FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION

About Course

This course introduces students to the principles of effective communication from a Christian perspective. Students will explore the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible, examining the importance of communication in building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and spreading the message of the gospel. Key topics include human communication, communication theories, verbal and nonverbal communication, cognitive processing, interpersonal communication, Christian communication, conflict resolution, and communication in modern society. Students will analyze case studies, role-play conversations, and complete assignments to develop their communication skills. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively and compassionately in various contexts, including personal and professional relationships. The course emphasizes the importance of using communication to promote sustainable development, unity, and understanding across cultural differences.

Course Objectives:

Understand the principles of effective communication from a Christian perspective
Analyze the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible on communication
Apply Christian communication principles to personal and professional relationships
Develop skills in verbal and nonverbal communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Human Communication

Topic: Introduction to Human Communication
Objective: To understand the definition and importance of human communication.
Learning Outcomes: Define human communication, explain its importance, and identify its components.
Biblical Text: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6). This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our communication.
Book Reading: DeVito, J. A. (2019). The interpersonal communication book (15th ed.). Pearson. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of human communication in everyday life. Observe a conversation between two people and identify the components of human communication.
Book Reading: DeVito, J. A. (2019). The interpersonal communication book (15th ed.). Pearson. (Chapters 1-2).

Module 2: Understanding Human Communication

Module 3: Understanding Human Communication

Module 4: Understanding Human Communication

Module 5: Effective Communication in Relationships

Topic: Interpersonal Communication
Objective: To understand the principles of effective interpersonal communication.
Learning Outcomes: Define interpersonal communication, explain its importance, and identify its components.
Learning Outcomes: Define interpersonal communication, explain its importance, and identify its components.
Biblical Text: “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12). This verse emphasizes the importance of loving communication in relationships.
Book Reading: DeVito, J. A. (2019). The interpersonal communication book (15th ed.). Pearson. (Chapters 5-6).
Assignment: Write a short paper on the principles of effective interpersonal communication. Role-play a conversation with a friend and analyze the interpersonal communication patterns.

Module 6: Effective Communication in Relationships

Module 7: Effective Communication in Relationships

Module 8: Effective Communication in Relationships

Module 9: Communication in Modern Society

Topic: Communication and Culture
Objective: To understand the importance of culture in shaping human communication.
Learning Outcomes: Define culture, explain its importance in shaping human communication, and identify cultural differences in communication.
Biblical Text: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding across cultural differences.
Book Reading: Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., & McDaniel, E. R. (2017). Communication between cultures (9th ed.). Cengage Learning. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of culture in shaping human communication. Analyze a cultural event or festival and identify the communication patterns used.

Module 10: Communication in Modern Society

Topic: Mass Communication
Objective: To understand the importance of mass communication in shaping public opinion.
Learning Outcomes: Define mass communication, explain its importance in shaping public opinion, and identify the different types of mass media.
Biblical Text: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations.” (Matthew 24:14). The importance of spreading the message of the gospel through different forms of communication.
Book Reading: Baran, S. J., & Davis, D. K. (2015). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future (7th ed.). Cengage Learning. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a short paper on the importance of mass communication in shaping public opinion. Analyze a news article or broadcast and identify the communication patterns used.

Module 11: Communication in Modern Society

Topic: Formal and Informal Communication
Objective: To understand the importance of formal and informal communication in personal and professional relationships.
Learning Outcomes: Define formal and informal communication, explain their importance in personal and professional relationships, and identify the different types of formal and informal communication.
Biblical Text: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6). This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our communication in all contexts.
Book Reading: Gudykunst, W. B., & Mody, B. (2015). Handbook of international and intercultural communication (2nd ed.). Sage Publications. (Chapters 5-6).
Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of formal and informal communication in personal and professional relationships. Role-play a formal or informal conversation with a friend and analyze the communication patterns used.

Module 12: Communication in Modern Society

Topic: Organizational Communication
Objective: To understand the importance of effective communication in organizational settings.
Learning Outcomes: Define organizational communication, explain its importance in organizational settings, and identify the different types of organizational communication.
Biblical Text: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” (Ephesians 4:11-12). The importance of effective communication in equipping others for ministry.
Book Reading: Eisenberg, E. M., & Goodall, H. L. (2017). Organizational communication: Balancing creativity and constraint (8th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a short paper on the importance of effective communication in organizational settings. Analyze a company’s communication strategy and identify areas for improvement.

Module 13: Communication in the Digital Age and Beyond

Topic: Communication and Technology
Objective: To understand the impact of technology on human communication
Learning Outcomes: Explain the impact of technology on human communication, identify the different types of communication technology, and analyze the benefits and drawbacks of communication technology.
Biblical Text: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits.” (James 3:17). This verse emphasizes the importance of using technology in a way that is pure, peaceable, and gentle.
Book Reading: Thurlow, C., & Mroczek, K. (2011). Digital discourse: Language in the new media. Oxford University Press. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a short essay on the impact of technology on human communication. Analyze a social media platform and identify the ways in which it shapes human communication.

Module 14: Communication in the Digital Age and Beyond

Topic: Dangers of Poor Communication
Objective: To understand the dangers of poor communication in personal and professional relationships.
Learning Outcomes: Explain the dangers of poor communication, identify the causes of poor communication, and analyze the consequences of poor communication.
Biblical Text: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5-6). The importance of being mindful of our words and the impact they can have on others.
Book Reading: Gudykunst, W. B., & Ting-Toomey, S. (2003). Communicating effectively in multicultural contexts. In L. A. Samovar & R. E. Porter (Eds.), Intercultural communication: A reader (10th ed., pp. 179-194). Wadsworth.
Assignment: Write a short paper on the dangers of poor communication in personal and professional relationships. Role-play a scenario in which poor communication leads to conflict and analyze the consequences.

Module 15: Communication in the Digital Age and Beyond

Topic: Communication for Sustainable Development
Objective: To understand the importance of communication in sustainable development.
Learning Outcomes: Explain the importance of communication in sustainable development, identify the different types of communication for sustainable development, and analyze the benefits and drawbacks of communication for sustainable development.
Biblical Text: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1). This verse emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the earth and using communication to promote sustainable development.
Book Reading: Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of communication in sustainable development. Analyze a campaign or initiative that uses communication to promote sustainable development and identify the strategies used.

Module 16: Final Module

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About Course

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Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Human Communication

Topic: Introduction to Human Communication

Objective: To understand the definition and importance of human communication.

Learning Outcomes: Define human communication, explain its importance, and identify its components.

Biblical Text: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6). This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our communication.

Book Reading: DeVito, J. A. (2019). The interpersonal communication book (15th ed.). Pearson. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of human communication in everyday life. Observe a conversation between two people and identify the components of human communication.

Book Reading: DeVito, J. A. (2019). The interpersonal communication book (15th ed.). Pearson. (Chapters 1-2).

Module 2: Understanding Human Communication

Topic: Communication Theories

Objective: To understand the different theories of human communication.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the transmission model of communication, the transactional model, and the systems theory.

Biblical Text: “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21). This verse highlights the impact of our words on others.

Book Reading: Adler, R. B., & Proctor, R. F. (2017). Looking out, looking in (15th ed.). Cengage Learning. (Chapters 3-4).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the strengths and limitations of each communication theory. Create a diagram illustrating the transmission model of communication.

Module 3: Understanding Human Communication

Topic: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Objective: To understand the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication in human interaction.

Learning Outcomes: Define verbal and nonverbal communication, explain their importance, and identify their components.

Biblical Text: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths.” (Ephesians 4:29). This verse emphasizes the importance of using wholesome language.

Book Reading: Wood, J. T. (2017). Communication in our lives (2nd ed.). Waveland Press. (Chapters 5-6).

Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication in personal and professional relationships. Record a conversation with a friend and analyze the verbal and nonverbal communication patterns.

Module 4: Understanding Human Communication

Topic: Cognitive Processing and Language

Objective: To understand the cognitive processes involved in human communication.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the cognitive processes involved in perception, attention, and memory.

Biblical Text: “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7). This verse highlights the importance of cognitive processes in shaping our communication.

Book Reading: Myers, D. G., & DeWall, C. N. (2018). Exploring psychology (12th ed.). Worth Publishers. (Chapters 6-7).

Assignment: Write a short essay on the cognitive processes involved in human communication. Conduct an experiment to demonstrate the impact of cognitive biases on perception.

Module 5: Effective Communication in Relationships

Topic: Interpersonal Communication

Objective: To understand the principles of effective interpersonal communication.

Learning Outcomes: Define interpersonal communication, explain its importance, and identify its components.

Learning Outcomes: Define interpersonal communication, explain its importance, and identify its components.

Biblical Text: “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12). This verse emphasizes the importance of loving communication in relationships.

Book Reading: DeVito, J. A. (2019). The interpersonal communication book (15th ed.). Pearson. (Chapters 5-6).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the principles of effective interpersonal communication. Role-play a conversation with a friend and analyze the interpersonal communication patterns.

Module 6: Effective Communication in Relationships

Topic: Christian Communication

Objective: To understand the principles of effective Christian communication.

Learning Outcomes: Define Christian communication, explain its importance, and identify its components.

Biblical Text: “But speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15). This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love.

Book Reading: Mackenzie, C. (2017). Christian communication: A handbook for communicators. Abingdon Press. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a short essay on the principles of effective Christian communication. Analyze a sermon or a Christian message and identify the communication patterns used.

Module 7: Effective Communication in Relationships

Topic: Communication Competence

Objective: To understand the importance of communication competence in personal and professional relationships.

Learning Outcomes: Define communication competence, explain its importance, and identify its components.

Biblical Text: “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 10:8). This verse highlights the importance of being wise and competent in our communication.

Book Reading: Spitzberg, B. H., & Cupach, W. R. (2014). Interpersonal communication competence. Sage Publications. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the importance of communication competence in personal and professional relationships. Role-play a conversation with a friend and analyze the communication competence patterns used.

Module 8: Effective Communication in Relationships

Topic: Conflict Resolution and Communication

Objective: To understand the importance of effective communication in conflict resolution.

Learning Outcomes: Define conflict, explain the importance of effective communication in conflict resolution, and identify strategies for resolving conflicts.

Biblical Text: “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” (Luke 17:3). This verse emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts in a loving and forgiving manner.

Book Reading: Wilmot, W. W., & Hocker, J. L. (2017). Interpersonal conflict (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the importance of effective communication in conflict resolution. Role-play a conflict resolution scenario with a friend and analyze the communication patterns used.

Module 9: Communication in Modern Society

Topic: Communication and Culture

Objective: To understand the importance of culture in shaping human communication.

Learning Outcomes: Define culture, explain its importance in shaping human communication, and identify cultural differences in communication.

Biblical Text: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding across cultural differences.

Book Reading: Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., & McDaniel, E. R. (2017). Communication between cultures (9th ed.). Cengage Learning. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of culture in shaping human communication. Analyze a cultural event or festival and identify the communication patterns used.

Module 10: Communication in Modern Society

Topic: Mass Communication

Objective: To understand the importance of mass communication in shaping public opinion.

Learning Outcomes: Define mass communication, explain its importance in shaping public opinion, and identify the different types of mass media.

Biblical Text: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations.” (Matthew 24:14). The importance of spreading the message of the gospel through different forms of communication.

Book Reading: Baran, S. J., & Davis, D. K. (2015). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future (7th ed.). Cengage Learning. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the importance of mass communication in shaping public opinion. Analyze a news article or broadcast and identify the communication patterns used.

Module 11: Communication in Modern Society

Topic: Formal and Informal Communication

Objective: To understand the importance of formal and informal communication in personal and professional relationships.

Learning Outcomes: Define formal and informal communication, explain their importance in personal and professional relationships, and identify the different types of formal and informal communication.

Biblical Text: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6). This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our communication in all contexts.