The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences is a key professional prerequisite. This subject provides students with a preliminary understanding of a range of communication theories and practices necessary for academic work and effective professional communication including presenting in a professional setting. Both professional and societal cultural norms are explored as a contextual basis of the subject. The subject assists in the acquisition of professional skills through authentic and meaningful learning experiences and assessment. The subject assists students to comprehend academic and professional texts, identify key ideas and evidence, and identify and apply certain rhetorical moves which are common in academic communication. It also aims to help students to improve grammatical skills that relate to academic writing, summarise and synthesise information, and understand why, when and how to cite information. In addition, the subject encourages students to develop strategies to maximize their learning and to reflect on their own learning styles.