Scotch College

DRAMA Year 10 — 2012

Communication Studies [Semester Unit]

Rationale 

This subject provides the opportunity for students to expand their oral, aural and group dynamic skills and to
appreciate these as fundamental to the communication process.  Nonverbal and verbal means are investigated in
depth through a range of speech making activities designed to enhance students’ understanding of the nature of communication.  The course aims to invest students with the confidence with which to present themselves in a
variety of situations and with the understanding of the critical skills required for effective communication with both individuals and groups of any size.

Student Outcomes 

• verbal and nonverbal communication 
• skills required for effective speech making 
• planning and preparation skills 
• individual’s self-confidence in presentation 
• effective conversation techniques 
• awareness of different contexts for  communicating different ideas 
• both individual and group presentations based on a variety of styles 
• the collaborative approach when working with others 

Course Content 

• Body Language:  An examination of the non-verbal, physical communication elements and its significance in human interaction. 
• Impromptu Speaking:  Exploring techniques in responding spontaneously to a given topic, learning the suitable organizational and presentation skills. 
• The Instructional Speech:  Examining the elements of instruction, both in organization and presentation, and the importance of providing appropriate detail when communicating. 
• Role Play:  Exploring techniques involved in positive conversation when in different situations. 
• Solving Activities:  Involving tasks designed to promote communication within group situations and within a given time frame.
• Presentations:   Creating presentations with different foci, each centering on an element of communication under review.
  
• The Voice: Examining how to manipulate the elements of voice for more comprehensive communication. 
• Major Task: Creating a presentation using a variety of appropriate types of speech, showing an understanding of the range of styles and conventions available to communicate information.