307450 (v.1) Communication Skills and Self Awareness 511

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Area:	Department of Social Work and Social Policy
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	2.0
Lecture:	1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Tutorial:	1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Syllabus:	Reflection and enactment is encouraged in class participation and in life situations. The importance of culture and context and the multiple dimensions of power are highlighted in our awareness of interpersonal and organisational communications. As it is acknowledged that counselling is always a two way process and that issues discussed will touch upon the counsellors past or present life experiences, there will be a weekend given to critical reflective practice and self awareness. Explorations of individual beliefs and attitudes can help counsellors attend to any personal issues that may be getting in the way of effective practice. An experienced and competent professional practitioner will facilitate this confidential group.
Unit Outcomes:	Upon completion of this unit students will have - Gained understanding of perspectives on interpersonal communications and applied this in practice. Developed awareness of the importance of culture and context and the interplay of the dimensions of powerincluding class, race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, in shaping communication processes. Developed abilities in effective communication through active listening, mirroring, questioning and affirming. Applied understanding and skills of communication to specific situations including counselling, group and teamwork. Explored methods of communication with specific client groups including children, adolescents, elderley and other cultures. Increased capacity to use the self in communicating and to evaluate this in an ongoing way.
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:	Biddulph, S. (2000), Stories of Manhood: Journeys into the Hidden Hearts of Men. Finch, Australia. Downing, J. (1995). Finding Your Voice: Reclaiming Personal Power Through Communication. Allen and Unwin, New South Wales. Gudykunst, W.B. (2001), Bridging Differences. Sage Publications, California. Ktzman, A. (1989), Listen To Me, Listen To You . Penguin, Australia. Lewis, G. and Slade, C. (2000), Critical Comunication, 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, Australia. MacKay, H(1994), Why Don't People Listen. Pan Publishers, Australia. Mc Neilly, R and Brown, J (1994), Healing with Words. Hill of Content Publishers, Melbourne. Nichols, M. P.(1995). The Lost Art of Listening. Guilford Publishers, New York. Putnis, P. and Petelin, R. (1999), Professional Communications: Principles and Applications, 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, Australia. Stewart, J. (1995), Bridges Not Walls, McGraw Hill, New York. Tyler, S., Kossen, C. and Ryan, C. (1999), Communication, A Foundation Course. Prentice Hall, Australia.
Unit Texts:	Poorman, P.B., (2003), Microskills and Theoretical Foundations for Professional Helpers, Sydney, Allyn and Bacon.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	LibraryTest 10%. Annotated Bibliography 20%. Presentation 30%. Audio or Video Tape and Paper 40%. This is by grade/mark assessment.
Year Location Period Internal Area External Central External 2004 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y