Goals of Language & Communication The course is designed to meet the following objectives: Provide students with an understanding of what critical thinking is and how to practice critical thinking as speakers and listeners in interpersonal, small group, and public settings. Provide students with opportunities to practice and evaluate the success of messages directed to the functions of informing, explaining, problem solving, and managing conflict. Encourage students to practice the skills of producing messages that are responsive to the concerns of others, that are respectful of the rights of others, and that are sensitive to individual and cultural differences. Enhance students' understanding of the persuasive process, both as speakers who wish to influence others and as listeners who wish to resist the persuasive attempts of others. Provide students with the opportunity to synthesize, practice, and reflect on their own learning over the semester.