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Introduction:
Communicating with others is a
surprisingly dynamic and complex activity. Exchanging ideas, emotions, facts, and meanings requires a sophisticated ballet of sending, sorting, and receiving.
To the extent that we achieve our communication objectives, we communicate. To the extent that we communicate effectively, we
enhance our environment and the world around us.
In Lesson 1, we review the essentials of human communication process involving two or more people.
Reading Assignment: Please read, in
your course text, the chapter entitled "The Communication Process: An Overview" from DeFleur et al's "Fundamentals of Human Communication" Third Edition
Study Questions: (to accompany reading assignment): Review these questions and
keep them at hand as you complete this lesson's readings. These questions will help you internalize the reading materials and apply the concepts.
Writing Assignment:
1.) (50% of writing assignment value) Evaluating Communication Models: In this Lesson's reading assignment, your text
presents two models for human communication: the "linear" model and the "interactive" or "simultaneous translation" model. Please compare and contrast the two models. Be sure to include:
- Syntheses of each model
- Strengths and weaknesses of each approach
- Characteristics and concerns they share
- Characteristics and concerns unique to each
- Areas each model overlooks or disregards
- Other communication models which may more accurately portray human communication
2.) (50% of writing assignment value) Resolving Communication Dilemmas: On page 27 of this Lesson's reading, your authors
provide a provocative list of communication issues or dilemmas. Please develop a response to each dilemma listed, with rationale from your own experience, from your text, and from other research
sources available to you. (Refer to the course resource section for links to materials.)
Practice: The great Roy Williams writes
frequently and well on the topic of human communication. You may find his perspectives make excellent fodder for your comparison and contrast sections. Some of his ideas are expressed behind the
links below.
Lesson Exam: Once you have completed
the reading and writing assignments, please take the lesson exam. The exam is this lesson's last component.
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