COM-10306 Introduction to Communication and Innovation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Continuation courses:

All COM-courses

Contents:

Why do people say what they say? How can miscommunication be explained? What are the communicative principles for advertising? How can conflicts be solved, and negotiations be defined? What is the role of daily conversations for change and innovations? Which skills do we develop while making use of the internet and other so-called new media? These questions and more are leading in this course. The starting point is the idea that communication processes are to be understood quite well before we can solve communication problems. A large overview is offered of the most important theories and insights of communication and change. During the lectures the meaning of communication will be discussed with regard to concrete problems related to the life sciences, for instance, problems concerning water and land-use, concerning sustainable food-production and consumption or the development of new technologies.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to:
- understand the main principles of communication related to change;
- know basic theories of communication and change;
- are able to analyse communication practices with the help of theories.

Activities:

- lectures;
- writing an essay;
- group discussions;
- literature study.

Examination:

- written examination at the end of the course;
- essay.

Literature:

Strategische communicatie principes en toepassingen, Aarts, N. & van C. van Woerkum (2008) Assen, Koninklijke van Gorcum.