COM-32806 Communication Strategies in Everyday Life

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

One of the introductory courses offered by Communication Science.

Contents:

Starting point for this course is the idea that processes of change presume a thorough insight into people's everyday communication strategies. The course is particularly concerned with recent developments in the study of everyday talk (discourse analysis) and the application of these ideas to current communication practices, varying from consumers' concerns with respect to biotechnology to health support groups on the Internet. The focus will be on the different ways in which people influence each other as part of their daily routine as well as on how practitioners can learn from these methods. We shall look into a range of strategies for constructing credibility in negotiations and public debates, for example by adopting particular identities ('layman' vs. 'expert') or resisting the ascription of (self-)interests. Another key issue is the range of devices that people draw on in order to build facts, such as the use of detailed narratives and the construction of independent witnesses. Finally, attention will be paid to the subtle strategies by which people request or provide information, advice or support and the communication dilemmas that they solve by using these strategies.

Learning outcomes:

After this course students:
- know the core theoretical concepts in the field of everyday communication (discourse analysis);
- have a set of analytic skills to diagnose current communication practices, such as in the field of consumer communication;
- are able to apply these insights to different kinds of communication such as the facilitation of negotiation processes, public debates, discussions and advice-giving.

Activities:

Part of the course is devoted to class teaching during which there will be ample opportunity for interaction. The assignment will be done in couples; students are expected to present and discuss their assignment in the last session.

Examination:

The final grade for the course will be based on a written exam and an assignment. The assignment is to be carried out in couples under supervision of the teacher and is to conclude with a short paper. The paper counts for 1/3 of the final grade, the exam for the other 2/3.

Literature:

A complete up to date course description will be available at the secretariat of Communication Science. A reader will be available at the secretariat of Communication Science two weeks before the course starts.