Course: Communication Skills for Journalists

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Course title Communication Skills for Journalists
Course code KZU/KDZBN
Organizational form of instruction Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Foretová Petra, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introductory session; first impressions; how I perceive myself and how others perceive me: interpersonal perception and the principles of perceiving others. 2. Self-understanding vs. understanding others; perceiving others; basic perceptual errors; prejudices in communication. 3. Social perception and perceptual stereotypes. 4. Active listening in communication; active listening practice; common listening mistakes. 5. Targeted feedback; feedback vs. reaction vs. evaluation; panel discussion as a tool for practicing feedback. 6. Criticism as a feedback tool; constructive vs. manipulative criticism. 7. Nonverbal communication: the role and functioning of nonverbal communication in social interaction. 8. Verbal communication: verbal agility exercises; questioning; the role of questions in communication. 9. Basic oral presentation; goals and structure of an oral presentation; the role of the audience. 10. Basic techniques of assertiveness as a healthy form of communication I. 11. Basic techniques of assertiveness II; how to recognize manipulation and defend against it. 12. Social interaction within a group. Techniques for encouraging group interaction and cooperation. 13. Final session, summary of key takeaways, and course closure.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization), Group work
Learning outcomes
This course takes a practical approach based on experiential learning that is, as training in communication and social skills, which will be developed through discussions, role-playing, task-based cooperative learning scenarios, model situations, and simulation games. Emphasis will also be placed on reflecting on individual activities, providing feedback, and formulating relevant theoretical concepts to contextualize them within the theory of social communication. The course is linked to the Social Communication course (KZU/SK), which focuses on explaining foundational concepts and theories, whereas the Communication Skills course is delivered purely on a practical level.
* Students will master the basics of active listening. * Students are familiar with the rules for using feedback as a tool and can apply it in basic communication situations. * Students are familiar with fundamental healthy communication techniques, can recognize manipulation, and respond to it effectively. * Students will master basic questioning techniques and interview structures, and are capable of conducting structured professional interviews. * Students develop their argumentation skills and verbal agility in everyday communication situations. * Students will master the fundamentals of oral presentation and are capable of preparing a coherent, structured speech in accordance with established principles.
Prerequisites
Completion of the courses Introduction to Communication Studies (KZU/USKBN) and Social Communication (KZU/SKN).

Assessment methods and criteria
Final project

REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING COURSE CREDIT 1. Attendance at seminars (a maximum of 2 unexcused absences allowed). 2. Participation in course activities. 3. Completion of ongoing assignments during the semester by the specified deadlines. 4. Final oral presentation on a selected topic.
Recommended literature
  • Berne, E., & Nová, G. (2011). Jak si lidé hrají. Praha.
  • Bierach, A.J. Za maskou je člověk. Jak prohlédnout přetvářku. Praha 1997.
  • Buchtová, B. (2006). Rétorika. Praha.
  • DeVito, J. A. Základy mezilidské komunikace. Praha 2001.
  • Hospodářová I. Prezentační dovednosti. Praha 2004.
  • Janoušek, J. Verbální komunikace a lidská psychika. Praha 2007.
  • Kořenský, J. (1992). Komunikace a čeština.. Jinočany.
  • Mikuláštík, M. (2003). Komunikační dovednosti v praxi. Praha.
  • Peters-Kühlinger, G. - Friedel J. Komunikační a jiné "měkké" dovednosti. Praha 2007.
  • Reifová, I. a kol. (2004). Slovník mediální komunikace.. Praha.
  • VYBÍRAL, Z. (2001). Psychologie lidské komunikace. Praha.
  • Watzlawick, P., Bavelasová, J. B., Jackson, D. D. (1999). Pragmatika lidské komunikace. Hradec Králové.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2022) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2025) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2019) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter