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:
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4.0
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.
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.
7.0
Section A
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Generic Communication
Section B
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Academic and Professional Communication for Scientists and Engineers
Section C
-
Business Communication
Content
Section A
7.1 Introduction to Communication
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Communication defined
The process of communication
Models of communication
Communication barriers
7.2 Communication for academic purposes
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Introduction to academic writing
Summarizing, paraphrasing and argumentation skills
Textual cohesion
Avoiding plagiarism
7.3 Non-verbal communication and Impression management
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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
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Strategies for effective persuasive communication
Persuasive communication appeals ( pathos, logos, ethos)
Persuasive communication and advertising
8.1 Communication and leadership
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Leadership principles
Communication for effective leadership
Leadership and communication challenges
8.2 Communication for organizational success
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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 3 rd .
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