COMM 2033 - Nonverbal Communication

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: Effective communication requires an understanding of nonverbal messages. The course includes the study of variety of nonverbal communicators, including gestures, facial expression, appearance, vocal cues, space, and time. Course activities provides students the opportunity to analyze their own and others’ nonverbal communication in interpersonal, intercultural, and workplace relationships.
MnTC Goals
1 Communication, 7 Human Diversity

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: ENGL 1020  with a grade of C or higher OR ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher  or concurrently enrolled.

Major Content

1. Introduction and Overview 
2. Bio-evolutionary Influences on Nonverbal Communication 
3. Sociocultural Influences on Nonverbal Communication 
4. The Visual and Auditory Codes: Kinesics and Vocalics 
5. The Contact Codes: Haptics and Proxemics 
6. The Body as a Code: Appearance and Adornment 
7. The Place and Time Codes: Environment, Artifacts, and Chronemics  
8. Displaying Identities, Managing Images, and Forming Impressions 
9. Expressing Emotions
10. Relational Messages: Developing and Expressing Closeness 
11. Relational Messages: Power, Dominance, and Status  
12. Coordinating Interaction
13. Influencing Others 
14. Deceiving and Detecting Deception

1. identify the types and functions of nonverbal communication.
2. explain the nature of the relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication.
3. describe the role of nonverbal communication within specific contexts.
4. apply principles of nonverbal communication in different contexts.
5. identify how nonverbal communication influences and is influenced by identity, power, deception, intimacy, culture, gender, personality, and other issues/factors.
6. analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding how we communicate diversity, racism, and bigotry.
7. articulate the major theories of nonverbal communication.
8. apply nonverbal communication theories and research.

01. 03. Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.

01. 04. Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.

01. 07. Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
07. 01. Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States’ history and culture.
07. 02. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
07. 03. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
07. 05. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.

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