Principles of Communication

44B0692

Bachelor

German

5.0

winter and summer term

1 semester

1. Encoder/Decoder Models
2. Perspective Taking Models
3. Dialogue Models
4. Intention-based Models
5. Persuasive Communication and Negotiation
6. Conflict, Consensus, and Compromise
7. Approaches to Strategic Organizational Communication

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Written examination or
• Multiple choise written examination or
• oral exam

• Regular participation

Ungraded: Regular participation in exercises and behavioral trainings
The standard form of examination is the written examination, 2 hours (alternative form of examination may be chosen by the examiner and then announced at the beginning of the course)

written exam, 2 hours

Answer-choice exam, 1 hour

Upon completion of the module, students will have acquired a broad and integrated understanding of communication. They can delineate, describe, and explain the fundamentals of communication, including various models and theories. Furthermore, they are capable of elucidating the significance of concepts such as encoder/decoder models, perspective-taking models, and intersubjectivity in perception. Students can identify, classify, and illustrate key communication concepts through practical examples.

Graduates of the Foundations of Communication module develop a critical understanding of the key theories, principles, and methods. As they describe and elucidate various concepts such as encoder/decoder models and perspective-taking models, they are also capable of discussing and analyzing these theoretical approaches. They demonstrate an understanding of the significance of intersubjectivity in perception and can relate this concept to other communication theories. Furthermore, they are able not only to characterize the basics of non-verbal communication but also to illustrate its importance in different social contexts. Their ability to integrate and apply intentions-oriented models like Grice's maxims in practical scenarios demonstrates their advanced understanding of communication.

Upon completion of the module graduates apply their acquired knowledge in practical contexts. They reflect situationally on the epistemologically grounded correctness of academic and practical assertions, for instance, by analyzing and discussing the significance of communication models such as akive listening and Perspective-taking models. By employing analytical methods like the Attribution Theory and critically reflecting on judgments and values in communication, they can draw practical conclusions and make professional decisions.

Students enrolled in the module demonstrate the following competencies: They gather relevant information on classical communication models and nonverbal communication techniques, critically analyze these, and derive scientifically substantiated judgments, particularly in the context of role theories and perspective-taking models. Furthermore, they develop solutions for communicative challenges, implement them in practical scenarios, taking into account sources of disturbance in communication and axioms such as those proposed by Watzlawick. Lastly, they autonomously shape further learning processes by delving into and applying advanced concepts like intention-oriented models by Schulz von Thun and persuasive communication.

The students should be able to derive and precisely define research questions within the context of interpersonal communication and organizational communication, drawing for example upon concepts such as role theory and nonverbal communication. They are encouraged to explain and justify the operationalization of these questions, aiming to apply effective communication methods like active listening and encoding and decoding of messages. By employing these methods, they can develop a deep understanding of the underlying concepts and ultimately apply their knowledge in practice.

The students are able to analyze complex communication-related challenges and formulate concrete solutions by drawing on theoretical concepts such as perspective-taking models and intersubjectivity in perception. They are capable of considering and incorporating various perspectives and interests of other stakeholders constructively into the solution process.

The students develop a professional self-image in the module, which is aligned with the goals and standards of professional conduct conveyed in the context of interpersonal and organizational communication. They are capable of justifying their professional actions with a well-founded theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired during the module. Through reflecting on their own skills and decisions in connection with empirical examples, they can better assess their developmental potentials and act autonomously. They recognize situationally appropriate conditions for professional action and justify their decisions ethically by critically reflecting on various perspectives and societal expectations

This module prepares for further exploration in both human communication and strategic communication.

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