PA/GSD/DS/HTM 151

STUDENT LEARNING (LEARNING OUTCOMES)

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.      Define the communication process and related concepts.

2.      Identify barriers in oral and written communication.

3.      Explain the nature and importance of non‑verbal communication.

4.      Demonstrate correct usage of English grammar for communication purposes.

5.      Make notes from written and spoken sources by identifying main ideas.

6.      Produce summaries of written or presented material.

7.      Develop critical reading skills for academic, literary, and workplace texts.

8.      Write essays, technical reports, and business documents for diverse audiences, purposes, and contexts.

9.      Use appropriate writing patterns and organize paragraphs effectively.

10.  Organize and deliver presentations using a variety of patterns.

11.  Apply accepted citation and referencing conventions (APA).

12.  Use, interpret, and incorporate visual forms in communication.

13.  Analyze and interpret literary texts (poetry, prose, drama) in relation to social, cultural, and political contexts.

14.  Collaborate effectively in group assignments and presentations.

COURSE SCHEDULE

TERM ONE

Introduction

a. efinition of Communication

b. Functions of Communication

c. Types and Forms of Communication

The Communication Process

Models and Elements of Communication

Barriers to communication

Aspects of nonverbal communication

a. Kinesics

b. Paralanguage/vocalics

c. Chronemics

d. Haptics

e. Proxemics

f. Olfactory

g. Appearance

English Grammar Essentials for Communication

a. Word classes

b. Prefixes and suffixes

c. Spelling and spelling strategies

d. Punctuation: Apostrophes (contractions), comma, full stop, colon, semi-colon

Types of sentences and writing mechanics

a. Structural and functional

b. Fragments, run-ons, comma splices, dangling   

modifiers

c. Subject-verb agreement

d. Capitalisation, punctuating  sentences and numbers

f. Reported Speech (active vs passive)

Note-making and summary writing

Factual Writing: The Academic Essay/paper

Essay Writing: Argumentation

a. Structure of an essay

b. The writing process

c. Audience, purpose and context

d. Types of writing patterns

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a. Introducing a topic and concluding a topic

·         Thesis statements,  transitional markers

b. Paragraph organisation

·         Topic sentence and supporting details

c. Citing & referencing (APA), paraphrasing

d. Ethical use of AI in writing

TEST 1

ALLOCATION OF GROUP ASSIGNMENT

TERM TWO

Fiction Writing and Literature Analysis

a. Poetry

·         poetry as a form of writing

·         functions of poetry in society

·         elements of poetry

·         different forms of poetry

·         Text: Example Poem (inspiring tourism and heritage)

b. Short Story Writing  

·         Connection between literature  and the social, cultural, and political contexts

·         Elements of structure in a short story/novel

·         Devices of prose literature

·         Freytag’s pyramid

·         Text: Short Story (issues of development and ethical dilemmas – corruption, justice)

d. Drama

·         Types/forms of drama

·         Elements of drama

·         The history and form of African drama

·         Drama as a tool for mobilisation

·         Text: Example play (social change, governance)

e. Literary schools of thought

·         Approaches to literary text analysis

GROUP ASSIGNMENT DUE

TERM THREE

Business writing

a. Business communication principles

b. Types of business writing/correspondence

c. Letter layout and forms of address

d. Letters of complaint, adjustment,

employment, and inquiry

e. Memos, notices, emails, press statement

f. Report Writing: schematic, progress,

analytical, recommendation

g. Press statements, policy briefs

Information from graphics/visuals

i. Interpretation of tables, figures and charts

ii. Presentation of information in tables,

   figures and charts

Meetings: Minutes and agenda

Interviews: Types, structure, questions  

Speaking and presentation skills

a. Modes of delivering a speech

b. Speeches (off the cuff, introductions,

welcome/vote of thanks)

c. The role of nonverbal communication

TEST 2

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

Continuous Assessment (40 %)

-2 Tests (one in term 1 and one in term 2) - 20%

-3 Assignments (one oral presentation, 2 in-class [essay writing & literary text analysis] - 20%

Sessional Examination (60 %)