307552 (v.1) Communication Skills 011

Area:

Faculty of Science

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

2.0

Lecture:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Finding topics and sources of information, interpreting topics, forming thesis statements and topic sentences. Online research skills. Oral presentations - designing and using visual aids and handouts, adapting language to audience, purpose and context. Library, researching a topic, Harvard referencing. Collaborative investigation - interpersonal communication, interviewing and surveying, developing criteria to evaluate a subject. Incorporating action research in written reports, interpreting and organising information, editing and revising.

Unit Outcomes:

Upon completion of this unit, students will have - Used a computer to communicate with others, searched for information and navigated among sites efficiently. Researched a given subject to an appropriate degree and become aware of suitable resources forresearch. Gained understanding of the ideas presented in these resources, and critically evaluated their worth for their research purposes. Planned and organised ideas effectively in writing and developed a sound argument. Constructed complete, clear andprecise sentences and paragraphs, using the language and tone appropriate to a given aim and audience. Edited and revised written work creating a more effective text and critically reviewed their own collaborative and written projects and processes.Conduced simple action research and presented written and oral work in a professional manner. Delivered an effective oral presentation to a group and demonstrated an awareness of the need for academic honesty.Worked collaboratively to achieve a given aim.

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:

van Loon, J. (2003). Communication Skills (Academic Purposes) 111 Student Workbook, Black Swan Press, Curtin University of Technology, Perth.

Unit Texts:

Bate, D. and Sharpe, P. (1996). Writers' Handbook for University Students, Harcourt Brace, Sydney. Courtright, J.A. and Perse, E.M. (2001). The Mayfield Quick Guide to the Internet for Communication Students, Version 2.0, Mayfield, Mountain View, California. Marshall, L. and Rowland, F. (1998). A Guide to Learning Independently, 3rd ed., Addison Wesley Longman, Melbourne. McLaren, S. (1997). Easy Writer: A Student's Guide to Writing Essays and Reports, Pascal, Glebe, NSW. Murphy, E. (1985), You Can Write, Longman Cheshire, Melbourne.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Assignments (5) 65%, Final Examination 20%, Preparation and Participation 5%, Study Journal 10%. This is a grade/mark assessment.

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