COM2025 - Communication Realms and Interfaces

Leader: Franzel du Plooy - Cilliers

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

The unit deals with the fundamentals of intra and interpersonal communication, covering key concepts, definitions, axioms, principles and functions as well as the theories and research that underlie and inform its study and practice, and also addressess the effects that changes in technology have had on relationships in extending and complicating our options for interpersonal communication. Furthermore, it focuses on culture and gender as major influences on people's communicative styles, and emphasises the crucial role of accurate and efficient communication in establishing, developing, maintaining, and repairing relationships.

Objectives

This unit is an introduction to the theory and practice of intra- and interpersonal communication. The focus is on learning and practising skills needed to improve the quality of social interactions and interpersonal relationships. The specific objectives of the course are for students to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication theory and research by describing the main ideas of such theories and research
2. Comprehend the nature, scope, and functions of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication and to show this understanding by identifying, evaluating and reflecting on their own use of interpersonal communication skills in everyday situations and by making suggestions for their improvement.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how relationships are developed, maintained, repaired and terminated through the use of interpersonal communication by theoretically evaluating case studies and one of their own close relationships.
4. Demonstrate competence of interpersonal communication skills and conflict management by practicing and assessing these skills in classroom activities.
5. Demonstrate an ability to do research and to apply theory through analysing media examples of close relationships and presenting it to the class by making use of audio-visual communication technology.
6. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the influence of technology on personal relationships.
7. Explain the influence of gender and diversity on interpersonal communication.
8. Identify, in a given case study, some physical and psychological limitations that may influence the perceptions of those involved, and explain how these perceptions may influence communication.
9. Demonstrate a high standard of written, oral and interpersonal communication skills and competencies, as well as show an ability to gather academic resources and to apply and reference them appropriately.

Assessment

Tutorial component (oral presentation, attendance and participation):14%; Relationship paper (1000 words):22%; Journal of practical work (900 words): 20%; Two Hour Examination (2000 words): 44%

Contact hours

2 hours lectures and 2 hours tutorials per week

Prohibitions

COM3025