Module Code and Title:        CTH102 Principles of Communication Science

Programme:                          BA in Communication Arts and Creative media 

Credit:                                    12

Module Tutor:                       Damber K. Ghimiray (Coordinator), Pallavi Majumdar, Prakash Ghimirey

General objective: This module aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of the way humans interact with each other. The module will focus on one-way and two-way communication and difficulties faced in daily communications such as those due to power distance, hierarchy and culture. Students will critique problems in intercultural, interpersonal, small group and leadership communication in their own experience. Students will also role-play various verbal and non-verbal types of communication. An essential portion of this module will be practicing active listening and audience behaviour to understand and construct solutions to perception, mediation and conflict resolution for daily life.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Analyse linear, interactional and transactional communication models
2. Explain intrapersonal, interpersonal and small group communications
3. Discuss how intrapersonal, interpersonal and small group communications differ from public, mass and intercultural communication
4. Identify daily verbal communication patterns and non-verbal communication cues
5. Analyse active listening and audience behaviour
6. Reflect on appropriate non-verbal communication in small and large group settings
7. Discuss misconceptions in message delivery in a calm and professional manner.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach:

Two 45-minute written assessments concerning the theoretical portion of the class will be given twice in the term, one before midterm consisting of 10% of the points and one after midterm (other than the subject matter covered in test 1) consisting of 10% of the points.

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. This will be done both in class and on VLE. 5% of class participation and preparedness will be assessed before midterm and the remaining 5% post midterm. 

The group presentation consists of a presentation (7.5%) and self-reflection of 150-200 words from each member of the group (7.5%) on one of the key topics in communication. These topics may include any elements from perception, verbal, non-verbal communication or listening unit. Students will work in groups of 3-4 to interview both local and foreign members in the RTC community about their topic to present to the class. The self-reflection will be based on group dynamics, expectations and their own perceptions of group interactions. 

Presentation (7.5%)

1.5             Quality of the interview questions used

1.5             Accuracy with which finding is summarized

3                Insightful use of class material to explain the significance of the finding

1.5             Language, organization and referencing

Self-Reflection (7.5%)

1                Discussion on one’s contribution in relation to others

1.5             Reflection on group dynamics of their own group

3                Reflection on their weakness and strength

2                Language and grammar

Students will be required to sit for a written midterm examination of 1.5 hr duration proving their theoretical grasp of the concepts, as well as their ability to apply the concepts using practical examples.

Students will take a written exam of 2.5 hr duration encompassing all the subject matter covered in the semester. The assessment is comprehensive and summative in nature, and will comprise structured questions from all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Overview of assessment approaches and weighting

Pre-requisites: None

Subject matter:

1. Unit I: Introduction to communication studies
   1. Defining communication
      1. Communication as a social process in which individuals employ symbols to establish and interpret meaning in their environment
      2. Key terms in defining communication: social, process, symbols, meaning, environment
      3. Delineating boundaries: communication vs. behaviour in general
   2. The communication process: Models of communication
      1. Communication as action (linear model)
      2. Communication as interaction (interactional model)
      3. Communication as transaction (transactional model)
   3. Overview of communication forms and contexts
      1. Intrapersonal – communication with oneself
      2. Interpersonal – face-to-face; one-on-one communication
      3. Small-group communication
      4. Organizational – communication within and among large and extended environments
      5. Public/rhetorical – communication to a large group of listeners (audience)
      6. Mass/media – communication to very large audiences through mediated forms
      7. Cultural – communication between and among members of different cultures
   4. Communication principles: integration in all aspects of life; importance for meeting needs; communication as a process; relationship to culture and context; ability to be learned; following of rules and norms; having ethical implications
2. Unit II: Communication and perception
   1. Perception process
   2. Perceiving others
   3. Perceiving and presenting self
   4. Improving perception
3. Unit III: Verbal communication
   1. Language and meaning
   2. Functions of language
   3. Importance of effective use of language
   4. Relationship of language to society and culture
   5. Characteristics of and best practices for achieving competence in verbal communication
4. Unit IV: Non-verbal communication
   1. Principles, functions, and nature of non-verbal communication 
   2. Common types and components of non-verbal communication: posture and gestures, facial expressions, active vs. passive expressions and actions
   3. Features of non-verbal communication in contexts: relational, professional, cultural
   4. Characteristics of and best practices for achieving competence in non-verbal communication
5. Unit V: Listening
   1. Purpose and processes of listening
   2. Barriers to effective listening
   3. Characteristics of and best practices for achieving competence in listening
   4. Generating listenable messages and effective feedback

Reading List

Essential Reading

Jones, R. (2013). Communication in the real world: An introduction to communication studies. The Saylor Foundation. 

Additional Reading

Adler, R. B., Rodman, G. R., & DuPre´, A. (2017). Understanding human communication. Oxford University Press.

Best, S. (2005). Understanding social divisions. SAGE.

Bligh, D. A. (2003). What’s the point in discussion? Intellect.

Cragan, J. F., Wright, D. W., & Kasch, C. R. (2009). Communication in small groups: theory, process, skills. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Engleberg, I. N., & Wynn, D. (2017). Working in groups: communication principles and strategies. Pearson.

Forsyth, D. R. (2018). Group Dynamics. S.l.: Wadsworth.

Galanes, G. J., & Adams, K. (2010). Effective group discussion: theory and practice. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, F. P. (2017). Joining together: group theory and group skills. Pearson.

Date: March 2023