Course Portfolio
Listed below are the courses I taught from 2016-2023 and sample syllabi from each one.
Please note that these syllabi are the property of Kellie Carstensen and should not be duplicated or used without permission.
The Craft of Argument
Course description: This class focuses on the practice of argumentation in public life with attention to how the process of critical thinking leads to the invention of arguments. Students will use argumentation theory to craft ethical and well-reasoned appeals and to critically evaluate the arguments of others.
Instructor of Record — Fall 2022, Spring 2023
Textbook — Underberg, L. & Norton, H. (2018). Argumentation : The Art of Civil Advocacy.
The Practice of Intercultural Communication
Course description: Prepares students to approach intercultural communication as interaction across cultural difference. Teaches the discovery of how culturally variable communication practices (e.g., word and language choice, speech acts, personal address, silence, nonverbal communication, etc.) can lead to the breakdown of coordinated interaction, and how coordination can be restored. Examines broader social, cultural, and political contexts in which intercultural interactions occur.
Instructor of Record, Spring 2021 and Fall 2021
Textbook — Intercultural Communication: Pathways to Better Interactions (2020) by Boromisza-Habashi
Discourse, Culture, & Identity
Course description: Considers how communication is central to constructing who people are and examines social controversies related to talk and identities. Students learn to analyze and understand discourse, defined as everyday talk and conversation, through the practice of discourse analysis.
Instructor of Record — Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2020, Fall 2020
Textbook — Everyday Talk (2013) by Tracy & Robles
Interpersonal Communication
Course description: Examines how communication processes such as language and nonverbal behavior shape perceptions of self, influence identity, and impact interpersonal roles and relationships. Students learn theories of human interaction and consider how this can be used to improve relational communication.
Instructor of Record — Spring 2019
Textbook — Interpersonal Communication (7th Ed.) by Trenholm & Jensen
Intercultural Communication
(Upper Division)
Course description: Explores complex relationships between culture and communication processes from various conceptual perspectives. Considers the important role of context (e.g., social, historical, and cultural) in intercultural interactions.
Instructor of Record — Fall 2019
Textbook — Among Cultures: The Challenge of Communication (3rd Ed.) by Hall, Covarrubias, & Kirschbaum
Group Interaction
Course description: Learn communication skills to be a better group member and enhance group effectiveness in a variety of professional and civic contexts. Practice group communication skills through an innovative group project and online simulation. Focuses on topics such as group development & socialization, decision making, conflict management, technology & virtual group work, difference & diversity, planning & coordination, leadership & management, and ethics.
Fall 2016, Teaching assistant; Summer 2017, Summer 2019, Instructor of record
Innovative design centered around the Group Communication and Decision-Making Simulation designed by Dr. Matt Koschmann (link on image to the right); I was able to test and develop that simulation as one of the first instructors to implement it in the classroom.
Public Speaking
Course description: Develops confidence and competence in writing and delivering presentations. Examines public speaking in a variety of personal, civic and professional settings
Instructor of record — Fall 2018
Textbook — TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Anderson