The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Bhopal (M.
P)
(An Autonomous College Reaccredited with ‘A’+ Grade by NAAC,
Affiliated to Barkatullah University, Bhopal)
Department of Psychology
Academic Year: 2024-25
BA/BSW
Semester-III
Name of the Program: BA Program Code: 7
Name of the Group: Psychology (SEC)
Name of the Course: Communication Skills
Course Code: BA313.2 Total Duration: 60 Max. Marks: 100
(Type-1) hours (Internal:40+External:60)
Total Credits: 04
Course Outcomes:
1. Students will be able to define the basic processes of communication, both verbal as
well as nonverbal.
2. Students will be able to identify one’s own psychological barriers to effective
communication (for example overcoming performance anxiety, lack of assertiveness,
defensiveness etc.) and demonstrating listening skills.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in communication and
appreciation of cultural
variations in verbal and non-verbal communication.
4. Students will develop an awareness of the role of mass media in shaping public
psyche, beliefs
and perceptions about social realities and building an informed and critical
perspective.
5. Students will be able to examine and apply the nuances of communication gap in
interpersonal relationships and other social contexts.
COURSE OUTLINE
Unit Topic Duration (In Marks
Hrs)
Basic Concepts in Communication
1.1 Nature and process of communication, principles of
communication
I 1.2 Towards communication competence, communication skills – 12 20
articulating the message, active listening skills, giving and receiving
feedback, perception checking
1.3 Choosing the appropriate channel and medium of communication,
benefits and challenges of technology-mediated communication
1.4 Personal Attitudes and Communication.
Unit Topic Duration (In Marks
Hrs)
Communication Styles: Verbal and Non-verbal
2.1 Bodily communication in human society.
II 2.2 The implication of appropriate communication. 12 20
2.3 Nonverbal communication: Proxemics, Posture, Facial expression,
Eye Contact, Paralanguage, Movement, Silence etc.
Unit Topic Duration (In Marks
Hrs)
Communication Barriers and Breakdowns
3.1 Psychological barriers in communication, self-talk and self-
III concept, drives affecting communication, communication 12 20
apprehension
3.2 Cultural differences in communication in a multicultural context.
Unit Topic Duration (In Marks
Hrs)
Communication Barriers and Breakdowns - II
IV 4.1 Identifying personal barriers and overcoming barriers for effective 12 20
communication.
4.2 Learning how to make communication effective and meaningful.
Unit Topic Duration (In Marks
Hrs)
Communication in Relational Contexts
5.1 Understanding dynamics of interpersonal communication, Self-
disclosure and trust, emotions and power, assertiveness
V 5.2 Conflict resolution and harmony: Art of non-violent 12 20
communication.
5.3 Communication and diversity.
5.4 Public and Mass communication: Influence on the collective
psyche.
⮚ Recommended Text/Reference Books:
● Adler, R. B., & Proctor II, R.F. (2012). Looking out/Looking in. (14th ed.). USA:
Wadsworth Cengage Learning
● Adler, R.B & Proctor, R.F (2009).Communication Goals and Approaches. Wadsworth
Cengage Learning, India
● Argyle, M. (1975). Bodily communication. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd.
● Civinkly, J. M. (Ed.) (1974). Messages: A reader in human connection. New York:
Random House.
● Gudykunst, W. B. (Ed.) (2003). Cross-cultural and intercultural communication.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
● Rosenberg, M. B. (2012). Living nonviolent communication: Practical tools to
connect and communicate skillfully in every situation. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
