Human Communication

Module Identifier: DS24110
Module Title: Human Communication
Academic Year: 2027/2028
Semester: Distance Learning
Co-ordinator: Dr Anoush Simon
Reading List: View on Aspire
Other Staff: Jennie Hill; Ms Tanya Rogers; Dr Allen Foster; Dr Sue Lithgow; Dr Anoush Simon

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Essay: 2000 Words	100%
Supplementary Assessment	Essay: 2000 Words	100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

describe and explain the process of communication between people;
discuss the process of communication using some basic theoretical concepts drawn from semiotic literature
discuss the key issues pertaining to computer mediated communication
describe the key principles of effective negotiation
explain group communication and team building processes
outline the qualities of effective report writing for workplaces
identify key features in giving effective presentations for academic, career, and professional contexts

Brief description

This module aims to explain the human communication process and identify effective communication skills for both academic and professional workplace practices.

We spend about three quarters of our lives communicating but this quantity is no guarantee of quality. For example you may have experienced communications, which resulted in unsatisfactory work conditions, an unhappy marriage or arguments with you children. Indeed, for over 60,000 years people have been communicating. Yet we still feel the need, perhaps more than ever, to find ways to improve our communication skills.

Aims

This module aims to explain the human communication process and provide you with the skills for effective communication in workplace professional practice.

Content

The module introduces theory behind everyday communications. This includes the study of a simple model of communication, the processes we use when we interact with other people, how we work in groups and how we communicate with our clients.
The module explores the theoretical basis underpinning our understanding of human communication, semiotics, and computer mediated communication (CMC).
It also introduces communication skills applicable to the workplace such as teamwork, negotiation and leadership skills, and effective presentations to engage workplace customers and colleagues.
You will also study skills in communication, such as how to gather and structure information and how to prepare for oral and written presentations.

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Co-ordinating with others	Outline effective ILS enquiry negotiations and discuss the value and impact of teamwork and negotiation skills for workplace professional practice, from both group exercises, online activity and formal assessment.
Digital capability	Explore how we communicate through digital media and the impact of semiotics and computer mediated communication (CMC) on human interaction and reception
Improving own Learning and Performance	Reflection on communication skills and what is required for workplace professional practice.
Personal Development and Career planning	Reflection on practice, and individual learning through researching and completing course assessment.
Problem solving	Approach to practical assignment and module exercises.
Professional communication	This is the rational for the module: exploring the literature and theory underpinning human communication and giving examples of how human communication theory can be applied in professional practice (e.g. negotiation skills, presentation skills, and team work)
Research skills	Identification of reading and critical review of literature (and applications) in order to complete module assessment.
Subject Specific Skills	Reflection and application of effective communication skills within the workplace.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5