COM-22804 Introduction to Communication and Innovation Studies M

Vak

Studiepunten 4.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

BSc degree in technical or social sciences

Continuation courses:

Innovation Management and Cross Disciplinary Design, Facilitating Interactive Processes, Management of Change.

Contents:

Social change and innovation never happen without people communicating about it. Hence, it is no luxury to develop an understanding of the role of communication in processes of individual and collective change. This advanced introductory course describes how and why our thinking about this has evolved historically. In doing so, we touch on strategies such as advisory communication, persuasion, participatory innovation development and the facilitation of societal learning and conflict management. These communicative intervention strategies are linked to insights about 'why people do what they do' and 'say what they say', and also to the potential of specific communication methods and media. Additional topics include ethical aspects of professional communication, communication research and planning, and the dynamics in innovation systems. Interactive lecturing and group discussions are the main educational methods used.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course students are expected to:
- know the basic theoretical foundations of Communication and Innovation Studies;
- be able to translate these insights to practical problem situations;
- have an understanding of the potential and limitations of different types and forms of communicative intervention;
- be aware of different types of research in the field of Communication and Innovation Studies;
- be familiar with the international work-domain of Communication and Innovation Studies, including historical and policy developments therein.

Activities:

- interactive lecturing;
- discussion of literature in small groups;
- joint reflection on student experiences / video material.

Examination:

Written examination.

Literature:

A course outline can be obtained from the secretary of Communication Science. Compulsory literature includes Leeuwis C. with A.W. van den Ban (2004), Communication for Rural Innovation. Rethinking Agriculturall Extension. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. The literature will be handed out during the first lecture.