175-134 Project Based Communication

Formerly available as 145-003/134/234. Students who have completed 145-003/134/234 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Non-native speakers will need to present evidence of English language proficiency (ie. 7 on IELTS or equivalent). There are no specific requirements for native speakers.

This subject is designed to introduce students from all disciplinary backgrounds to a range of theories of communication through a project-based and critical approach to learning and research. Students will increase their understanding of the role played by web-based technologies, language, gender and culture in different communicative contexts. In addition, students will learn about the theory and practice of critical thinking and group dynamics. This subject will enable students to develop their speaking and writing abilities for a range of audiences using electronic media. Students will complete a variety of individual and group-based tasks including the presentation of a paper at a student-run conference. On completion of the subject students will have increased their knowledge of communication theory; will be able to undertake well-documented academic research, analyse scholarly texts critically and present their own research findings in both verbal and written formats.

• participate effectively in group work;

• critically analyse texts from a range of genres;

• acknowledge information sources appropriately;

• deliver a formal oral presentation using appropriate visual aides;

• self and peer review oral and written work.

A collaborative project of 600 words 15% (due week 5); an abstract and annotated bibliography of 600 words 15% (due week 6); an oral presentation equivalent to 1000 words 25% (due week 10); a written research paper of 1,000 words 25% (due at the end of semester); and class exercises of 800 words 20% (due at the end of semester).

A reading package will be available at the University bookshop at the start of semester