COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS 1 Communication Concepts Found in the Film, Titanic Hannah Hoenshell Rasmussen Introduction to Communication Heidi Croatt 05-01-21 COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS 2 Communication Concepts Found in the Film, Titanic There are various concepts in communication that refer to manners in which people interact. These interactions are important for the achievement of some goal, no matter whether that means building a relationship or relaying an important message. In either case, the concepts remain the same due to human nature. Whether or not the interaction is positive or negative depends on how the concept is being employed. The film Titanic offers the example of Jack and Rose as the positive usage of many communication concepts. As a budding romance, the two main characters are models of empathetic listening, self-awareness, self-esteem, and autonomy and connection, all of which come together to build an iconic and timeless love affair. Empathetic Listening Empathic listening is the act of listening to another person in a manner that builds trust and generates mutual understanding (Floyd, 2014, p. 5). It is a valuable concept for relationship building, allowing the other party in a conversation to gain a sense of visibility through the empathetic attitude of the listener. Floyd (2014, p. 6) explains the reasons behind this increased sense of visibility, stating that ‘First, empathic listening behaviors demonstrate immediacy. Second, empathic listening often results in the recipient feeling better understood and validated. Finally, recipients of empathic listening acknowledge an investment of time and energy that implies their worth to the listener.’ Such empathy is demonstrated in Titanic between the iconic couple of Jack and Rose. Jack engages in empathetic listening when he first meets Rose. Rose has just run past Jack without noticing him in hysterics. She feels trapped and decides to end her life. She climbs off the railing of the ship and is standing there when Jack approaches her to coax her back onto the deck. During this time, Jack is talking to Rose and trying to understand her affliction through empathetic COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS 3 listening. He uses the information he divulges from her words to help her decide to not jump. Another person might have pulled Rose from the edge. Jack, however, recognized Rose as an individual who can make her own choices and instead decided to show her respect and influence her to choose life. Self-Awareness Self-awareness refers to an individual’s knowledge of his wishes, motives, and character (Eurich, 2018, p. 4). Levels of self-awareness vary based on the degree to which one understands him or herself. This concept can only be positively employed with a high degree of honesty, as only honest people can truly be aware of their wants and needs. While this definition makes the term ‘self-awareness’ appear solely of internal importance, Eurich (2018, p. 4) argues that there are two types of self-awareness, one internal and the other external. Compared to internal selfawareness, which is reflective of how an individual perceives himself, external self-awareness is, according to Eurich (2018, p. 4), ‘means understanding how other people view us, in terms of those same factors listed above.’ In other words, self-awareness includes being cognizant of how one appears both to himself and others. In the gym scene when Jack first tells Rose how much he likes her, he is showing selfawareness. In this scene, Jack tells Rose how incredibly frustrating she is as well as a ‘spoiled brat.’ Despite this, he also finds her to be the most amazing woman that he has ever met and he wants to get to know her better in a more romantic way. Jack is also aware of what Rose wants and what she sees in him. He is therefore both aware of his internal appearance and how that comes access to someone like Rose who is looking at him externally. Self-Esteem COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS 4 Self-esteem is similar to self-awareness but is actually a partial derivative of it. Self-esteem is a personal evaluation of one’s worth (Harris & Orth, 2020). It is crucially important to the degree to which one is confident in himself as well as reflective of how self-aware he is. Jack, for instance, is a very self-aware individual with valid wants and desires that he acts upon. In other words, he thinks of himself as worthy of having the things he wants despite certain obstacles such as class systems. Self-esteem is also very important when it comes to having a successful relationship. Harris and Orth (2020) explain, ‘People’s self-esteem may influence whether they are successful in initiating and maintaining relationships with romantic partners, friends, and coworkers and whether they have a strong or weak social support network.’ In this regard, people with high self-esteem tend to be considered more attractive, confident, and capable. It just so happens to be characteristic like these that Jack possesses and that Rose is attracted to. Jack demonstrates a high degree of self-esteem in the scene where he walks into the firstclass dressed as a gentleman. He looks the part and he plays the part of an upper-class citizen without coming off as fake. Even in fancy clothes, he still acts like himself as if he belonged in that world. He intently watches his surroundings and even picks up on some gestures that he then easily adopts as his own. When introduced to Rose’s fiance, Cal Hockley laughs and says, ‘You can almost pass for a gentleman.’ Jack replies with an easy and confident, ‘almost.’ He does not show any signs of discomfort or unsureness. Instead, he is self-confident despite being out of his element, thus demonstrating self-esteem. Autonomy/Connection in Relationships Autonomy and connection are two components of a relationship that refer to the need one feels to be with their partner compared to the desire to be viewed as a completely separate entity COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS 5 (Kluwar et al., (2019), p. 603). Kluwer et al. (2019, p. 604) explain the two concepts as follows: ‘autonomy refers to ‘self-rule,’ self-initiation, and self-directed choice, whereas relatedness refers to a sense of belonging, attachment, and intimacy, and that both promote relationship functioning.’ The two seem contradictory but are actually necessary for promoting mutual desire. Together, the two concepts involve capable individuals who experience life better together. Autonomy and connection in relationships appear in the Titanic right after Jack convinces Rose to get onto a lifeboat. Jack assures Rose that he will be following her in another lifeboat that was secured by Cal Hockley. No such arrangement exists for Jack, but this is knowledge unbeknownst to Rose. Still, while the lifeboat is being lowered, she decides to jump from it and back onto the boat. Jack calls out for her to stop, but she makes it back onto the boat and the two rush to find each other. Jack can hardly pretend to be mad as he kisses her and calls her stupid. When he questions her as to why she jumped back onto a sinking ship, she answers, ‘You jump, I jump, right?’ Jack says, ‘Right?’ Rose is both showing her capacity to make an autonomic decision, which is in favor of the connectedness she feels towards Jack. In this relationship, both partners are autonomous as well as connected. Conclusion All in all, the film Titanic offers an integrative example of the usage of many communication concepts. While Rose is admirable, Jack possesses an alluring mixture of selfesteem and self-awareness that allows him to express himself fearlessly and relate to Rose in a manner that no one else has. His practice of empathic listening, for example, saved her life. All of these characteristics build throughout the film until the ship is sinking and Rose feels so connected to Jack that she individually chooses to abandon her spot in a lifeboat to remain on a sinking ship COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS with her true love. Such drama is only possible with the brilliant application of such concepts, making the film an unsurprising success. 6 COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS 7 References Eurich, T. (2018). What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It). Harvard Business Review, 1-9. http://thebusinessleadership.academy/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/What-SelfAwareness-Really-Is-and-How-to-Cultivate-It.pdf. Floyd, K. (2014). Empathic Listening as an Expression of Interpersonal Affection. International Journal of Listening, 28(1), 1-12. DOI: 10.1080/10904018.2014.861293. Harris, M. A., & Orth, U. (2020). The link between self-esteem and social relationships: A metaanalysis of longitudinal studies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 119(6), 1459-1477. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000265. Kluwer, E. S., Karremans, J. C., Riedijk, L., & Knee, C. R. (2019). Autonomy in Relatedness: How Need Fulfillment Interacts in Close Relationships. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 46(4), 603-616. DOI: 10.1177/0146167219867964. Purchase answer to see full attachment

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.