Course Description
In-depth examination of the functional potential of each type of nonverbal communication. Primary emphasis is given to demonstrating the value of specific kinds of nonverbal cues in communicating successfully in such real world settings as the job interview, male-female interaction, and the courtroom.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will complete required coursework for the
undergraduates enrolled in the course. In addition, graduate
students will complete a substantive research paper on a
fundamental theme related to the course content. This paper may
involve a literature review, research proposal, or research
project depending on the nature of the topic area, as negotiated
with the instructor.
Athena Title
NONVERBAL COMM
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SPCM 4510/6510
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is designed to familiarize you with issues related to nonverbal communication. You will be given opportunities to grapple with those issues cognitively and behaviorally. When you finish the course you should have a better understanding of the types of nonverbal behaviors that communicate meanings and the functions those behaviors perform. You should be able to more closely monitor your own nonverbal behaviors and those of others.
Topical Outline
1. Defining Communication/Nonverbal Communication 2. Relationships Between Verbal and Nonverbal Cues 3. Haptics 4. Proxemics: Personal Space 5. Proxemics: Territoriality 6. Artifacts 7. Physical Appearance Cues 8. Kinesics 9. Vocalic Cues 10. Olfactory Cues 11. Chronemic Cues: Biological Time Orientations 12. Chronemic Cues: Cultural and Psychological Time Orientations 13. Structuring and Managing Conversations 14. Displays of Gender, Race, and Culture 15. Forming and Managing Impressions 16. Communicating Emotions 17. Communicating Relational Messages 18. Influencing Others 19. Detecting Deceptive Communication
Syllabus