A recurring theme in the feedback we get from various constituents is that our students and graduates need better skills in written and especially oral communication. JCom 321, a 5-credit course on public speaking seems well suited for this purpose. The course has an excellent oral communication component, as well as a strong written communication component.
After extensive discussion in the Undergraduate Studies Committee, the committee proposed that BS CSE majors be required to take JCom 321 as part of their "additional 7 hours of general education". The CSE faculty approved the proposal at its meeting of Oct. 18, 2004; it will next go to the college for approval. (Note: This has since been approved by the college and will go into effect for students joining OSU in Au '05 and beyond.)
It is worth noting that we had been looking for a course that would help improve our students' oral communication skills. Until JCom 321 which was introduced in the recent past, no suitable course had been available.