POLS 222 - Communication Skills

The aim of this course is to develop the English communication skills of second-year Political Science students in academic, political, and professional contexts. The course seeks to strengthen students’ ability to express complex ideas clearly and effectively, participate actively in discussions and negotiations, develop persuasive discourse, and respond critically to different viewpoints. Through activities based on political theory, current political debates, and professional communication examples, students are expected to gain awareness of appropriate language use, rhetorical strategies, tone, and forms of address. The course also aims to improve students’ ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms in academic and professional environments.

This course focuses on developing academic and professional communication skills within the context of political science. Throughout the course, students participate in activities designed to improve their English communication skills through texts, speeches, and contemporary examples related to political and social issues. Students develop their ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively, respond to different viewpoints, and construct arguments through academic discussions, role-play activities, structured debates, and short written tasks. The course also includes practical activities on political discourse, public communication, diplomatic language, and professional email writing. Topics such as free speech, political apologies, public policy justification, negotiation, and ethics are addressed within the broader context of political communication. Students are expected to use appropriate tone, forms of address, and rhetorical strategies in both spoken and written communication.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of POLS 221.Corequisite: None.

Reading, listening, and visual materials used in this course will be selected and provided by the instructor. Students are expected to regularly follow the course materials prepared by the instructor.Recommended Sources:Aristotle. Rhetoric.Weston, Anthony. A Rulebook for Arguments.Stone, Deborah. Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making.Lui, Eric. You’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen.Turk, Victoria. Kill Reply All: A Modern Guide to Online Etiquette, from Social Media to Work to Love.

Students are expected to comply with the principles of academic integrity. Any form of plagiarism, cheating, or academic misconduct will be evaluated in accordance with the university’s disciplinary regulations. Artificial intelligence tools may only be used for support purposes when permitted by the instructor. Submitting AI-generated content without proper acknowledgment or presenting it as the student’s own work will be considered a violation of academic integrity.