Leader: Mr. Ian Martin

Offered

Clayton Winter semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides a theoretical and practical overview of personal and professional communications, with particular emphasis on appropriate register. Topics include: the elements of communication, barriers, cultural differences; active listening and feedback cues; public speaking; technical and business text structures and language features; workplace communications; personal and professional ethics and codes of practice; negotiation skills and conflict resolution; cross-cultural sensitivity and communications in the global economy. This unit is a hurdle requirement for Industry-Based Learning (IBL) students before their professional placements.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Describe the elements of effective communication and discuss barriers to the production and reception of meaning;
2. Explain and demonstrate the appropriate adjustment of register in formal and informal, social and professional, verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communications;
3. Be sensitive to and demonstrate understanding of cultural differences;
4. Select and use strategies for effective and efficient productive (speaking and writing) and receptive (reading and listening) communications;
5. Discuss a variety of organisational structures, management styles and culture;
6. Discuss workplace demeanour and reporting relationships;
7. Produce a variety of professional writing genres in the appropriate text structure using the appropriate language features. For example, memos, emails, faxes, business letters, reports and application letters;
8. Describe the purpose, protocols and procedures for, and the roles of participants in, formal and informal meetings and interviews;
9. Demonstrate the ability to take leadership roles and work co-operatively with peers/colleagues;
10. Describe several conditions and procedures for negotiation and dealing with conflict;
11. Participate in and take a variety of responsibilities for a formal business lunch with IBL sponsors;
12. Describe the cross-cultural understandings and challenges of participating in the global economy;
13. Outline the CSA code of ethics and professional practice and analyse the competing interests and possible consequences of a variety of ethical dilemmas;
14. Present a formal (oral) report to peers in a formal business setting (and demonstrate the ability to translate the written genre into the spoken).

Assessment

Written assignments: 45%
workshops/social/business events participation: 25%
oral presentation 30%

Contact hours

3 x contact hrs/week

Prerequisites

Completion of 24 points at first year.