Communication Research Techniques

In Communication Research Techniques, I learned about the various methods used to retrieve and present communication. This included in-depth studies of:

• Questionnaires
• Interviews
• Observational Techniques
• Communication Texts

Visual Communication

While studying the Visual Communication module, I developed an understanding of the cultural significance of design. This involved studying the systems we all use to process information, and to exchange values and meanings.

The Visual Communication module also included aspects of advertising and graphic design. I learned about the politics of production and the role of technologies and materials in the communication of visual ideas.

Communication Theory and Practice

This module was a detailed study of document development processes. Including document-user behaviour, hypermedia navigation systems, colour and readability, motivation and learning. This knowledge, combined with my understanding of cognitive psychology (see below) is what gives me an edge over most copywriters - I have studied how to address the needs of the target audience.

Professional Studies - Functional Communication

This module provided an insight into the range of disciplines, skills, and responsibilities of professional communicators. I examined the business aims, organization, commercial constraints, and working practices that affect the professional communicator. I also studied the technologies that are available to those that work in the functional communication and publishing markets.

Document Creation and Design

This module developed my ability to write accurately and effectively in plain English. It also taught me about methods for structuring written solutions to information design problems. This involved:

• Identifying the needs of the audience and writing information that meets these needs
• Understanding the basic elements of good document design and developing the ability to apply these principles to real-life challenges
• Developing computer skills with communication programs

Document Appraisal

In the Document Appraisal module, I learned about the principles of writing successful document copy. During this module, I developed the analytical abilities to identify and assess the suitability of a document in relation to its purpose and intended audience.

Graphic Information Design

This part of the course was a study of visual elements in information design, including:

• Typography
• Layout
• Pictographic representations
• Diagrammatic representations
• Portraying personality in graphic material

Linguistic and Graphic Communication Theory

A study of:

• The visual aspects of language
• Diagrammatics
• Metaphors and ambiguity in language and visual communication
• Gender issues in language and graphics
• Discourse communities and genre analysis
• Discourse analysis
• Language and visual communication models
• Cohesion and coherence in texts and visual media
• Rhetorical theory
• Schemas and scripts
• Natural language processing

Cognitive Psychology and Communications

An insight into how people process information. I learned about the psychological processed involved in reading, using language, processing information, and memory. I also learned about the interconnections between these subjects. Once familiar with the various subjects, I learned how to apply these cognitive principles to my own communication.

Human Factors in Technical Communications

A study of the nature and characteristics of the interface between people and artefacts, devices, and systems. This included a study of ergonomics in relation to information design and learning how to develop strategies for investigating interface problems.