COMM220 Intro to Nonverbal Communication - Raritan Valley ...

RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ACADEMIC COURSE OUTLINE
COMM 220 Introduction to Nonverbal Communication
I. Basic Course Information
A. Course Number and Title: COMM 220, Introduction to Nonverbal
Communication
B. New or Modified Course: New
C. Date of Proposal: Semester: Spring Year: 2010
D. Sponsoring Department: Communication and Languages
E. Semester Credit Hours: 3
F. Weekly Contact Hours: 3 Lecture: 3
Laboratory: 0
G. Prerequisites/Corequisites: Speech- COMM 101 , Interpersonal
Communication- COMM 110, or Permission of the Instructor
H. Laboratory Fees: None
I. Name and Telephone Number or E-Mail Address of Department Chair: Laurie
Reynolds, x8414
II. Catalog Description
Prerequisites (one of the following): Speech- COMM 101 , Interpersonal
Communication- COMM 110, or Permission of the Instructor. Introduction to
Nonverbal Communication is a course that explores theories and types of
nonverbal behavior in relation to the overall communication process. Knowledge
and practical skills will be gained through a diverse study of the different types of
nonverbal communication such as appearance, body movement, haptics (touch),
proxemics (space), chronemics (time), paralanguage (voice), etc. Students will
analyze the influence of language, perceptions, social roles, physical environment,
culture and media on the nonverbal communication process. Content of the course
will help students become more competent communicators with other individuals
and groups.
III. Statement of Course Need
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Introduction to Nonverbal Communication is a course that offers students the
opportunity to expand their knowledge of an important type of communication.
Researchers have found that Nonverbal Communication is used to establish
meaning more than verbal communication. Mehrabian and Wiener suggest up to
93% of meaning is received from nonverbal communication. This is a basic
communication class that is offered at many colleges and universities and can be
used as another elective. This course would be especially relevant to students who
are majoring in Raritan Valley’s fields of Communication Studies, Liberal Arts,
Nursing, and Human Services.
IV. Place of Course in College Curriculum
A. Free Elective
B. This course meets a specialization elective for Communication Studies.
C. Introduction to Nonverbal Communication traditionally transfers as an
elective in Communication Studies.
V. Outline of Course Content
This course explores the following topics
A. Foundations of Nonverbal Communication
1. Nonverbal Communication vs. Verbal Communication
2. Nature of Nonverbal Communication
a. Culture-Bound
b. Rule-Governed
c. Ambiguous
d. Multichanneled
B. Nonverbal Communication Development: A Reflexive Approach
1. Reflexive Cycle
a. Inventory Self
b. Change Self
c. Inventory Others
d. Transact with Others
e. Reflect, Assess, and Re-Inventory Self
f. Effective use of Reflexive Cycle
2. Codes of Nonverbal Communication
3. Nonverbal Sending and Receiving
C. Environment as Nonverbal Communication
1. Perceptions of Environment
2. Reactions to Environment
3. Perceptions of Time, Color, Lighting, Sound, Smell, Temperature
4. Environment in Popular Culture and Media
D. Proxemics: Use of Space
1. Management of Space
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2. Territoriality
3. Crowding and Density
4. Privacy Management
E. Physical Appearance: The Body
1. Physical Attractiveness
2. The Body
3. Clothing
4. Artifacts
5. Modifying the Body
F. Kinesics: Body Movement, Gestures, and Posture
1. Body Movement Types
2. Posture
3. Seating
4. Application of Kinesics research
G. Face and Eye
1. Facial Behavior
2. Managing Facial expressions
3. Eye Behavior
4. Deception regarding eye and face behavior.
H. Touch
1. Power
2. Ethic
3. Human Development
4. Haptic/Touch Types
5. Appropriateness of Touch
6. Application of Haptic Research
I. Vocalics
1. Qualities of the Voice
2. Application of Vocalic Research
J. Nonverbal Communication the Internet
1. Nonverbal Self On-line
2. Nonverbal Dimensions of Computer-Mediated-Communication
3. The Virtual Body
K. Nonverbal Communication in Professional and Educational Contexts
1. Nonverbal Communication and the Job
2. Leadership
L. Learning Environments
Teacher vs. Student Nonverbal Communication
M. Gender, Intimate Relationships and Sexuality
1. Effects of Sex and Gender on Nonverbal Communication
2. Nonverbal Cues in Intimate Relationships
3. Nonverbal Cues and Sexuality
VI. Educational Goals and Learning Outcomes
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A. Educational Goals
Students will:
1. Discriminate between verbal and nonverbal communication. (G.E. RVCC
1: NJ 1, 5)
2. Explain basic concepts and theories of nonverbal communication (G.E.
RVCC 1, 2: NJ 1)
3. Demonstrate effective nonverbal communication skills both informally
and in formal oral presentations. (G.E. RVCC 1, 2: NJ 1)
4. Write clearly and coherently about their own nonverbal communication
processes. (G.E. RVCC 1, 2: NJ 1, 5)
5. Use technological tools for research and analysis of information related to
nonverbal communication. (G.E. RVCC 3: NJ 4)
6. Apply nonverbal communication to interactions with diverse individuals
and groups. (G.E. RVCC 6: NJ 8)
B. Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of nonverbal
communication. (G.E. RVCC 1)
2. Describe the effects of the environment, space and territory, physical
appearance, bodily movements, touch, vocal cues, artifacts, smell, and
culture on nonverbal communication. (G.E. RVCC 1, 6)
3. Discriminate between verbal and nonverbal communication.
4. Interpret nonverbal behavior based on communication research. (G.E.
RVCC 1, 6)
5. Communicate nonverbally more effectively with diverse individuals
and groups. (G.E. RVCC 2, 6)
6. Describe the influence of social roles and relationships on nonverbal
behavior. (G.E. RVCC 6: NJ 8)
7. Explain the influence of gender differences on nonverbal
communication. (G.E. RVCC 6: NJ 8)
VII. Modes of Teaching and Learning
A. lecture/discussion
B. small-group work
C. computer-assisted instruction
D. guest speakers
E. student oral presentations
F. simulation/role playing
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VIII. Papers, Examinations, and other Assessment Instruments
A. research papers
B. demonstrations
C. essays
D. oral presentations
E. written reports
F. quizzes
G. written examinations
IX. Grade Determinants
A. research papers
B. demonstrations
C. essays
D. oral presentations
E. written reports
F. quizzes
G. written examinations
X. Texts and Materials
A. Textbook: Knapp, M. L., & Hall, J. A. (2007). Nonverbal
Communication in Human Interaction (7 th ed.). Boston, MA:
Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Or comparable text.
B. primary sources
C. interviews
D. journals
E. student writing
F. film and video
G. audio sources
H. web sources
I. other computer-based sources
J. other
(Please Note: The course outline is intended only as a guide to course content and
resources. Do not purchase textbooks based on this outline. The RVCC Bookstore is the
sole resource for the most up-to-date information about textbooks.)
XI. Resources
A. Smart classroom (internet, VHS, DVD)
B. Guest speakers (recommended)
C. Off-campus site visits (recommended)
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