MSLV4101 Communication for leaders Course description

The course Communication for Leaders introduces students to various theoretical perspectives on communication and provides insights into how to succeed in interpersonal communication and interaction. Students will also engage in practical exercises designed to enhance their understanding of the importance of effective communication and how to facilitate better communication and collaboration. They will learn about effective communication methods and develop increased awareness of their own communication practices. Furthermore, students will be introduced to challenges that often arise in communication processes and how to handle them.

The language of instruction is Norwegian.

Emnet gir studentene erfaring i å planlegge, organisere og gjennomføre et utredningsprosjekt i samarbeid med en oppdragsgiver. Emnet gir studentene mulighet til å jobbe med problemstillinger som er aktuelle for praksisfeltet ved bruk av arbeidsformer fra arbeidslivet. Studentene får mulighet til å anvende kunnskaper og perspektiver fra masterstudiet i en utredningsoppgave, de får trening i å belyse et tema fra ulike faglige perspektiv, og de får erfaring i å samarbeide med andre om en slik oppgave.

Undervisningsspråk er norsk, men studentene må tilpasse seg arbeidsspråket på sitt praksissted.

Upon completing the course, the student should have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has:

• advanced knowledge of communication theory and various aspects of interpersonal communication and interaction as a foundation for building good relationships
• in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of interpersonal interactions and the communicative prerequisites for building good relationships
• insight into how one's own communication style affects others, and strategies to adapt it to promote better collaboration

Skills

The student can:

• explain fundamental theories of communication and interaction between people
• analyze interaction processes, recognize communication differences, and apply relevant strategies, methods, and techniques to achieve effective communication and resolve conflicts
• reflect on their own communication practices and adjust them to improve leadership and collaboration

General competence

The student can:

• apply advanced knowledge and skills in communication to improve organizational processes and promote a positive work environment
• develop and implement strategies for effective communication in leadership roles, contributing to enhanced collaboration and organizational culture
• critically assess and adapt their own communication style to meet various situations and needs in a leadership context, with a focus on continuous improvement and professional development

The teaching methods will alternate between lectures including interaction, student presentations, practical exercises, and case discussions, supplemented by the use of digital resources. The working methods involve extensive dialogue and collaboration, and require both physical and active participation.

To be eligible to take the exam, the student must have the following approved coursework:

• Coursework 1: Individual submission equivalent to 500 words (+/- 10%)
• Coursework 2: Individual submission equivalent to 500 words (+/- 10%)
• Coursework 3: Individual submission equivalent to 500 words (+/- 10%)

The purpose of the coursework is for the student to reflect on academic phenomena and relate these to their own experiences and practice. The coursework will be related to experiences/activities in the course. Font and size: Arial / Calibri 12 pt. Line spacing: 1.5.

The coursework is assessed as approved/not approved, and must be completed and approved by the set deadline for the student to be eligible to take the exam. If one or more coursework assignments are not approved, the student is given the opportunity to submit an improved version once within the specified deadline.

The exam for the course is an individual take-home exam over a period of three days (72 hours). The submission should be 4000 words (+/- 10%). The cover page, table of contents, and reference list are not included in the word count. Font and size: Arial / Calibri 12 pt. Line spacing: 1.5.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source citation are complied with.

Grade scale A-F

Both internal and external examiners are used for the assessment of the submissions.

At least 25% of the submissions are randomly selected and assessed by two examiners. The grades from these jointly assessed submissions form the basis for determining the level of the remaining submissions.

Hilde Mobekk

The course overlaps 8 ECTS credits with MLED5200 Communication for leadership and interaction.