This unit of study aims to develop students' understanding of, and proficiency in, interpersonal and communication skills for application in a range of professional contexts. Students will develop an understanding of communication theories, values and ethics and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Students will have the opportunity through group discussion, experiential workshops and simulation activities to develop their own interpersonal and communication skills. Topics include: self-awareness and personal insight; values; motivation; attitudes; cultural awareness; and introduction to active listening skills and observation skills that are imperative to working with people, particularly in the helping professions.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Nicholson
Footscray Park
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HHH1000

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Work ethically and collaboratively to develop and use effective active listening and interpersonal skills;  
  2. Analyse and reflect on skill acquisition and personal development;  
  3. Examine the relevance of values and cultural sensitivity in developing effective working relationships;  
  4. Working collaboratively, apply actively listening skills to an interpersonal problem solving task; and  
  5. Integrate interpersonal communication theory with the critical appraisal of students' own and others demonstration of active listening skills.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Journal Reflective Journal (800 words) 25%
Assignment Reflection on performance of micro-skills 35%
Other In-class Practical demonstration of skills 40%
Key information for ABSW Bachelor of Social Work students only: To gain a pass in this unit social work students must meet the attendance requirements described below, attain a minimum overall grade of 50%, attempt and submit all assessment tasks. Each assessment task covers discrete areas of knowledge and skill required for the successful completion of the social work course. Attendance requirements AASW accreditation standards require students to complete a minimum of 140 hours (20 days) face-to-face classroom-based learning, the focus of which is professional practice skills. To meet this standard, attendance in this unit is compulsory. Students attending less than 90% of classes in this unit, will be awarded a fail grade and required to repeat the unit. A minimum attendance requirement of 80% is acceptable in situations where a student has been granted special consideration for class absences.

Required reading

Additional resources are listed in the Unit Guide and available for students on VU Collaborate.

Basic personal counselling: A training manual for counsellors 8th ed.
Geldard D., Geldard K. & Yin Foo, R. (2017)
South Melbourne: Cengage

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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