1863 (v.5) SW 124 - Communication Skills

Area:

Department of Social Work and Social Policy

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

2.0

Workshop:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Draws on an active learning model, engaging students in thinking, feeling and action situations. Students develop an understanding of skills in effective interpersonal communication within a professional context. Content will include communication theories, interviewing process, power, assertion, conflict resolution, public speaking, and consideration of gender, disabilities, age and culture in shaping effective communication with individuals, families and groups.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- Increased awareness of the process of communication between people. Skills in the understanding of the practice of professional interviewing. Skills in assertion, conflict resolution and working with interpreters. Increased awareness of the interaction of power, culture and gender issues in the process of communication. Increased capacity for self-evaluation in terms of communication.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Crawford, F. (1989). Chapter 5 Do's and Don'ts" in F.Crawford, Jalinardi Ways-Whitefellas Working in Aboriginal Communities, Perth, Curtin University of Technology. Downing, J., (1995). Finding Your Own Voice: Reclaiming Personal Power Through Communication, Sydney, Allen & Unwin. Gudykunst, W.B., (1991). Being Perceived as a Competent Communicator, In Bridging Differences: Effective Inter-group Communication, California, Sage. Lee, C. and Richardson, B., (1991). Multicultural Issues in Counselling, US, American Ass. For Counselling & Development US. Lewis, S. and Slade, C., (1999). Critical Communication, 2nd ed, Australia, Prentice Hall. Lucas, S., (1992). Ch16 Speaking in Small Groups, in S.Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking, US, McGraw Hill. Putins, P. and Petelin, R., (1999). Professional Communication: Principles and Applications, 2nd ed, Australia, Prentice Hall. Tyler, S., Kossen,C. and Ryan, C., (1999). Communication a Foundation Course, Australia, Pearson Education.

Unit Texts:

Bolton, R. (1987), People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others and Resolve Conflict. Sydney, Simon and Schuster.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Short Papers 55%, Taped Interview and Reflective Paper 45%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y