communication studies lecture 1

Lesson OneTitle: Course Outline

Term 1

Mr. Farley Chavez Augustine

Communication Studies is aimed at building one’s awareness of the centrality of language to the normal functioning of human beings and facilitates their ability to operate in the Caribbean linguistic environment and beyond.

The Syllabus consists of three modules:

Module 1- Gathering and Processing Information

Module 2- Language and Community

Module 3- Speaking and Writing

Expression (oral & written)grammar, usage, word choice, spelling, punctuation,

pronunciation, enunciation, revising and editing drafts

ComprehensionLevels: literal, interpretive, analytical, application. Modes:efferent, aesthetic, critical. Genres: narrative/descriptive,expository, argumentative/persuasive

Summary SkillsNote taking, distinguishing main and subsidiary ideas,

understandinglogical linkages between ideas, formulating topic sentences andlinking them to subsidiary ideas, sequencing, condensing, writingoutlines, writing continuous prose summaries, editing drafts (peer and self-evaluation)

Current Issues: Evaluating SourcesDefining key concepts (authority, reliability, validity, bias, fact, opinion); identifying a significant issue; sourcing information: locating primary and secondary sources; choosing from among sources; determining the appropriateness of data collection methods; summarizing

the content of sources; evaluating the reliability and validity

of sources

Organizing Skills (oral & written)Introductions and conclusions; focus and emphasis;

logical

linkages, formatting, revising and editing drafts

Expression (oral & written)Same content areas as Module 1

Defining LanguageCharacteristics of language- (Language as:

human;verbal; symbolic; systematic <non-arbitrary>; maturational; non-instinctive <naturally

acquired>; dynamic); differentiation between ‘language’ (generic) and ‘a language’ (individual); purposes

of language

Characteristics of English Creole Languages Language in the SocietyInfluence of social, political and other cultural factors on language and communication; the role of languages; the influence of historical factors on language in the region; attitudes to Caribbean language; language in international situations; language in interactive situations

Technology, Culture and CommunicationPrint, electronic; enhancing and facilitating communication; the effects of technology

Expression (oral & written)Same content areas as Module 1 & 2

Process of CommunicationElements of the process (sender, message, channel/medium, receiver, feedback); mass

media and technology

Forms of CommunicationVerbal, non-verbal, body language, use of

space, use of objects, dress, graphics

Contexts of CommunicationIntrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, academic, public, intercultural

Organizing Skills (oral & written)Same as Module 1

Types of Speaking and WritingSpeaking: conversation; short expository,persuasive and argumentative speechesWriting: reflective (journals and diaries),

academic essays

Paper 01A (1 ½ hrs) Ten compulsory short-response questions >>25% (2 questions on module 1, 4 on module 2, 4 on module 3)

Paper 01B (30min) Four compulsory questions from module 1 requiring short-responses >>5%

Paper 02 (2 ½ hrs) Three compulsory questions, one on each module>>50%

Internal Assessment 20%Written Portfolios & Oral Examination*(Internal Assessments are to be completed

in the second term)