Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Communication Studies
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of a basic oral interpretation course on student learning outcomes, including oral communication skills, communication apprehension, self-awareness, empathy, and arts engagement. Pre- and post-course surveys collected during the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters provided quantitative and qualitative data to assess these outcomes. The study affirms oral interpretation as not only a distinct and foundational tradition of the communication discipline, but as an especially effective approach to communication research and instruction. The results provide strong evidence that oral interpretation coursework leads to increased oral communication skills, decreased communication apprehension, and improvements in self-awareness, empathy, and arts engagement. Broadly speaking, this project demonstrates the relevance and value of oral interpretation coursework and study for contemporary undergraduate students and argues for an increased frequency of oral interpretation course offerings in communication departments and programs.
Date
3-29-2025
Recommended Citation
Brown, Ethan H., "Performance Matters: An Empirical Study of the Student Learning Outcomes from an Oral Interpretation Course" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6750.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6750
Committee Chair
Travis Brisini