LRM 712: COMMUNICATION, TEAMWORK, AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS     -2Units

Course Purpose:
This course focuses on developing essential communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills crucial for success in personal and professional life. Students will learn effective communication strategies, build strong interpersonal relationships, and develop the ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams.
Expected Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Describe the principles of effective communication (verbal, nonverbal, written).
Identify communication barriers and develop strategies for overcoming them.
Explain the dynamics of group behaviour and team development.
State the importance of interpersonal skills in building and maintaining relationships.
Actively listen and provide constructive feedback.
Negotiate effectively and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
Adapt communication styles to different audiences and situations.
Course Content:
This course includes:
Foundations of Communication
Communication process: Sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback
Types of communication: Verbal, nonverbal, written, electronic
Communication barriers: Noise, filtering, cultural differences
Active listening skills: Techniques for effective listening and responding
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal communication: Building rapport, empathy, and trust
Assertiveness: Communicating needs and boundaries effectively
Conflict resolution strategies: Negotiation, mediation, and win-win solutions
Emotional intelligence and its role in interpersonal relationships
Teamwork and Collaboration
Team dynamics: Stages of team development, roles, and responsibilities
Effective teamwork: Communication, collaboration, and decision-making within teams
Conflict management within teams
Leadership within teams
Communication Technologies and Professionalism
1. Professional communication in the digital age: Email, social media, video conferencing
2. Business etiquette and professional communication protocols
2. Cross-cultural communication in a globalized world

Core Text
1. Adler, R. B., Rosenfeld, L. B., & Proctor, R. J. (2017). Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication.
2. Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2021). Communication: Principles for a Lifetime.
3. Leadership in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities edited by Patrick Chabal:
4. The African Predicament: Dilemmas in Development, Democracy, and Good Governance by Thandika Mkandawire.