Module Code - Title:
CM4203
-
COMMUNICATIONS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module facilitates students in thinking strategically about communication. It aids them in improving their written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills. The module examines a set of 'best practices' or guidelines that have been derived from both research and experience. It gives students the opportunity to put those guidelines into practice and encourages them to reflect on the role of communication in personal, academic and business contexts.
Syllabus:
This module introduces Communications in personal, academic and professional contexts. Students are introduced to communication theory and develop their practical communication skills. Topics covered include the following: the communication process; culture and intercultural communication; interpersonal communication including listening and feedback skills; understanding conflict and its impact on communication; referencing and library skills; non-verbal communication; presentation skills; communication channels, contexts, strategies and audiences.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Identify and describe the components of the communications process.
Critically evaluate diverse communication channels, contexts and audiences.
Discuss the concept of culture, and explain its impact on communication.
Demonstrate referencing and library skills.
Design and deliver a presentation.
Discuss different aspects of interpersonal communication and develop related skills.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Appreciate the central role of communication in personal, academic and professional contexts.
Relate the theoretical principles of Communications to personal experience.
Acknowledge the subjective nature of encoding and decoding, and the importance of context in communication studies.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is delivered through lectures, tutorials and the online platform, Sulis. It is taught using traditional large-group lectures, small-group discussion, project work, current case studies, presentations, and the production of critical annotations. Central to this module is the skill of articulation, facilitating students in developing communication strategies so as to better articulate their knowledge, ideas and opinions. The module encourages collaborative attitudes and practices through group activities and assessments. It prioritizes self-expression and the development of creative solutions to communication challenges. Recent research is integrated into the module through case studies, readings and other resources. The module has been updated within the context of recent recommendations of higher education bodies and professional associations.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Ni Bheachain, C. (comp) (2009)
Communications
, Pearson
Other Relevant Texts:
Angell, P. (2004)
Business Communication Design
, McGraw-Hill
Adler, R. and Rodman, G. (2002)
Understanding Human Communication
, Oxford UP
University of Limerick (2008)
Cite it Right
, University of Limerick
Lawes, R. (2002)
Demystifying Semiotics: some key questions answered
, International Journal of Market Research
Dainton, M and Zelley, E.D. (2014)
Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life: A Practical Introduction
, Sage
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BBBSFRUFA - FRENCH
BBBUSTUFA - BUSINESS STUDIES
BBBSGEUFA - GERMAN
BBBSJAUFA - JAPANESE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
c.nibheachain@ul.ie