Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

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

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

• describe the elements of effective communication and discuss barriers to the production and reception of meaning;
• explain and demonstrate the appropriate adjustment of register in formal and informal, social and professional, verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communications;
• be sensitive to and demonstrate understanding of cultural differences;
• select and use strategies for effective and efficient productive (speaking and writing) and receptive (reading and listening) communications;
• discuss a variety of organisational structures, management styles and culture;
• discuss workplace demeanour and reporting relationships;
• 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 job application letters;
• describe the purpose, protocols and procedures for, and the roles of participants, in formal/informal meetings and interviews;
• demonstrate the ability to take leadership roles and work co-operatively with peers/colleagues;
• describe several conditions and procedures for negotiation and dealing with conflict;
• describe the cross-cultural understandings and challenges of participating in the global economy;
• outline the CSA code of ethics and professional practice and analyse the competing interests and possible consequences of a variety of ethical dilemmas;
• present a formal (oral) report to peers in a formal business setting and demonstrate the ability to translate the written genre into the spoken;
• demonstrate the ability to make an effective presentation, orally and in writing, of a technical IT subject to a non-technical audience;
• demonstrate the ability to make effective use of technology in oral and written communication;
• understand current ICT trends e.g. communications groupware.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 25%; In-semester assessment: 75%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr John Betts

Contact hours

2 hr lecture/wk, 2 hr laboratories or tutorial/wk

Prerequisites

Completion of 24 points at level 1

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit2035