| CODE | IFS0802 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Communication | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Business Studies | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit provides a broad introduction to the major themes and concepts in communication studies. It deals with communication as a tool for human interaction, paying special emphasis to the cultural, societal, educational, and legal dimensions which characterise it. The unit material will analyse the role of mass media, including marketing; evaluate media ethics; examine media and entertainment laws; consider some of the tools used in human communication (journalism, photography, video, and film); and consider the use of different communication strategies in the worlds of business and finance. Study-Unit Aims: The aim is to provide learners with an introduction to the main themes in communication studies in order to expose them to the main methodological and theoretical frameworks of the discipline. Learners will be encouraged to engage in and critique the societal norms that inform communication across all platforms from mass media to social media and to identify the moral and ethical dimensions of communication practices in print, social, and digital media. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - identify the main dynamics of human communication. - outline different theories of ethics and the relationship among media ethics and legal aspects. - identify the influence the media plays in research. - interpret the concepts of public relations, especially in business and finance. - identify differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods as they relate to communication studies. - appreciate the right to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. - learn the technicalities of the AV medium. - critically engage with film and photography. - unpack the creative process. - focus on verbal and non-verbal techniques and aides used in public presentations. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - deliver presentations using appropriate and effective techniques. - create an elementary public relations programme. - examine the external and internal factors that influence consumers. - use popular programmes for digital publishing. - analyse advertising and its correlation to consumer behaviour and how it shapes communication practices. - analyse critically the information and news consumed. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Fiske, J. 2010. Introduction to Communication Studies. 3rd Edition. London: Routlege. ISBN: 0415596491. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Raylene Abdilla |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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