Units

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Sample subject outline - 5 Week Teaching Period - 9 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit emphasises both the theory and practice of speech and interpersonal communication. It introduces theories of language, rhetoric and persuasion, which are interrelated to promote understanding and development of your communication skills. Classroom practice in simulated work situations will enhance the leadership skills you need to become articulate presenters in a range of contexts including personal presentations.

Aims

The unit aims to develop in you:
- an understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical application of rhetoric and interpersonal communication as an underpinning for effective and professional communication practices within the workplace.
- the ability to be articulate presenters with a self-awareness that allows for self-critique and continued growth.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate and present material in a professional and persuasive manner, both oral and written.
2. Discuss and analyse the rhetorical bases of persuasive speaking underpinning the choices a speaker makes in public presentations whether in a live situation or via the media.
3. Reflect on and appraise individual oral communication skills in both interpersonal and public contexts.

Content

This unit draws from the following areas:
- Meaning-making and the reality of construction.
- Theories of persuasion.
- Preparing for speaking - persuasive strategies.
- Persuasion in action - practical critiques.
- The big picture - image management.
- Non-verbal and verbal languages.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is taught using a mix of lectures and tutorial workshops. The lectures are designed to explore the theoretical concepts underpinning the areas of communication practice studied in this unit. Video and textual case studies of speakers are used to explore aspects of effective professional communication.

The tutorial and workshop exercises are designed to develop student understanding and competency in the skills required for successful communication practice. Simulations allow you to use the tutorials as a laboratory for real life professional situations. Material developed for this unit, as well as in-class exercises, provide the opportunity to study effective persuasion, and, importantly, allow you to reflect on your own practice.

The unit develops a distinctive, self-reflexive approach to learning to encourage independent critical inquiry, creativity and a commitment to professionalism. You are given the opportunity to practise and receive detailed feedback in tutorial sessions.

You are expected and encouraged to attend all scheduled class activities and show evidence at each class of having studied the relevant readings.

Some tutorial sessions will be set aside for assessment items.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.

Assessment name: Examination
Description: (Formative and summative)
You will view a video-taped professional speech or presentation which you will rhetorically analyse.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Oral Presentation
Description: (Formative and summative)
You will be required to prepare and present a powerfully persuasive 5-7 minute oral presentation to be
presented in tutorial to your lecturer and peers.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

McCarthy, P. & Hatcher, C (2002). Speaking persuasively: the essential guide to giving dynamic presentations and speeches (2nd ed.). NSW: Allen & Unwin

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 18-Sep-2012