| CODE | LAS1039 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Psychology of Communication: Theory and Practice | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | I - Introductory Level | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Centre for the Liberal Arts and Sciences | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Human relationships are complex. Communication affects the growth of relationships, and the growth of relationships affects communicative behaviour. An introductory course in communication helps to learn about human relationships and learn important life skills. This Unit is designed for adult students to develop an understanding of the basic principles of the field of human communication. The main aim of this Unit is to obtain a theoretical understanding of communication studies that facilitates the establishment and maintenance of effective personal relationships It provides an opportunity for students to learn, master and sharpen communication skills so as to communicate effectively in various relationships with ourselves and with others. Within this context, the method of learning and training will involve lecturing, small group work and experiential learning experiences. An important objective of this Unit is the emphasis on learning skills and not simply learning about them. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the Unit the student will: - Be familiar with fundamentals of communication studies; - Understand the obstacles and difficulties pertaining to communication; - Define language and understand how it works in communication; - Describe how to utilize strategies to improve nonverbal communication; - Understand intra-personal, interpersonal, and groups communication; - Be familiar with the research pertaining to communication; - Be aware of computer-mediated communication and its impact on human relationships; - Develop an awareness of the importance of intercultural communication. 2. Skills: By the end of the Unit the student will: - Master the skills of basic listening and self-expression; - Be more aware of the complex dynamics of communication with reference to - non-verbal messages, hidden agendas and transactional analysis; - Develop and master skills such as conflict management, assertive strategies; - Learn social skills to make real contact in our relationships to avoid stereotyping and clarifying first impressions; - Learn skills that help in different relational contexts such as how: • To keep friendships that contribute to one’s wellbeing • To keep family communications healthy • To develop and maintain couple relationship - Learn and utilize skills necessary for effective and ethical group communication; - Practice some strategies for improving intercultural communication. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Harter L. M., Nelson Paul E., Titsworth Scott J. C. (2007) Human Communication 3rd Edition. Pearson. - Mckay, M. Davis, M. Fanning, P. (2009) Messages: The Communication Skills Book. 3rd edition New Harbinger Publications. - Littlejohn S.W, Foss K. A. (2008) Theories of Human Communication. 9th Edition. - Morreale S.P., Spitzberg B. H., Barge J. K. (2007) Human Human Communication: Motivation, Knowledge, Skills. 2nd Edition USA Allyn and Bacon. - Devito J.A. (2012). The Interpersonal Communication Book. 13th Edition Publisher: Pearson. |
||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Group Learning | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Georgina Debattista |
||||||||
|
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||||