Institute of Life Long Learning

INSTITUTE OF LIFE LONG LEARNING

DEPARTMENT OF

ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

COURSE TITLE: COMMUNICATON SKILLS

COURSE CODE : CUACE 101

1.0 Preamble

This course is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of academic and professional communication in order to develop professionals who can effectively apply communication theories and best practices to meet their academic and corporate communication needs.

2.0 Aims

The course aims to equip students with communication skills suitable for their academic purposes. It is further meant to develop in students skills necessary for effective communication in business and life in general.

3.0 Course Objectives

By the end of the course students should be able to:

·  Communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally

·  Apply the requisite academic communication skills in their essay writing and other forms of academic writing

·  Demonstrate understanding of the generic fundamentals of communication

·  Use various computer-mediated communication platforms in their academic and professional work

·  Relate to the interpersonal and organizational dynamics that affect effective communication in organizations.

4.0 Course Duration

The contact time is 48 hours spread over 15 weeks.

5.0 Methodology

The course will be taught mainly through lectures, tutorials, group discussions, simulations and student presentations.

6.0 Course Design

Section A of the course will be done by all students. Section B will be done by the students from the Schools of Agricultural Science and Technology and Engineering Science and Technology. Section C will accommodate students from the Schools of Business Sciences and Management, Hospitality and Tourism, Institute of Life Long Learning and the School of Art and Design.

Section A - Generic Communication

Section B - Academic and Professional Communication for Scientists and Engineers

Section C - Business Communication

7.0 Content

Section A

7.1 Introduction to Communication

·  Communication defined

·  The process of communication

·  Models of communication

·  Communication barriers

7.2 Communication for academic purposes

·  Introduction to academic writing

·  Summarizing, paraphrasing and argumentation skills

·  Textual cohesion

·  Avoiding plagiarism

7.3 Non-verbal communication and Impression management

·  Introduction to non-verbal communication

·  Verbal and non-verbal communication relationships

·  Categories of non-verbal communication(kinesics, proxemics, chronemics, paravocalics, olfatics etc)

·  Non-verbal communication barriers.

· 

7.4  Communication in Organisations

·  Formal communication networks in organizations

·  Informal communication networks

·  Computer- mediated communication (videoconferencing, intranet, e-mail, skype, groupware, etc)

7.5  Conflict Management and resolution strategies

·  Approaches to organizational conflict

·  Causes of conflict

·  Conflict handling strategies

·  Principles of negotiation

7.6  Business Writing

·  Memos

·  Reports

·  Proposals

·  Press releases

·  Circulars, etc

·  Plain English in corporate communication

7.7  Public Speaking and Presentation skills

·  Effective public presentation skills

·  Audience analysis

·  Effective argumentation skills

·  Interview skills

Section B

7.8  Technical Communication

·  Presenting technical information

·  Tables, graphs, charts, visuals and pictorials

·  Technical reports and proposals

·  Overcoming technical communication challenges

7.9  Development Communication

·  Concepts and approaches

·  Various media in rural development

·  Factors influencing communication reception

Section C

8.0 Persuasive Communication

·  Strategies for effective persuasive communication

·  Persuasive communication appeals ( pathos, logos, ethos)

·  Persuasive communication and advertising

8.1 Communication and leadership

·  Leadership principles

·  Communication for effective leadership

·  Leadership and communication challenges

8.2 Communication for organizational success

·  Communication function in management

·  Strategic communication for organizational success

·  Managing the communication function in organizations

9.0 Assessment

Examinations : 70%

Students will write a 3 hour paper and will answer THREE questions, ONE from EITHER

Section B or C.

Coursework : 30%

Coursework will include in-class tests, individual assignments and group presentations.

10.0 Recommended Reading List

Abidi S.A.H (1991) Communication Information and Development. Nairobi: Kenya Masaki

Publishers.

Bovee C. and Thill J. V. (1997) Business Communication Today 5th ed. New Jersey: Prentice

Hall.

DiSouza, J.R and Leggie N.J. (2000) Business and Professional Communication 2nd ed.

Kenywyn: Juta +Co.

Hatch, L.G (2003) Arguing in Communities: Reading and Writing Arguments in Context 3rd .

Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Fielding, M. (1997) Effective Communication in Organisations 2nd ed. Kenywyn: Juta +Co

Jandt, F.E. (2004) An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global

Community 4th ed. London: Sage Publications.

Lucas, S.E. (2004) The Art of Public Speaking 8th ed. McGraw Hill

McQuail, A and Windahl, S. (1993) Communication Models for the study of Communication.

London: Longman

Zimmerman D. E and Clark D.G (1987) Guide to Technical and Scientific Communication. Random House Inc.

Specialised web based Encyclopedias on Communication related areas