Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Communications and Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Communication Practices

• Unit Code

  WRT3121

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

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Description

This unit presents current practices on how communication works and explores the ways that written documents can be formulated to express the writers ideas while meeting the readers requirements.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded WRT2101, WRT4101, WRT4121

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the communication environment and identify potential areas of misunderstanding.
2. Apply communication theory by formulating a document for a specific purpose and audience.
3. Demonstrate their ability to review and rewrite a workplace document using communication theory as the basis for the review.
4. Explain current theories of communication and demonstrate their understanding of features that enhance written communication.
5. Express their ideas in writing in a manner that supports the readers comprehension.

Unit Content

1. Culturally appropriate writing, professional communication in culturally diverse contexts.
2. Current theories of communication.
3. Writing for the speech maker.
4. Writing styles and essential writing techniques.
5. Writing to win: Arguing, debating and negotiating in writing.

Additional Learning Experience Information

The content of the unit is presented in written materials that have been designed to provide professionals who are required to communicate frequently in writing in their employment with the opportunity to enhance their writing skills within a structured framework.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Australian Government (2002). Style guide for authors, editors and printers. (6th ed.). Milton, Qld: John Wiley & Sons.
• Berko, R.M., Wolvin, A.D., & Wolvin, D.R. (2001). Communicating. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
• Burch, C.B. (2003). A writer's grammar. New York: Longman.
• Flann, E., & Hill, B. (2004). The Australian editing handbook. (rev. ed.). Milton, Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
• Gallois, C., & Callen, V.J. (2004). Communication and culture: A guide for practice. New Jersey: Wiley.
• Watson, D. (2003). Death sentence. The decay of public language. Sydney: Random House.
• Kesslen, A., & Collins, K. (2001). From thought to word. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
• Spender, L. (2004). Between the lines. A legal guide for writers and illustrators. Strawberry Hills, NSW: Keesing Press.
• Surma, A. (2005). Public and professional writing: Ethics, imagination and rhetoric. Houndmills, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Truss, L. (2003). Eats, shoots and leaves. The zero tolerance approach to punctuation. London: Profile Books Ltd.
• Kano Kikoski, C., & Kikoski, J.F. (1999). Reflexive communication in the culturally diverse workplace. Westport: Praeger.

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