• Course Introduction

        • Time: 19 hours
        • Free Certificate
        This course will give you an overview of human communication, its components, practices, and theories. At the heart of this course is the process of human communication and appreciating the nature of the communication transaction between individuals. You will investigate forms of human communication, the communication process, as well as principles and theories that are used to assess and explain communication practices.

        • Course Syllabus

          First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

        • Unit 1: Defining Communication

          This unit will provide you with the basics for understanding what communication is and how you can effectively use the study of Communication in your life.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

        • Unit 2: Verbal Communication

          In this unit, we will explain the definition of verbal communication, highlight the differences between written and verbal communication, and demonstrate how verbal communication functions in our lives.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

        • Unit 3: Nonverbal Communication

          Like verbal communication, nonverbal communication is essential in our everyday interactions. In this unit, you will examine how nonverbal communication functions in helping us communicate with each other.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

        • Unit 4: Perception and Impression Management

          In our personal, professional, and public lives, there will always be occasions when we see things differently from others. In this unit, you will learn why we see and interpret things differently and how it influences our communication with others.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

        • Unit 5: Ethical Communication

          You don’t have to look too far today to see examples of unethical communication. Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter are making efforts to prevent “fake news” from being posted and shared. This unit will help you understand the importance of presenting information that is not misleading.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

        • Unit 6: Intercultural Communication

          When we talk about culture we usually refer to the belief systems, values, and behaviors of a social group. In this unit, you will study how culture affects communication and communication affects culture.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

        • Unit 7: Introduction to Communication Theory

          In our personal and professional lives, we often ponder the “right” ways to communicate with someone. In this unit, you will explore theoretical issues relevant to the study of Communication and their functions.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.
        • Unit 8: Rhetorical Criticism

          When we communicate with one another, we often use symbols such as text, images, performances, and gestures. In this unit, you will learn why it is important to analyze these symbols.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.
        • Unit 9: Gender Communication

          In this unit, you will look at the ways in which gender has been constructed in our society and the ways in which we communicate about the idea of gender.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.
        • Course Feedback Survey

          Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

          If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

        • Certificate Final Exam

          Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

          To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

          Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.