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RDEV30060

Academic Year 2024/2025

Professional Communications (RDEV30060)

Subject:
Rural Development
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor James Kinsella
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is an undergraduate module designed for stage 4 students of the BAgrSc degree programme. The overall purpose of the module is to strengthen communication skills which are of value in professional careers. The principal topics covered include: The theory underpinning interpersonal communications; Presentation skills and Public Speaking; Written communication skills; Group communication; One-to-one communications; Demonstrations and Open Days; Radio skills; Use of ICTs in agricultural communication campaigns.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
explain the theory underpinning the human communications process;
describe the media and methods used in professional communications and evaluate the appropriateness of each for given situations;
develop skills related to the use of selected communications methods (lecture presentations, group meetings, individual consultations, radio presentations, demonstrations, open days and communications campaigns).

Indicative Module Content:

Course Topics:
1. The communications process and media / methods used in communication of information
2. Effective presentation skills
Lecturing / public speaking both in person and using online platforms (e.g. Zoom or Teams)
Effective use of Powerpoint and audio-visual aids
3. Written communication methods and use of mass media
4. Use of ICTs in Agricultural Communications Campaigns
5. Demonstrations and Open Days
6. Discussion meetings
- planning effective meetings + meeting agenda
- role of chairperson + roles necessary for an effective meeting
7. Individual communication methods (advising / counselling / consultancy skills)
8. Guidelines for using radio


Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

30

Autonomous Student Learning

55

Lectures

30

Practical

3

Total

118


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Class discussions

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module is specifically designed for final year B.Agr.Sc. students.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Professional Communications (AERD40030), Professional Communications (RDEV37060)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered

Not yet recorded.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Lecture presentations: Written feedback summarising the the strengths and weaknesses of each presentation will be provided in a timely manner. Written assignments: Group/class feedback post assessment

Name Role
Professor James Kinsella Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brian Leonard Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Miss Karen McGrath Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24 Mon 18:00 - 20:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 14:50