Course Orientation

“Apply your heart to understanding… and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:2–5, p. 1)

What this unit is about

Before you meet the first principle, this unit answers three questions: Why does this book exist? Where did communication begin? How are the nineteen principles organized? You are not expected to master anything yet. Read to get the big picture, so you can recognize these ideas when the principles refer back to them.

Objectives

By the end of this unit you will be able to:

1. Explain why the book is about creating understanding and not only sending information.
2. State the three foundational assumptions the whole book is built on.
3. Describe, in a few sentences, how communication began, was broken, and is restored.
4. Name the three sections of the book (Foundation, Framework, Function) and say what each deals with.

Your path through this unit

1. Read the welcome note.
2. Read the Overview in three short sections (textbook pp. i–11). Two quick H5P activities help you check your understanding as you go.
3. Take part in the optional discussion.
4. Complete the Orientation Quiz.

Your tools: Your Personal Application Journal, with the Glossary. Add the new terms as you read.

[IMAGE: Graphics Brief 1 — “The Map of Comprehensive Communication” (this is the only page that carries the full map)]