Scotch College

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES Communication Studies [Semester Unit] Year 10 — 2010

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 organisational and presentation skills.

The Instructional Speech: Examining the elements of instruction, both in organisation 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 centring 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 of appropriate types of speech, showing an understanding of styles and conventions available to communicate information.

ICT Skills

Basic work processing, online research tools and multimedia integrated into presentations.

• Assessment
• Group dynamics
• Class presentations
• Written work
• Final Presentation (examination)

Assessment

A grade and written report will assess each student’s work at the conclusion of the unit. Assessment tasks will include:

• End semester presentation examination
• Class presentation
• Group dynamic skills
• Written work