Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

 Watch Steve Jobs' commencement speech at Stanford University - one of the most popular commencement speeches made to date - and share your opinion. What makes this a great speech? What do you notice about the speaker? About the text he is reading? What can you take away for your own speech?

I'm Giving my Boyfriend an Ultimatum

We studied interpersonal relationships and explored the ins and outs of conflict this week. Watch the introduction of this episode of MTV's True Life (or the full episode if you'd prefer!) and share your opinion on how to deal with disruptive, dysfunctional relationship conflicts and how to improve communication with one another.

8 Ways to Take Control of Your Time

As we explored nonverbal communication, one of the topics covered was chronemics - the study of the role of time in communication. Head over to The College Board website to learn 8 ways to take control of your time, and comment below on ways you can improve your time management in college, as well as techniques that help you right now.

I AM HUMAN

As we study a chapter on language and culture, it becomes clear how powerful language is. 

The "I Am Human" project seeks to increase awareness of the use of derogatory and degrading language on and off campus. By directly and honestly addressing language issues in our everyday lives, we can foster environments that uplift instead of dehumanizing others. The campaign features students, alumni and employees sharing personal experiences and messages of awareness about this issue.

What is the impact of derogatory language on a college campus and what should be done about it?

Gender Roles & Perception in the Military

"The Marine Corps is under orders to open up its ground combat units - one of the last all-male bastions in the military - to women, but it has been unable to find any female capable of making it through its three-month infantry officer course..." (Read more here).

What do you think about women joining the Marines and serving regularly in combat zones?

 

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When online communication goes wrong

Many of us belong to online communities, and share plenty of personal information with others on the internet. Sometimes, whether on purpose or not, we might post content that could get us in trouble. Take for example the following situation. According to this website, a young intern wanted to celebrate Halloween, lied using a family obligation cover, and got caught when boss found evidential photos on Facebook. The following emails were exchanged between Kevin the intern and his boss, Paul.

Paul/Jill,

I just wanted to let you know that I will not be able to come into work tomorrow. Something came up at home and I had to go to New York this morning for the next couple of days. I apologize for the delayed notice.

Kind regards,
Kevin

Kevin's boss followed up by checking Facebook where he found this picture of his intern sporting a full fairy costume and celebrating with a can of Busch Light. What else could Paul do but reply to Kevin, attach the photo, and BCC the entire company on the email?

Kevin,

Thanks for letting us know—hope everything is ok in New York. (cool wand)

Cheers,
PCD

What are your thoughts on this situation? What are some other potential consequences of sharing personal information online?

Expectations

You made it through the first week of classes. Congratulations! What do you hope to take away from this class? What are your expectations? Do you have any concerns or fears? Share below and have a great weekend!

The Self

As we study the relationship between self-concept, self-esteem and how we communicate, take a moment to watch parts 1, 2 and 4 of the documentary Philosophy: Guide to Happiness. 

What conclusions did you draw from the film?  

USA Today: Social media makes it easy to share and overshare alike

"Your status update could get you fired." 

Watch the USA Today video and read the article, and tell us what you think of Lobato's situation and online privacy and oversharing.

It's a wrap!

Reaction papers, speeches, exams, the often-dreaded group project and fourteen chapters later, we've reached the end of the semester. Phew! Congratulations. Tell us what you learned from this course. What will you take away from it? What was your favorite part? What did you not like and wish would've been different? Make one last use of this virtual soap box and enjoy your "winter" break!

There is a HUGE difference between 'yeah' and 'yes'

Ivy League sketch comedy group Harvard Sailing Team takes on relationships issues from inverted male and female points of view. Not forgetting this is a comedy sketch, do you think there is any truth to the clip or is it a mere exaggeration? Are there contradictions? Share your thoughts and opinions on relationship conflicts styles and each gender's perspective of the other.

What's Love Got To Do With It

We all have something to say when it comes to the topic of intimate relationships - from break-ups and make-ups to cheating scandals and marriage proposals. In the documentary How Will We Love, filmmaker and composer Chris Brickler explores the human experience of romantic love, its challenges and what it takes to sustain a long-term commitment. Add to this conversation by sharing your insights about this film.

I know you can hear me; but are you listening?

In a word full of noise, how hard is it to pay attention? Listen to the TED Talk given by Julian Treasure on 5 ways to listen better and share your opinions on the topic.

Bad grammar - how bad is it, really?

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As we explore the nature of linguistic communication in this week's chapter, the topic of grammatical relevance inevitably surfaces. How important is it to know the difference between its and it's or they're, their and there? 

In his irreverent post for the Harvard Business Review blog, Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, discusses the importance of grammar in the workplace. He ends the article by saying, "That’s why I grammar test people who walk in the door looking for a job. Grammar is my litmus test."

What do you think? Share your thoughts here.