Author: Sharif Hraki
According to the syllabus, the Management Communications class “focuses on developing critical awareness, skills and strategies for effective writing, and presentation skills at the graduate and professional level.”
The first week, we doodled, the second week, we played with blocks, the third week we learned not to plagiarize, the fourth week we were taught subject/verb agreements, the fifth week we were taught cumulative writing, and most recently, we learned how to proofread. This was the curriculum for the first six weeks of business school and it angered many of my fellow classmates.
Each of these assignments taught us something useful that we can apply in business and in life. However, the sentiment of a large portion of my fellow classmates was that they would rather be doing something else with their time and money.
Despite the fact that many of my classmates feel we could be doing something more productive, I do see some benefits to taking this class. The compilation of a portfolio is a great idea and could prove highly beneficial in the future. I also like Professor Grimes’ joi de vivre attitude. Her penchant for coming up with innovative ways to help us learn is a great way to keep the class involved and attentive.
Many students believe this class is designed for students who lack the high level of English communication skills necessary to succeed in the US business world. Current second-years have stated that they were only required to take this course last year if they were International students or if they scored below a “5” on the writing portion of the GMAT. They were also given the option to test out of the class.
Recently, a dozen of my classmates met with MGBS president JC Garrett to prompt him to bring this issue to the University and allow students to test out of the class.
The students voiced their displeasure and the University listened. With his help, students are no longer required to attend class, but are “strongly encouraged” to do so. All first-year students must hand in a complete portfolio at the end of the term, and class is still held during its regularly scheduled hours for students who wish to receive the help of professor Grimes.
At times it feels like students do not have a voice or the ability to voice an opinion in how things should be done at Pepperdine, but this is not always the case. Thanks to a few vocal students and the help of JC Garrett, the University took note and appropriate changes were made.
Tags: Academics, Student Life