AOC201

Course Description

The Art of Communication provides an introduction to basic theories and concepts in the study of communication. Communication is an important part of our every day lives, and understanding it at both a theoretical and experiential level is central to this course. The focus will be on understanding theories that explain effective communication techniques that include intrapersonal, interpersonal, small-group, and public speaking. Consequently, you will apply these skills and techniques through practical exercise that will help students become more effective communicators and consequently more successful people.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Recognize communication as a transactional process and identify the elements common to all communication events;
• Distinguish the specific communication contexts;
• Define perception and explain its influence on human communication;
• Distinguish between self-esteem, self-concept, and self-awareness and their roles in communication;
• Describe the unique nature of interpersonal relationships, interpersonal and intercultural communication;
• Identify the unique role of communication in small group, mass communication contexts;
• Prepare and conduct an information interview.

Lecture Slides

Chapter 1: Introduction to Human Communication
Chapter 2: Perception, Self and Communication
Chapter 3: Nonverbal Communication
Chapter 4: Interpersonal Communication
Chapter 5: Intercultural Communication
Chapter 6: Workplace Communication
Chapter 7: Understanding Mass Communication
Chapter Summary

Textbook

Human Communication by Pearson (6th Ed.)

Further Readings

Family Communication (2nd ed.)
Family Communication
Listening and Human Communication in the 21st Century
The Key themes in Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to Mass Communication
Intercultural Communication in Contexts
Interpersonal Communication Everyday Encounters
Interpersonal Communication (2nd ed.)
Media & Culture
Understanding Human Communication
The Art of Public Speaking

Worksheet

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7

Student Presentation

Analysing the audience
Being Credible and Using Evidence
The Dynamics of Small-Group Communication
Topic Selection and Audience Analysis

Xtra Handout

Course Syllabus**
Group Presentation
Presentation Template