Communication Skills

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge is required.

Content of Course

Day 1

1. What is communication and why do we do it? This session will explore definitions of communication. We will discuss the purpose and function of communication and investigate different aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication.

2. Psychological theories of communication. This session will introduce some of the key theories of the development of communication from birth. These theories will be linked to motivation, emotion and understanding others and critical analysis will be encouraged.

3. Interpersonal communication. Using practical exercises this session will look in detail at non-verbal communication and how intention and state of mind can be revealed. Factors affecting our communication will be discussed and individual values and communicative goals will be explored.

4. Methods for better communication. Participants will consider their own communicative goals to understand any areas they want to change. We will learn about and practice communication skills such as assertiveness. Factors affecting communication will be discussed.

Day 2

1. Operational and strategic communication. This session will review theories about organisational and group communication to understand how communication systems and structures can affect our work and study lives. The session will focus on problem solving and understanding communication difficulties.

2. What impedes communication? This session will focus on communication difficulties. We will investigate factors which are barriers and solutions to improving communication. We will work to understand challenging communication and how therapeutic approaches use communication to support mental and emotional health.

3. Conflict and communication. This session will provide more in depth understanding of group psychology and how communication can alter behaviour and attitudes. We will discuss how communication can be used for negotiation and conflict management.

4. Cultural and social communication. This session will consider private and cultural aspects of communication. Power and rhetoric will be examined in relation to media and science. Using practical exercises we will explore a range of communicative media to understand shared meanings and social values.

Teaching method(s)

This will be a combination of lecture, discussion and practical work. Participants will be encouraged to engage actively with the course content.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the development and function of communication;

• Apply this theoretical knowledge to practical situations;

• Identify why communication sometimes breaks down;

• Employ effective communication skills in their everyday lives.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Hargie, O., ed., 2011. Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. Hove, East Sussex: Routledge.

Recommended:

• Duck, S., 1993. Relating to Others. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

• Larsen, K.S., 1993. Conflict and Social Psychology. London: Sage Publications.

Web Sources

Krauss, R. M., Range of articles. [online] Available at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/psychology/commlab/publications.html

Trevarthen, C., Filmed Interviews. [online] Available at: http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/earlyyears/prebirthtothree/nationalguidance/conversations/colwyntrevarthen.asp

Class Handouts

There will be class handouts for each session.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.