
If you have a documented situation that will interfere with participation, submit it through Extenuating Circumstances.
Non-personal questions belong in the Help Forum. Personal, documented issues should go through Extenuating Circumstances. Canvas is the official communication platform for this course.
What you’ll be mastering.
By the end of the course, your work across the eight units will show that you can:
Identify cognitive processes and challenges involved in understanding spoken messages.
Analyze and evaluate key theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts related to effective listening.
Assess how messages, contexts, response styles, and personal biases affect communication dynamics.
Critically evaluate the quality, reliability, and credibility of information received through listening.
Apply listening theory to practical, real-world scenarios.
Demonstrate adaptive and resilient listening and response strategies in challenging communication situations.
A final note.
You do not need to be a perfect listener to succeed. What matters most is effort, consistency, and reflection.
If you work through the Modules page, listen carefully to the podcasts, use the Toolbox resources, and stay engaged across all eight units, you will build skills that transfer far beyond this class.
Start by opening the Modules page, exploring Unit One, and completing the Pre-Assessment.
I’m excited to learn with you this semester. Let’s get started!