Lesson One

Title: Course Outline

Term 1

Mr. Farley Chavez

Augustine

Communication Studies is aimed

at building ones awareness of
the centrality of language to the
normal functioning of human
beings and facilitates their
ability to operate in the
Caribbean linguistic
environment and beyond.

The Syllabus consists of three modules:

Module 1- Gathering and Processing

Information

Module 2- Language and Community

Module 3- Speaking and Writing

Expression (oral & written)

grammar, usage, word choice, spelling, punctuation, pronunciation,

enunciation, revising and editing drafts

Comprehension

Levels: literal, interpretive, analytical, application. Modes:

efferent, aesthetic, critical. Genres: narrative/descriptive,
expository, argumentative/persuasive

Summary Skills

Note taking, distinguishing main and subsidiary ideas, understanding

logical linkages between ideas, formulating topic sentences and
linking them to subsidiary ideas, sequencing, condensing, writing
outlines, writing continuous prose summaries, editing drafts (peer
and self-evaluation)

Current Issues: Evaluating Sources

Defining key concepts (authority, reliability, validity, bias,

fact, opinion); identifying a significant issue; sourcing
information: locating primary and secondary sources;
choosing from among sources; determining the
appropriateness of data collection methods; summarizing the
content of sources; evaluating the reliability and validity of
sources

Organizing Skills (oral & written)

Introductions and conclusions; focus and emphasis; logical

linkages, formatting, revising and editing drafts

Expression (oral & written)

Same content areas as Module 1

Defining Language

Characteristics of language- (Language as: human;

verbal; symbolic; systematic <non-arbitrary>;
maturational; non-instinctive <naturally acquired>;
dynamic); differentiation between language
(generic) and a language (individual); purposes of
language

Characteristics of English Creole Languages

Language in the Society

Influence of social, political and other cultural

factors on language and communication; the role
of languages; the influence of historical factors on
language in the region; attitudes to Caribbean
language; language in international situations;
language in interactive situations

Technology, Culture and Communication

Print, electronic; enhancing and facilitating

communication; the effects of technology

Expression (oral & written)

Same content areas as Module 1 & 2

Process of Communication

Elements of the process (sender, message,

channel/medium, receiver, feedback); mass media
and technology

Forms of Communication

Verbal, non-verbal, body language, use of space,

use of objects, dress, graphics

Contexts of Communication

Intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group,

organizational, academic, public, intercultural

Organizing Skills (oral & written)

Same as Module 1

Types of Speaking and Writing

Speaking: conversation; short expository,

persuasive and argumentative speeches
Writing: reflective (journals and diaries), academic
essays

Paper 01A (1 hrs) Ten compulsory shortresponse questions >>25% (2 questions on

module 1, 4 on module 2, 4 on module 3)

Paper 01B (30min) Four compulsory questions

from module 1 requiring short-responses
>>5%

Paper 02 (2 hrs) Three compulsory

questions, one on each module>>50%

Internal Assessment 20%

Written Portfolios & Oral Examination

*(Internal Assessments are to be completed in the
second term)