Social Communication 2401-OG-EN-SC

The course is completely online and provides an in-depth introduction to social communication as a fundamental mechanism of social interaction and public life. It examines key concepts, theories, and models of communication, with particular emphasis on rational discussion, argumentation, and persuasion. Students become familiar with the principles of effective and ethical communication, including the rules of constructive dialogue and critical debate. The course develops students’ ability to identify rhetorical devices, persuasive strategies, and communication techniques used in everyday interactions, public discourse, and media messages. Special attention is given to communication patterns operating in various social contexts, such as interpersonal relations, group communication, institutional and organizational communication, as well as communication mediated by digital technologies and new media.Through workshop-based activities, case studies, and discussions, students analyse authentic and simulated communication situations, evaluate the effectiveness of different communication strategies, and practice applying theoretical knowledge to real-life social and media contexts. The course aims to enhance students’ critical thinking, communicative competence, and awareness of the social and cultural impact of communication.

Total student workload

Contact hours with teacher: participation in lectures – 20 hrs consultations – 5 hrs Self-study hours: preparation for lectures – 30 hrs reading literature – 25 hrs preparation for test – 20 hrs Altogether: 100 hrs (4 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Student: W1: has basic knowledge of theories and models of social communication W2: knows the principles of interpersonal, group, and mass communication W3: is familiar with verbal and non-verbal communication processes W4: understands the role of communication in social, cultural, and organizational contexts

Learning outcomes - skills

Student: U1: is able to analyse communication processes in social interactions U2: can apply basic communication theories to real-life situations U3: has basic skills in effective interpersonal communication U4: can identify communication barriers and propose ways to overcome them

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Student K1: understands the importance of effective communication in social life K2: is aware of ethical aspects of communication K3: is open to dialogue and different points of view K4: can cooperate and communicate effectively in a group

Course coordinators

Anita Pacholik-Żuromska

Expository teaching methods

- participatory lecture
- discussion
- informative (conventional) lecture
- description
- narration
- problem-based lecture

Online teaching methods

- cooperation-based methods
- methods referring to authentic or fictitious situations
- content-presentation-oriented methods
- exchange and discussion methods

Assessment criteria

Assessment methods:
written test (W1–W4)
activity and participation in class (U1–U4, K1–K4)

Assessment criteria:
fail – below 50%
satisfactory – 50–60%
satisfactory plus – 61–70%
good – 71–80%
good plus – 81–90%
very good – 91–100%

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2401-OG-EN-SC in USOSweb