Course coordinator
Professor Fiona Barlow
Consultation times and locations will be announced in lectures and tutorials.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
Communication is sort of everything, but that does not mean it is easy. Whether in relationships, at work, or on a dating app, we make lots of communication errors that can be overcome. This course will give you a theoretical and practical understanding of the psychology of communication skills and their application in everyday life, conflict management, dating, the workplace, intergroup situations, and even in how you talk to yourself! The course is designed to give you an exciting scientific overview of, and basic working competence in, communication skills.
Communication is EVERYTHING! The caps are necessary. We use communication in pretty much every aspect of our lives, and the skill with which we communicate will often determine how we get on in friendships and romantic relationships, whether or not we succeed at work, and through all of this, whether we are happy.
And because communication is so vital, this course is one of the core courses in the Bachelor of Psychological Science degree program (but anyone can do it, and if you are considering it, you should!). We will travel the world of communication together, and content covers (among other things):
Communication and social skills; listening and the difficulty of doing so; conflict escalation and resolution; mating, dating, and relationships; communication across group boundaries; trolling and romance scamming; persuasion; cross-cultural communication norms; sex and/or gender differences in communication patterns; public speaking; organizational communication and leadership; and self-communication (ah, the tricky and sometimes maladaptive ways we speak to ourselves).
You will learn about all of this through videos and content online, and in tutorials. Knowledge will be assessed through in tutorial quizzes. In tutorials you will also learn why the **** we need to do group work, as well as design a study to test an idea about communication. You will present that idea to the class, in a supportive environment. You will also practice communication skills, debate studies and findings, and solve problems in tutorials. A final essay will get you to critically reflect on how you could improve as a communicator.
It is your responsibility to watch lectures and attend tutorials and consult this document and the course Blackboard page as well as UQ Extend for correct and up to date information regarding this course.
Lectures and tutorials are specifically designed to provide youﾠwith the tools to complete all assessment for this course.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No assumed knowledge of the psychology of communication.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMU1030
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Fiona Barlow
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Note that the bulk of the course content is online, and thus will be accessible through UQ Extend (previously Edge/EdX).
The "lecture" and serves as a time for Q and A, and extra value add sessions.
Tutorials are in person, and much of the assessment is done either in or through tutorials, so attendance is very important!
Aims and outcomes
To learn how we are biased listeners and communicators.
To become better communicators (see above).
To develop a critical understanding of the theory and skills behind effective interpersonal communication skills.
To analyse conflict management processes.
To discuss theory and research in romantic, organizational, online, and intergroup communication.
To foster an understanding of how we communicate with ourselves.
To become better team members and public speakers.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Become more effective communicators (written and verbal) in your lives.
LO2.
Critically evaluate your own communication patterns to identify when you are communicating ineffectively.
LO3.
Comprehensive understanding of the science of communication.
LO4.
Sceptically evaluate communication advice you might be exposed too (e.g through self help books, YouTube and Facebook).
LO5.
Effectively research and critique literature about communication to write a critical essay.
LO6.
Learn how to effectively communicate in a group setting.
LO7.
Improve public speaking skills (at least in theory).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Online Lecture Content Reflections
|
15% |
29/07/2024 - 14/10/2024 |
| Essay/ Critique | Critical Essay on Improving Personal Communication | 45% |
3/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Presentation | Public Speaking Presentation | 20% |
7/10/2024 - 18/10/2024 |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Tutorial Worksheets | 20% |
18/10/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Online Lecture Content Reflections
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
29/07/2024 - 14/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
After watching and engaging with each block of content on UQExtend you will be asked to complete a short reflection on the content of the lecture. You may be asked, for example, to think about a new study or question you might design, or reflect on a particular block of content in the series.
There will be a total of 10 reflections. Each reflection will be due in the week that the lecture is released (before the tutorial focusing on lecture content is conducted). Reflections will be submitted via links on Blackboard. Clear intsructions will be given via Blackboard and reminders will be sent about completing the reflections.
In total, reflections are worth 20% of your final grade. Each reflection will be worth up to 1.875%. This means that only the best 8/10 reflections is marked (8 x 1.875% = maximum of 15%).
This means that in a worst case scenario (e.g., you are unwell) you can miss two reflections without any penalty. There is no other form of extension for the reflections.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
There is no form of extension for completion of the online reflections.
Critical Essay on Improving Personal Communication
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
3/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Detailed criteria and information will be provided on Blackboard and in tutorials.
For those who are interested, however: In this assignment you will be asked to identify an area of communication where you could improve – that is, a communication skill you either feel that you are not great at, or would like to get better at, or both! In this essay we are looking for a clear identification of the problem, and why it is a problem (on the basis of the literature) + two practical recommendations for how you could improve/begin to work on the problem (on the basis of the literature).
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard. NOTE: You will no longer receive an automatic submission receipt from Turnitin confirming your assignment has been received. You should download a copy of the digital receipt from the Assignment Dashboard and keep this as a record.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Public Speaking Presentation
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
7/10/2024 - 18/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L06, L07
Task description
Your speech will be presented during your assigned tutorial in the final two weeks of tutorials.
The presentation schedule will be provided to you in class.
Please note that the presentation is a form of assessment that meets the course aims and objectives. The presentation is brief and is to be delivered in front of the supportive tutorial group. A core component of the presentation is that it is delivered publicly. There is no alternative assessment for this component of the course, as it meets the core aims and objectives.
All information on the presentation will be given on Blackboard, and in tutorials.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The speech is a core part of PSYC1100, and meets one of the core objectives of the course. If you are unable to complete your presentation on a particular date you should discuss this with your tutor and/or course coordinator to arrange for an alternate time to complete your presentation. There is no alternative assessment for the speech, which must be completed in tutorials.
Tutorial Worksheets
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
18/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
In each tutorial you will be given practical activities to complete, and while doing so, fill out a worksheet. One worksheet is to be submitted per tutorial for 10 tutorials. The best 8 out of the 10 worksheets will count towards your final grade. Each marked worksheet is worth 2.5%. The worksheets are handed in as one piece of assessment at the end of semester.
All information will be given on Blackboard, and in tutorials and lectures.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
There is no form of extension for submission of the tutorial worksheets
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 49.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 50 - 54.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Appealing Assignment Marks If you are unhappy with your mark for theﾠessay, or would like more feedback, you must talk to your tutor first. We recommend that you take your assignment away for a few days, read the comments and then approach your tutor and discuss it with them. If you are still unhappy with your mark, you can then apply for your assignment to be remarked. Please consult myAdvisor for information on how to apply for a remark (UQ Policy and Procedures (PPL) policy 3.10.10) http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.10.10-assessment-re-mark. The deadline for remark applications is listed in the policy. No exceptions will be made to this deadline. Also note that this remark is final and your mark (and possibly your grade for the course) can go up or down.
Difficulties Submitting Assessment
If students experience difficulties submitting assessment they should retain proof of their attempt and email py-undergrad@psy.uq.edu.au as soon as possible (preferably before the assessment deadline). For turnitin, this can be the email receipt received or a screenshot of the difficulty encountered should be saved. Please note the properties of your assessment are not proof of submission.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills Note that the course content each week is delivered through the UQExtend (formerly EdX) platform. These content blocks will be released each teaching week on Monday morning. The content will be complemented by an informal and non-compulsory in person Q and A session on Monday (11AM-12Noon). After these Q and A sessions (marked as lectures in Allocate+) I might wander up and get a coffee at the Merlo, and have a consult there too! The Q and A sessions will be a great place to learn some extra stuff, and ask any questions you have, *BUT* all assessable information will be UQExtend (EdX) and in tutorials. The Q and A sessions will also be available through Echo360, so you can watch them later if you want. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Effective Interpersonal Communication Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Conflict and Criticism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Lecture |
Non-Verbal Communication Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Lecture |
Gender Differences in Communication Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Lecture |
Dating, Mating, and Relationships Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Persuasion and Online Communication Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Public Speaking and Organizational Communication Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Communicating in and Between Groups Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Self-Communication Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: