Back to course 'COMM001: Principles of Human Communication'

Topic outline

  • Unit 1: Foundations of Human Communication

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    This first unit will provide an overview of human communication, its components, practices, and theories. At the heart of this unit 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. The components that you study in this unit provide building blocks for the applied units that follow.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 19 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • define the major components of the human communication process;
      • recognize the impact of diversity and culture on interpersonal communication and group communication;
      • explain the functions of verbal and nonverbal communication;
      • demonstrate the ability to use language accurately, expressively, and appropriately in communication settings;
      • explain the perception of self and others;
      • list the ethical responsibilities of communicators in a diverse society; and
      • identify and apply communication theories.

    • 1.1: Defining Communication

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        Defining Communication and Communication Study URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read Chapter 1 for an introduction to the study of communication: the exchange of information or meaning between individuals. While you read, pay attention to the definition of communication, the linear model of communication, and the transactional approach to communication. These models are the foundation for human communication and the remainder of this course. Complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter. These assignments will help prepare you for the final exam.

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        Elements of Communication Page
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        What is Communication? Page
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        This brief video defines communication and discusses how communication is part of our daily lives. Communication is studied by a number of other science and humanities disciplines. It is the core of the human experience. The communication pyramid is one model for identifying the importance of communication in society today.

    • 1.2: Verbal Communication

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        Verbal Communication URL
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        Read Chapter 2 for an in-depth discussion of verbal communication and its functions. As you read, pay attention to the definition of verbal communication as a rule-bound system of symbols. Understanding the basic function of verbal communication in our lives is a critical component of human communication. Complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter.

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        A Primer on Verbal Communication URL
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        Mark as done

        Read this chapter to review verbal communication and the elements that must be considered as we construct our verbal communications. Some of the elements to keep in mind include meaning and symbols, connotation and denotation, abstraction, and concrete language.

    • 1.3: Nonverbal Communication

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        Nonverbal Communication URL
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        Read Chapter 3 for an in-depth discussion of nonverbal communication and its functions. The authors reinforce the notion that our actions (nonverbal communication) often speak truer or louder than verbal communication. After you read, complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter.

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        Understanding Nonverbal Communication Page
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        Mark as done

    • 1.4: Perception and Impression Management

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        Impression Management Page
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        Read these lecture notes for a summary of impression management, also known as identity management. This is how you manage your identity when you communicate with others. Impression management goes hand-in-hand with the perception process.

    • 1.5: Ethical Communication

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        Understanding the Ethics of Public Speaking URL
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        Mark as done

        Read this chapter, which discusses ethical communication. Attempt the exercises at the end of each section, as well as the chapter exercises. 

    • 1.6: Intercultural Communication

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        Intercultural Communication URL
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        Read Chapter 12 for an introduction to intercultural communication – the effects of culture on communication. Pay attention to the many cultural factors that influence how you communicate in your own culture or when you are confronted by unfamiliar cultures. After you read, complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter.

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        Culture and Communication Page
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        Mark as done
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        Effective Cross-Cultural Communication Page
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        Mark as done

    • 1.7: Introduction to Communication Theory

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        Communication Theory URL
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        Mark as done

        Read this chapter for an introduction to communication theory, which we will start to apply later in this course. After you read, complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter.

      • 1.7.1: Coordinated Management of Meaning

      • 1.7.2: Symbolic Interactionism

      • 1.7.3: Attribution

      • 1.7.4: Constructivism

      • 1.7.5: Elaboration of Likelihood

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          Elaboration of Likelihood Model URL
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          Mark as done

          Read the section on the Elaboration of Likelihood Theory. This theory of persuasive communication attempts to predict how much thought people give to analyzing messages and why they do or don't analyze messages. This theory is the heart of persuasive communication.

      • 1.7.6: Social Judgment

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          Social Judgment Theory URL
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          Read the Social Judgment Theory section. This theory of persuasive communication predicts that individuals are more likely to agree with messages they already judge as valuable. The more you know about the attitudes, beliefs, and values of the person you are trying the persuade, the better prepared you can be to modify your message to align with their judgment. This theory is critical to understanding persuasive communication.

      • 1.7.7: Social Penetration

      • 1.7.8: Uncertainty Reduction

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          Uncertainty Reduction Theory Page
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          We are more comfortable with predictable interactions. People feel a need to reduce their uncertainty about others by learning more about them to predict their behavior more easily.

      • 1.7.9: Groupthink

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          Groupthink Page
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          Read this overview of the theory of groupthink, which helps us understand how communication practices and deference to others in group decision-making can hurt outcomes.

      • 1.7.10: Issues of Face

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          Face Negotiation Theory Page
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          Mark as done

          Face Management theory acknowledges that individuals are concerned about how others perceive them. This theory is often referred to as the politeness theory. We work at maintaining a public image and when we fail at keeping up that appearance we "lose face" and may suffer some embarrassment. Public image is created through our interpersonal communication.

    • 1.8: Rhetorical Criticism

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        Rhetorical Criticism URL
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        Read Chapter 7, which covers rhetorical criticism and its place in communication theory. Pay attention to its historical underpinnings and uses today. After you read, complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter.

    • 1.9: Gender Communication

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        Gender Communication URL
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        Read Chapter 13, which discusses gender communication theory. Pay attention to the applications of gender communication theory. After you read, complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter.

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        Communication and Gender Page
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        The first lecture discusses how language affects gender in society, the use of language and symbols, and how these affect our interpretations of ourselves and others. It provides insights into communication barriers and strategies for improving interpersonal interactions based on gender communication theory. The second lecture addresses nonverbal cues in the communication process.

    • Unit 1 Assessment

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        Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
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        Receive a grade
        Receive a passing grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.