Introduction to Human Communication (CMS 101) – Course Outline

Overview

Welcome to “Introduction to Human Communication,” a dynamic course designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the history, fundamentals, and diverse aspects of human communication. This course aims to equip students with a solid foundation in the principles and practices essential for effective communication. Through a combination of historical perspectives, theoretical frameworks, and cultural insights, students will gain a deeper understanding of communication processes and their significance in various contexts.

Objectives

• to understand the history and fundamentals of human communication
• learn the definition, process and models of communication
• identify the functions of communication
• delineate the differences between verbal and nonverbal communication
• outline the uniqueness of African Communication Systems
• describe channels of African Communication

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

• describe the different eras of human communication
• define and explain the basic models of communication
• identify three functions of communication
• identify and analyse the relevance of verbal and nonverbal cues
• outline the key channels of African communication

COURSE CONTENT

S/NO	Units	Other Details
1	History of Human Communication What is Communication? What is Human Communication? The Features of Human Communication Eras of Human Communication Forms of Human Communication Myths about Human Communication Attributes of Information
2	Definition, Process and Models of Communication Definitions of communication Processes of Communication Elements in Communication Models of Communication
3	Functions of Communication Types of Communication Functions of Communication
4	Verbal Communication Components of Verbal Communication Verbal Communication Skills Functions of Verbal Communication Strategies for improving verbal Communication	Continuous Assessment I – Class Quiz
5	Nonverbal Communication Definition and types of nonverbal communication Characteristics of nonverbal communication Functions of nonverbal communication
6	African Communication Systems (ACS) Origin and definition of ACS Characteristics of ACS Indigenous and Exogenous Communication Classification of African Communication African Channels of Communication Functions of ACS	Continuous Assessment II – Live art/Group Performances

KEY TEXT:

COURSE LECTURERS: Prof. G. B. Okon, Dr. Sarah Chidiebere Joe, and Dr. Theresa Chris Biriowu