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Communication Psychology

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to promote the formation of students' understanding of communication and its psychological aspects and to improve communication competence in the context of professional activity.
Tasks of the study course are to provide knowledge about general regularities of communication, to develop communication problem analysis skills and to improve effective communication skills.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• Knowledge: to be able to explain basic concepts of communication psychology and communication process, to describe a positive interaction with customers and partners, to give examples of theoretical aspects of communication;
• Skills: to be able to use the own-initiative knowledge and practical work during the communication process, to create a positive interaction with customers and partners; to speak in front of an audience and create presentations; to analyse conflicts, communication barriers, and communication styles; to understand nonverbal communication;
• Competence: to be able to evaluate and to use interpersonal skills in everyday situations, professional activities and personal development; to work with partners and customers, to choose the optimal solution and make decisions.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full- time studies:
1. Insight into communication psychology: subject and its practicality. - 2 h
2. Conflicts, personality, and conflict resolution methods. - 2 h
3. Verbal communication: familiarisation and first impression. - 2 h
4. Communication model, analysis of communication barriers. - 2 h
5. Interaction, communication, and communication styles. - 2 h
6. Interaction, communication, and communication styles. - 2 h
7. Communication in organization: networking, semantic and non-verbal codes. - 2 h
8. Professional communication in the digital age.-2h
9. Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups. - 2 h
10. Image: the importance of business communication. - 2 h
11. Image: the importance of business communication - 2 h
12. The art of performing in front of an audience. - 2 h
13. Creating effective presentations. - 2 h
14. Presentation with a prepared speech in front of the audience. - 2 h
15. Presentation with a prepared speech in front of the audience. - 2 h-
16. Feedback and reflection. - 2 h
Part time distance studies:
All topics specified for full-time studies are implemented, but the number of contact hours is ½ of the specified number of hours.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Pass exam within the 10-point grading scale.
The final grade consists of 20% of lectures' attendance (minimum 75% of lectures and seminars attended), 80% from independent coursework.
All work must be submitted and reached a pass mark.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. Subject of “Conflict Resolution Methods” has been developed and presented.
2. Subject of “Specifics of non-verbal communication” has been developed and presented.
3. Subject of “Types of Etiquettes” has been developed and presented.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Practical work will be assessed by the ability shown to select information about communication, the ability to analyse and evaluate, draw your own conclusions, and substantiate them. Discussions will be assessed by the content of the presented material and the ability to discuss and argue one's point of view.
The test will be evaluated in a 10-point system.
The final grade consists of the student's participation in at least 75% of lectures and seminars, active and successful presentations in seminars (20%), completion and presentation of independent practical work (80%).

Compulsory reading

1. Garleja R. Darbs, organizācija, psiholoģija. Rīga: RaKa, 2010. 205 lpp.
2. Omārova S. Cilvēks runā ar cilvēku: saskarsmes psiholoģija. Rīga: Kamene, 2006. 125 lpp.
3. Pīzs A. Ķermeņa valoda. Rīga: Jumava, 2006. 208 lpp.
4. Thompson N. Effective communication: a guide for the people professions. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 272 p.
5. Psiholoģija. 1. grāmata: Pamatjautājumi - teorijas un pētījumi. Autoru kolektīvs. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2015. 358 lpp.
6. Psiholoģija. 2. grāmata: Personība, grupa, sabiedrība, kultūra. Autoru kolektīvs. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2015. 304 lpp.
8. Psiholoģija. 3. grāmata: Lietišķās jomas. Autoru kolektīvs. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC. 166 lpp.
9. Jansone I. Cilvēka attīstība un dzīves cikli. Rīga: LU Sociālo zinātņu fakultāte, 2009. 112 lpp.

Further reading

1. Denijs R. Prasme sazināties un uzstāties. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 2002. 123 lpp.
2. Kozlovs N. Saskarsmes māksla. Rīga: Jumava, 2008. 341 lpp.
3. Seiler W. J. Communication: making connections. Allyn & Bacon, 2011. 512 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. American Psychological Association (APA) Print ISSN: 0022-3514. Online ISSN 1939 - 1293
2. Psiholoģija Mums ISBN 978 - 9984 - 14 - 435: starpnozaru žurnāls. Rīga : Juristu Ģilde, 2003- . ISSN 1691-0982
3. Psiholoģijas Pasaule ISBN 978 - 9984 - 9616 - 2 -1. Rīga: Daro Cēsis, 2003- ISSN 1691-0435.

Notes

Professional higher education bachelor study programs “Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing” and “Land Management and Surveying” in full-time studies and part-time studies.