Communication Studies The University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Search

36:089 Nonverbal Communication

Description

This course falls in to the Theory category in the course lists in the Department and teaches students to think theoretically about the study of nonverbal communication. The course focuses on the major principles and research trends in NVC (nonverbal communication), while also examining the role of nonverbal communication in communication as a whole.

Course goals

At the end of the semester the student should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate gains of basic knowledge of primary theoretical concepts in nonverbal communication (NVC) research, in relation to visual, auditory, tactile, proxemic, and time and place codes, and the functions of nonverbal communication.
  2. Show the ability to analyze a variety of interactions through application of NVC (nonverbal communication) concepts.
  3. Present an understanding of the role of NVC in the broader activities of communication in a variety of settings.

Possible texts

Anderson, P. D. (1999) Nonverbal communication: forms and functions. Mayfield

Hickson, M. L., Stacks, D. W., & Moore, N-J. (2003) Nonverbal communication: Studies and applications, (4th edition) Roxbury Press

Huddleston, W. (1999) , Dimensions in Nonverbal Communication, Fort Worth: Harcourt.

Knapp, M. L. & J. A. Hall (2002) Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction (5th edition) Wadsworth.

Remland, M. S. (2000) Nonverbal Communication in Everyday LifeHoughton Mifflin

Assignments

Exams to test for vocabulary, concepts, and theories that are influential in research

Exercises to work through specific NVC usages and scenarios

Analysis of daily life instances of NVC in action;

Group projects and presentations on an issue about NVC. Some examples are NVC in the family (Marriage, with children, in the Elderly); NVC at work (Job interviews, Leadership and credibility, Superior-subordinate interactions); NVC and intimacy (recognizing couples at different intimacy levels, how NVC changes as people get to know one another); NVC in mediated environments (NVC on the TV News, NVC and computer-mediated-communication, NVC on the telephone, NVC as part of the use of the mobile phone); NVC and resistance to persuasion; NVC and portrayals of attractiveness and attraction the media.

Other resources

Magazines, films, TV shows, books of literature, advertisements.

Journal of Nonverbal Behavior; Journal of Social and Personal Relationships