Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Arts and Social Science suit of Majors.

Aims & Objectives:

 To equip students with the oral and written communication skills they require to compete in the contemporary marketplace through an exploration of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of modern communications, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed to deal with a wide variety of different communications environments. The content is designed to cater to students from all disciplines and provide them with techniques they can employ throughout their educational and professional careers.

 Learning Objectives

After completing this unit of study students are expected to understand how to communicate effectively at a professional level..

Students are expected to develop skills in:

• Advanced reading and writing, including essay wring
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Using the internet for communication, learning and research
• Undertaking research, both in the library and on the internet
• Communicating their findings clearly and effectively

Assessment:

• Concept Proposal (30%)
• Communications Analysis (30%)
• Group Presentation (30%)
• Participation (10%).

Generic Skills Outcomes:

The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce graduates who are:

• Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
• Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• Effective and ethical in work and community situations
• Adaptable and able to manage change
• Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (eg socio-cultural, economic, natural)

Content:

• Basic Research Techniques
• Information Acquisition and Organisation
• Resource Evaluation
• Academic Writing Skills
• Writing for a Corporate Audience
• Writing for the Digital Age
• Intercultural Communications
• Effective Presentation Techniques
• Analysing the Media
• Dealing with the Media
• Spin Doctoring

Reading Materials:

Suggested Reading:

Dwyer, J. (2005), Communication in Business, Frenches Forrest, Pearson

Eunson, B. (2005), Communicating in the 21st Century, Sydney, Wiley

Mohan, T. et al (2008), Communicating as Professionals, 2nd edn, Melbourne. Thompson

Hargie, O. (ed) (2006), The Handbook of Communication Skills, London: Routeledge

Williams, J. S. (1995), Presentations: The Right Way to Make Effective Presentations, London: Elliot Right Way Books