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Practicum in communication skills

Study level: Undergraduate study programme in psychology
Lecturers: Željka Kamenov, Ph.D., Aleksandra Huić, Ph.D.
ECTS: 5
Language: Croatian
Semester: 1st (winter)
Status: elective
Form of instruction with class hours: 30 hours of lectures, 30 hours of practical work
Prerequisites: none
Student evaluation: Student grades will be based on in-class activity assessments via various individual and group assignments.

Course description

Communication process. Verbal communication. Non-verbal communication. The nature of interpersonal communication. The importance of communication for interpersonal relations. Barriers to communication. Communication skills in interpersonal relations with individuals. Self-disclosure. Assertiveness. Active listening. Empathic understanding. Communication rules. Synchronized conversation. Communication within small groups. Conducting group discussion. Debate. Presenting the conclusions of the group. Public speaking. Presentation skills. Public speaking for various purposes. Critical listening and posing questions to the speaker.

Course objectives

Students will become more sensitive in their communication. They will understand fundamentals of successful communication and develop useful skills and techniques for successful communication with an individual, within small groups and in public.

Required readings

Pearson, J. C., Spitzberg, B. H. (1990). Interpersonal communication: concepts, components and contexts. Dubuque: Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
Egan, G. (1977). You and me: the skills of communicating and relating to others. Monterey: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
Bolton, R. (1986). People skills. New York: Touchstone.
Lucas, S. E. (1998). The art of public speaking. New York: McGraw-Hill.
 
Recommended readings
Stewart, J. (Ed.) (1999). Bridges, not walls: a book about interpersonal communication. McGraw-Hill.