Communication Skills is an introduction to the study of
the human communication process, which provides opportunities to analyse
various influences on communication behaviour, to survey foundation concepts,
and to evaluate techniques for effective interpersonal, small group, and public
speaking experiences.
Communication Skills is one of
four foundation courses offered by the Department of Language and Communication.
It is compulsory for all students, especially those of Humanities whose minor
is Communication Studies. The purpose of the course is to assist students in
developing sound analytical communication skills that will enable them to
critically assess communication concepts and theories having a more
comprehensive understanding about communication with others and the world. The
study of these concepts and theories will also assist students in producing
related assignments that are well researched and documented and reflective of
the level of analysis and presentation required at the tertiary level, while
enabling them to practice what they have learnt in everyday situations.
GOALS/AIMS
During this course,
students will:
1.Define the
term “communication” and outline principles, elements and types of
communication.
2.Explore the
major influences on communication: perception, self-concept, and culture;
3.Analyze
verbal, nonverbal, and listening behaviors within various communication
contexts particularly interpersonal and small group settings;
4.Investigate
the effects gender and technology have on communication behavior;
5.Review major
issues related to presenting effective argument and persuasion, and achieving
conflict resolution;
6.Examine the
essentials of public speaking required for designing, developing, and
delivering high quality speeches;
7.Apply these skills and perceptions to a variety of
experiences, in an effort to increase their effectiveness as communicators.
-At the end of the course students are expected
to be conversant on the principles, elements and types of communication, major
issues which influence communication behaviour, and to demonstrate effective
communication within various contexts, including public speaking.
After completing this
course students should be able to:-
1.Think more
critically about the influence of communication.
2.Demonstrate
knowledge of methods used to change attitude and behavior.
3.Acquire
knowledge and understand how cultures, beliefs, values and attitudes affect
communication.
4.Understand
what factors affect how accurately we perceive others.
5.Develop an awareness
of verbal and non-verbal communication and how they affect interaction with others.
6.Understand how
feelings and emotions affect relationships.
7.Understand the
behaviors that contribute to the success of a group working together.
8.Develop the
skill of listening, processing and conveying information received; in an effective
manner.
9.Manage
conflicts in relationships.
10.Use strategies
to maintain relationships.
11.Construct and
deliver speeches effectively.
12.Identify
cultural similarities and differences.
COURSE CONTENT
General
Topic
Themes
Foundations of Communication
Definition of Communication
Forms of Communication
Elements of Communication
Types of Communication
Principles of Communication
Influences of Communication
Culture and Subculture
Individualism andCollectivism
Self –Concept
Perception of Self and Others
Verbal Communication
Function of Language
Non-verbal Communication
Different Types of Non -verbal Communication
Gender and Communication
Gender’s influence on Communication
Public Speaking
Speech Presentations
Listening and Responding
Stages in the Listening Process
Conflict
Managing Conflict in Relationships
Interpersonal Relationships
Stages of Relationship Development
Online Communication
Online Relationships
Group Communication
Goals of members
Public speaking
Research, andDeveloping
Your Topic
Public Speaking Apprehension
TEACHING STRATEGIES
§Teaching
strategies for this course include lectures, reading assignments and written
reports, discussions, peer critiques, role-playing, viewing documentaries,
debates, assignments, research projects, group work and speeches.
RESOURCES
In APA
Format:
Verderber, R., & Verderber, K. (2008). Communicate! 12th ed. USA:
Thomson Wadsworth.
ASSIGNMENTS
Journal/Reports10%
Quizzes10%
Requirements for
reading report
·Papers should
be typed using font: Times New Roman and font size: 12.
·Papers should
be typed double-spaced. There should be no extra spacing between paragraphs.
·All papers
should be indentured five (5) spaces to indicate the beginning of each
paragraph.
·The correct
size page of all papers is 81/2 x 11 inches.
·All margins
set at 1 inch.
·All papers
MUST have a cover page.
Attendance5%
Group Participation10%
Speech Pres.15%
Requirements for
Speech Presentation
vYou will be
required to give an informative speech approximately 5-7 minutes in length on a
topic chosen by student.This speech
will be presented in front of the class. Students are advised to use note cards
instead of reading your presentation.
Group Presentation30%
Requirements for Group Presentation
vThe class will
be divided up into selected groups.Each
group will be required to prepare a presentation between 30-45 minutes in
length, on a topic given by course instructor.Students are encouraged to be creative in their presentations.Students much prepare a 2-page handout on the
main points covered in their presentation.This is due the class session prior to presentation.
Final Examination 20%
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Assessment
for the course Communication Skills is necessary for Instructors to ensure
that-
1.The course objective are met
2.Students acquire
an understanding of the content presented in the classroom
3.The students’ perception of building skills as
an effective communicator
Assessment Methods
Journals
Reading reports
Quizzes
Speech presentations
Group presentations
Finalexam
Two
hours is the allotted time for the final exam. The exam includes multiple
choice questions, short answers and essays.
Impact of verbal communication; Affects interaction with others
Quiz #2; Quiz#3
September 25/26;
Week 4 and 5
4/5
Communicating Nonverbally CONT’D
Communicating across cultures
Knowledge and Understanding of others
Group Presentation 1
OCTOBER 1/2 2012
6
Communicating in Relationships
Maintaining Relationships
Quiz #4;
Quiz #5
OCTOBER 8/9 2012;
OCTOBER 10/11
Week 6 and 7
10-12
Introduction of Public speaking
Choosing a topic and developing a speech
Quiz #6
OCTOBER 15, 2012
13 &14
Presentation skills
Developing effective presentation skills
Week 8
SPEECH PRESENTATIONS
OCTOBER 29- NOVEMBER 1, 2012
Week 9
7
Listening and responding
Develop listening and responding skills
Listening activity Assignment
November 7/8 2012
Week 10
8
Self-Disclosure and Conflict
Managing conflict
Personal assessment assignment
Week 11
9
Participation in Group Communication
Behaviours that contribute to success
9
Member Roles and Leadership in Groups
Evaluate the effectiveness of yourgroup.
Week 12
FINAL PRESENTATIONS
Week 13
Revision and Student Conference
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION (Standard)
University
Policies:
·Class attendance is obligatory; it is required
for a passing grade.Please note that
Attendance Regulation will be in effect.Whenever the number of absences exceeds 20% of the total course
appointments, the teacher may give a failing grade. Students are responsible
for finding out and completing all class requirements, assignments given during
their absence. This also means that you are to be on time for class.Students entering class fifteen (15) minutes
after class has begun will be considered late.(USC Bulletin 2010-2012, pg. 15)
·Grading Policy (USC Bulletin 2010-2012, pg. 16)
·Late Assignment All assignments are expected at
class time on the day they are due.Prompt and neat work done by students is a reflection of their
seriousness as students.All assignments
must be delivered in person.
·Plagiarism is unacceptable by the standards of
the University and is illegal by law.Students who violate this instruction WILL automatically fail this
course. (USC Student Handbook, pg. 47)
·Students are required to comply with the
University’s “Dress Code” as outlined in the Students Handbook and signed
contracts at registration.
