Cathy Hill Fall 2004

RCB 6234; 604-291-4788 (after Sept. 7^th) Burnaby Day

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Prerequisite: 25 credit hours.

Overview: Learning to communicate effectively involves knowledge and practice at a number of levels. In addition to theories about intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group dynamics, this course will incorporate a series of practical exercises. Students will be expected to participate in activities involving writing, speaking, listening, interviewing, presenting, and giving feedback. Students will also be required to keep a journal which will be handed in at regular intervals. In this journal they will comment on the communication assignments with which they are involved and integrate their perceptions with the course material.

Required Texts:

Beebe, Beebe, & Ivy (2004) Communication: Principles for a Lifetime, 2^nd Edition.

Kessler/McDonald (2003) When Words Collide: A Media Writer’s Guide to Grammar and Style

Grading: Participation 10%

Journal 30%

Mid-Term Exam 30%

Final Project (Includes Take-Home Exam) 30%

The School expects that the grades in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distributions of grades. The School follows Policy T10.02 with respect to “Intellectual Honesty” and “Academic Discipline” (see SFU Calendar, General Regulations).

Weekly Schedule: (subject to confirmation in class)

Week 1 Introduction

Week 2 Self, Culture, and Perception

Week 3 Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication and Listening Skills

Week 4 Interpersonal and Relational Communication

Week 5 Researching and Interviewing

Week 6 Communicating in Groups and Teams

Week 7 Conflict Resolution

Week 8 Mid-Term Exam

Week 9 Mass Audience Communication

Week 10 Presentation Skills

Week 11 Presentation Skills

Week 12 Group Presentations

Week 13 Group Presentations

Take home exam due according to exam schedule.