Purposeful Communication National Taiwan University
Course Overview
This course in purposeful communication aims at developing and deepening students' understanding of various patterns and forms of communication in a wider framework and context. The syllabus includes three main blocks, namely interpersonal communication, storytelling and scientific discourse. The objectives of this course are to help students build confidence in communication, as well as develop their versatility and better communicative precision, as we explore styles and issues that revolve around the theme of communication that is both authentic and persuasive. The teaching format is interactive, and students are expected to actively participate in all elements of the course, including interactive lectures, classroom or small-group discussions, case work and workshops. NB! This is a course for GMBA students and it is taught in English. This course follows the MBA format, hence the following classroom policy and etiquette apply: 1.Without special dispensation from the instructor, the use of any sort of personal computer during class is prohibited. 2.Meals and snacks are reserved for break time; please do not bring food to the classroom to consume during the session. 3.Latecomers are expected to enter the classroom discreetly taking care not to disturb the ongoing session. 4.Active participation in class discussion is required. Students are expected to arrive prepared, having read the session materials beforehand. 5.In the event a student is absent from a session, a make-up assignment shall be completed for that particular session. However, more than two absences will affect the grade. NB! Parts of this syllabus may be subject to change during the semester. NB! All submittals must include full name and student number to be accepted.
Learning Achievement
Classroom sessions: the good conversation Active participation in the sessions is required and will be graded. This means that students are expected to come to class having read the assigned readings as well as the cases that apply to each session. The sessions will take the form of guided classroom conversations between students and instructor based on these materials, with the aim of sharing experiences and knowledge and generating a deeper understanding of the topic. Mid-term: graded seminar (oral group exam) The mid-term session will consist of an oral group exam. Students will need to have good knowledge of the textbook in order to complete their assigned tasks. Students will be asked to evaluate other groups performance using an evaluation sheet. Final Seminar: purposeful and versatile communication During the course, students will form small groups and prepare a topic that will be communicated orally with the class in two different ways at the final seminar (e.g. story-telling, traditional presentation, poster presentation, speech, drama or a combination). The purpose of the seminar is to show that students are able to communicate an interesting topic or message in very different ways (i.e. versatility). Besides two oral presentations, each group will hand in an outline of the message and the two selected approaches prior to the workshop. (The format for the outline will be given in class.) The Communications Diary: ongoing reflection about communication During the duration of the course, the students will be asked to keep a Communications Diary with a minimum of one entry per week. This ‘diary’ shall mirror the students’ thinking regarding communication issues as the course progresses, and connects it with everyday experiences outside of the classroom. The diaries should reflect each student’s own thinking _ as such it will be personal _ but be written in such a way that the entries can also be shared with the instructor and the class _ meaning the information required is not of an intimate nature.
Competence
Course prerequisites
1. Without special dispensation from the instructor, the use of any sort of personal computer during class is prohibited. 2. Meals and snacks are reserved for break time; please do not bring food to the classroom to consume during the session. 3. Latecomers are expected to enter the classroom discreetly taking care not to disturb the ongoing session. 4. Active participation in class discussion is required. Students are expected to arrive prepared, having read the session materials beforehand. 5. In the event a student is absent from a session, a make-up assignment shall be completed for that particular session. However, more than two absences will affect the grade.
Grading Philosophy
Course schedule
Course type
Online Course Requirement
Instructor
Miriam Garvi
