Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Duration
Contact Hours
Campus
Prerequisite
Corequisite
One Semester or Term
36 hours
Hawthorn
Nil
Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points
A unit in the Graduate Certificate of Multimedia and Graduate Diploma of Multimedia and a core unit in the Master of Multimedia and Master of Multimedia Technology.
With the advent of new communications technologies such as the Internet, the ability to communicate effectively is becoming a key competency across a wide range of professions. This is especially true of fields such as engineering, information technology and the biophysical sciences, whose increased profile now positions them as key strategic components in many business ventures. Practitioners from these fields often find themselves having to communicate highly technical information to people who have little or no expertise in their areas, meaning that clear and precise communications are vital if a productive information flow is to be established. Professional Communication Practice is designed to equip students with the oral and written communication skills they require to compete in the contemporary marketplace. This is achieved 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. The unit is structured around three key areas: Researching, Writing and Presenting, with each designed to complement the others. Following successful completion of this unit students will:• have developed advanced reading and writing skills. • have developed analytical and critical thinking skills. • have developed confidence in different communications situations. • have developed essay writing skills. • be able to write for a range of purposes. • have developed research skills in both the library as well as the internet and other forums. • have developed a familiarity with the internet for communication and learning purposes.
Lectures and Workshops
Concept Proposal (30%), Communications Analysis (35%), Group Presentation (35%).
Graduates 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.
The following topics are covered in this unit of study:• 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
Materials are provided online through the Blackboard system.
Mohan T, McGregor H, Saunders S, Communicating as Professionals, Thompson, Melbourne, 2004
