Communication Skills (CSK)

Communication Skills (CSK)

CSK 3212: CHANGING BEHAVIOR THROUGH COMMUNICATION

The goal of many communication initiatives is to encourage some type of behaviour change. Communication professionals who understand how people change their behaviour can create more successful campaigns. This course surveys major theories used to predict when and under what circumstances individuals are most likely to change their behaviour. Behaviour change includes a variety of actions, such as voting for a candidate, purchasing a product, joining a social networking group, or adopting a new health habit.

CSK 3211: COMMUNICATION FOR ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE

This course seeks to acquaint the student with ways of constructing valid arguments, with application to such communication contexts as policy making, legal decision-making, organizational decision-making and personal inquiry. Fundamentals of argumentation are explored, along with methods of argument construction and numerous contextual applications. Analysis of the problems inherent in arguing and debating; the development of analytical tools for argument; practice in the application and preparation of analysis through debating.

CSK 3205: THE VIABILITY AND IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION

This course teaches the fundamental thinking skills necessary for critical evaluation of research based arguments, especially those based on quantitative information. The course introduces generic, logical and statistical concepts through analysis and discussion of specific case studies (e.g. health and business, opinion polls), research for the media (e.g. media violence) and research for the media (e.g. audience research) students’ logical and quantitative reasoning skills are improved through a variety of “hand on” exercise and projects.

CSK 3204: TOPICAL ISSUES IN COMMUNICATION

This course examines the theory and research related to the communication of information on environmental, sex, gender, agriculture, risks and hazards and communication campaigns Emphasis will be placed on understanding applying and developing theories of communicating this information.

Course Objectives:

This course aims at helping a student understand:

1.      The roles and activities of communication practitioners

2.      Government-media relations

3.      Press freedom and controls

4.      Communication ethics

CSK 3201: DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION (CORE)

This course focuses on the role of communication in development programs, particularly in third world. Emphasis is on community interventions in agriculture, health, nutrition, family planning and community development and especially on methods for designing communication strategies for reaching low income rural people. Among the approaches considered are extension, social, marketing and development support communication.

CSK 3112: COMMUNICATION AND NEGOTIATION

This course examines the intricacies of negotiation. Students learn how to plan negotiations and become familiar with best practices in managing negotiations and getting past impasses and deadlocks. Communication skills building are explored to enable students communicate directly. Students learn the consequences of poor communication and how to avoid it through open communication and fixing communication breakdowns that may heavily impact on negotiation.

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