“Essentials of Communications” introduces students to the fundamentals of human communication theory and interpersonal communications research, while providing a foundation for media studies.
Communication Fundamentals
Making College Work
This is a skills based sub-section of the module that offers students support in transitioning to 3rd level education and that provides them with skills in library research, academic writing and self-management as a scaffold to their first year experience.
Introduction to Human Communication: General introduction and importance of communications in personal and business context.
Models of Communication: Communications Theory offers multiple models of communication some of which will be offered for discussion and review. Students will learn to distinguish between the elements, processes, contexts and codes for communication.
Communication Codes: Human communication depends on a range and variety of codes. Students will explore and examine two human codes in detail: Language Development of social identity, variety, features, language use in culture and between genders Non-verbal communication. Kenesics – Facial expression, posture, gestures, clothing and artefacts, paralanguage, proxemics, chronemics, haptics
Communication Contexts
Intercultural Communications: Define intercultural concepts such as culture, co-cultures, stereotyping and cultural relativism. Outline Hofstede’s dimensions of culture.
Understanding Interpersonal Communications: Self-concept and perceptual patterns form key backdrops to the interpersonal communications act. Review of theory in this area as it relates to communications including Johari window, perceptual selectivity, perception in the context of gender and culture.
Interpersonal Communications Skills in Context: All communication – personal and business - takes place in the context of human relationships. This section of the module reviews theory on relationship breadth and depth, stages of relationships, self-disclosure and display rules, managing conflict, assertiveness.
Group and Team Communications Working in groups together with colleagues is an intrinsic part of modern organisational life. This section explores issues in group and team communications.
Media Communications Critically reading media texts is a key skill in contemporary personal and professional life.
Theoretical material will be delivered in a lecture setting. Experiential learning regarding teamwork will be provided via group assessment. Video material will be extensively used, to stimulate class discussion and to facilitate self-directed learning.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 45 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 55 |