Course Descriptions

CMN 102 - Introduction to Communication [SUN# COM 1100]

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Introduction to the function, basic concepts, and skills of oral communication in interpersonal and public address situations. Includes foundations of communication, perception of self and others, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication and relationships, public speaking, and group communication.

Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - Other and C, G; Meets CTE - A&H or SBS and C, G.

2.          Develop an awareness of cultural diversity in the U.S. & cultural variables (i.e. race, gender, age, religion, etc.) that affect human interactions in our multicultural society.

3.          Create & critically analyze messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.

4.          Demonstrate specific communication skills that facilitate the sharing of meaning in personal, group, and public speaking settings.

1. Foundations of Communication
   1. Communication Perspectives
      1. Communication contexts and characteristics
      2. The communication process
      3. Communication principles & characteristics
   2. Communication & Ethics
      1. Ethical principles
      2. Communication in the 21^st century (mediated & mass communication)
      3. Globalization and communication
   3. Communication and Perceptions
      1. The perception process
      2. Perception of self
      3. Perception of others
   4. Communication Competence
      1. Communication apprehension
      2. Communication Improvement plans
2. Cultural Diversity Issues in Communication
   1. Understanding Culture
      1. Culture defined
      2. Dominant culture & co-cultures
      3. Addressing stereotyping and prejudice
      4. Cultural identity (race, ethnicity, sex, gender, religion, age/generation, disability)
      5. Cultural diversity consciousness in the U.S.
   2. Cultural Influences on Communication
      1. Individualism vs. Collectivism
      2. Uncertainty avoidance
      3. Power distance
      4. Masculinity vs. Femininity
      5. Views of time (monochronic vs. polychronic)
      6. High & Low Context
   3. Developing Intercultural Communication Competence
      1. Barriers to intercultural communication competence (Ethnocentrism, Marginalization, Discrimination)
      2. Competent intercultural communication strategies (tolerance for ambiguity, empathy, mindfulness)
3. Communication Processes
   1. Verbal messages
      1. The Nature of language
      2. Language & meaning
      3. Guidelines for improving verbal communication
   2. Nonverbal message
      1. Characteristics of nonverbal communication
      2. Types of nonverbal communication
      3. Guidelines for improving nonverbal communication
   3. Listening
      1. The Listening process
      2. Listening types & styles
      3. Guidelines for improving listening skills
4. Communication Applications
   1. Interpersonal communication & relationships
      1. Types & stages of relationships
      2. Dialectics in personal relationships
      3. Managing interpersonal conflict
      4. Guidelines for improving interpersonal communication
   2. Small group communication
      1. The Nature & types of groups
      2. Conflict in groups
      3. Group leadership & problem-solving
      4. Evaluating group effectiveness
   3. Public Speaking
      1. Speech-making process
      2. Informative speaking
      3. Persuasive speaking

CMN 110 - Public Speaking

1. Demonstrate basic critical thinking/analytical and organizational skill of the speech development and evaluation process.
2. Understand the impact of cultural diversity in the U.S. & cultural variables (i.e. race, gender, age, religion, etc.) on messages in various communication contexts.
3. Explain the basic steps of a speechmaking process.
4. Demonstrate principles/ techniques of informative, persuasive, special occasion, and small group speaking in a multicultural society.

1. Critical and Organizational Skills
   1. The responsibility of the public speaker in a multicultural society
      1. The Ethics of public speaking
      2. Avoiding ethnocentrism
      3. Civility
   2. The Responsibility of the Listener in the Public Speaking Context
      1. Introduction to listening
      2. Developing effective listening skills
      3. Showing respect
   3. Managing Nervousness
      1. Forms of communication apprehension
      2. Causes for public speaking anxiety
      3. Strategies for reducing public speaking anxiety

1. Understanding cultural diversity in the U.S.
   1. Culture and communication

      1. How culture influences communication

      2. How communication influences culture

      3. Communication as resistance to the dominant culture system

1. Identity and communication

1. Social and cultural identities (gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.)

2. Stereotypes, Prejudice, Discrimination

3. Developing cultural consciousness

1. Context and power

      1. Public discourse and social structure

      2. The “power” effects of labels

      3. Communication styles in various contexts

1. The Speechmaking Process
   1. Topic Selection
      1. Finding information
      2. Evaluating information and avoiding plagiarism
      3. Developing specific purpose and central idea
      4. Supporting your ideas
   2. Audience Analysis
      1. Demographic audience analysis
      2. Situational audience analysis
      3. Adapting the topic to the audience
   3. Organizing the Speech
      1. The body of the speech
      2. Introductions and conclusions
      3. Organizational patterns
      4. Outlining the speech
   4. Presenting the Speech
      1. Guidelines for presentational aids
      2. Wording the speech
      3. Methods and strategies of effective delivery
      4. Speech evaluation and critique
2. Types of Public Speaking
   1. Informative speaking
      1. Characteristics of informative speeches
      2. Managing bias in an informative speech
      3. Guidelines for speaking to inform
   2. Persuasive speaking
      1. Types of persuasive speeches
      2. Persuasive speaking strategies
      3. Types of argument & argument fallacies
      4. Selecting propositions for persuasive speeches
   3. Special occasion speaking
      1. The speech of introduction
      2. The speech of presentation
      3. The acceptance speech
      4. The speech of tribute
   4. Developing and delivering team presentations
      1. Steps of preparing a team presentation
      2. Strategies for delivering a team presentation

CMN 120 - Business and Professional Communication

1. Explain basic concepts, principles, processes, and techniques of intercultural, cross-cultural, and small group communication in a multicultural/global business environment.
2. Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity in the U.S. & cultural variables (i.e. race, gender, age, religion, etc.) that affect business communication in the U.S.
3. Understand how diverse cultural beliefs, values, norms, & practices influence cross-cultural communication in international business.
4. Demonstrate principles and techniques of interviewing.
5. Demonstrate principles/techniques of informative, persuasive, and special occasion speaking in diverse cultural business contexts.

1. Communication in a Multicultural/Global Business Environment
   1. The Nature of Business Communication
      1. Communication principles & models
      2. Ethical dimensions of communication
      3. Communication competence
2. Globalization & Communication
   1. The concept of international business in a global marketplace
   2. Cultural synergy & the global organization
   3. Technology & globalization
3. Organizational Culture
   1. Characteristics of Organizational Culture
   2. Communication Networks
   3. Communication Barriers
4. Cultural Diversity Issues in Business Communication in the U.S.
   1. Communication in a culturally diverse society
      1. Race & Ethnicity
      2. Social class/status
      3. Generational differences
      4. Regional differences
      5. Disabilities & military veterans
5. Diversity and ethical issues
   1. Relativity vs. Universality
   2. Self-reflexivity
   3. Sense of social justice
6. Diversity-consciousness & cultural competence
   1. Cultural literacy and cultural humility
   2. Constructive attitudes
   3. Strategies for adapting one’s communicative behaviors
7. Cultural Differences in International Business
   1. Fundamental Dimensions of Cultural Diversity
      1. Individualism vs. Collectivism
      2. Power Distance
      3. Masculinity vs. Femininity
      4. Uncertainty Avoidance
      5. Confucian dynamism
8. Customs & Behaviors Across Cultures
   1. Social norms
   2. Formality
   3. Gender roles
   4. Tolerance for conflict
9. Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
   1. Verbal & Nonverbal messages
   2. Tolerance for ambiguity
   3. Ethnorelativism
   4. Listening at Work
   5. Cross-cultural conflict management & resolution strategies/techniques
10. Principles and Techniques of Interviewing
    1. Interviewing Strategies
       1. Planning the Interview
       2. Conducting the Interview
       3. Post-interview follow-up
11. Types of Interviews
    1. The information-gathering interview
    2. The career research interview
    3. The employment interview
12. The Ethics of interviewing
    1. Interviewing and the Law
    2. Obligations of the interviewer
    3. Obligations of the interviewee
    4. Handling difficult questions
13. Business Speaking in Culturally Diverse Contexts
    1. Types of business presentations
       1. Informative presentations
       2. Persuasive presentations
       3. Group presentations
       4. Special occasion speaking
    2. Researching, Organizing, and Delivering Informative, Instructional, and Persuasive Presentations
       1. Claims of fact, value and policy
       2. Analysis of customer need (selling benefits)
       3. Problem/solution and cause/problem/solution organizational patterns
       4. Monroe’s motivated sequence for building on need
       5. Similarities, differences, and conversion techniques
       6. Guidelines for effective use of presentational aids
    3. Group Process in Business
       1. The Nature and Types of teams (including virtual teams)
       2. Leadership and Influence in teams
       3. Effective Communication in teams

CMN 130 - Small Group Communication [SUN# COM 2271]

1. Explain the nature and functions of small group communication.
2. Analyze social interactions, leadership, influence (power), and decision-making processes in small groups.  
3. Demonstrate basic techniques and principles of effective small group interactions.  
4. Prepare a small group presentation.   

1. The Nature and Functions of Small Group Communication  
   1. Components of small group communication
   2. Models of small group development
   3. Socialization process
   4. Characteristics of small group tasks
   5. Diversity among small group members
2. Leadership, Influence, and Decision-Making in Small Groups
   1. Approaches to small group leadership
      1. Classic leadership approaches
      2. Popular communication leadership approaches
   2. Types of decision-making procedures  
   3. Relational communication among small group members
      1. Verbal and nonverbal communication
      2. Listening
3. Principles of Small Group Interactions
   1. Small group roles
   2. Personality traits
   3. Conflict in small groups
   4. Cohesion and climate in the small group
   5. Guidelines to enhance communication competence
4. Designing and Delivering Small Group Presentations  
   1. Analyzing the audience
   2. Selecting a topic
   3. Organizing
   4. Supporting materials
   5. Delivery

CMN 140 - Interpersonal Communication [SUN# COM 1110]

1. Describe the nature and main concepts, characteristics, roles, and core principles of interpersonal communication.
2. Critically analyze the impact/effect of media, technology, gender, and culture on communication patterns, elements, messages, processes, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and self-expression styles.
3. Apply relevant interpersonal communication theories to develop and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.
4. Demonstrate interpersonal communication competence in multiple contexts to achieve intended goals.

1. Foundations of Interpersonal Communication

1. Definition and models of interpersonal communication
2. Functions and influences of interpersonal communication
3. Impact of diversity, culture, and gender on interpersonal communication
4. Impact of self-concept and perception: ways to strengthen your self-concept
5. Gaining communication competence: enhancing your perceptual abilities

1. Messages

1. Styles, types, and stages of listening
2. Listening ethics
3. Language and relationships: communication styles, words, and feelings
4. Functions and characteristics of nonverbal communication
5. Conversations: management, cultural, and gender differences
6. Gain communication competence in verbal and nonverbal communication

1. Dynamics

1. Relationships and emotions
2. Gender, culture, and the expression of emotions
3. Media and technology: channeling feelings
4. Trust, deception, and relationship ethics: culture, gender, and technology lessons
5. Power and influence in relationships
6.    Conflict in interpersonal relationships: guidelines for resolving conflict
7. Gaining communication competence: mastering relationship complexities

1. Relationships in Context

1. Types and characteristics in relationships
2. Culture, gender, and technology in relationship formation
3. Intimacy and distance in relationships
4. Relationships in our lives: family, work, and health-related contexts
5. Gaining communication competence across contexts

CMN 200 - Intercultural Communication

1. Articulate the connection between culture and communication.
2. Demonstrate the ability to be culturally self-aware.
3. Explain the role of cultural patterns, cultural identity, cultural bias, verbal and nonverbal codes in the development of intercultural interpersonal relationships.
4. Demonstrate communication skills that improve intercultural communication competence in interactions with culturally dissimilar others.

1. Communication and Intercultural Competence
   1. Introduction to Intercultural Competence
      1. The demographic imperative
      2. The technological imperative
      3. The economic imperative
      4. The interpersonal imperative
      5. The challenge of communicating in an intercultural world
2. Culture and Intercultural Communication
   1. Defining culture
   2. Forces that maintain cultural differences
   3. Cultural differences in communication
   4. Cultural taxonomies and intercultural communication
3. Intercultural communication competence
   1. The United States as an intercultural community
   2. Components of intercultural competence
   3. Basic tools for improving intercultural competence
4. Cultural Differences in Communication
   1. Foundations
      1. Defining cultural patterns
      2. Components of cultural patterns
      3. Characteristics of cultural patterns
5. Taxonomies
   1. Hall’s high- & low-context
   2. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions
   3. Schwartz’s cultural taxonomy
   4. The Globe cultural taxonomy
6. Cultural identity
   1. The nature of identity
   2. The formation of cultural identity
   3. Characteristics of cultural identity
7. Cultural Biases
   1. Social categorization
   2. Ethnocentrism
   3. Stereotyping
   4. Prejudice
   5. Discrimination
   6. Racism
8. Coding Intercultural Communication
   1. Verbal Intercultural Communication
      1. The power of language
      2. Definition of verbal codes
      3. Language, thought, & culture
9. Nonverbal Intercultural Communication
   1. Characteristics on nonverbal codes
   2. Cultural universals in nonverbal codes
   3. Cultural variations in nonverbal codes
   4. Nonverbal functions & messages in intercultural communication
10. The Effects of Code Usage in Intercultural Communication
    1. Preferences in the organization of messages
    2. Cultural variations in persuasion
    3. Cultural variations in the structure of conversations
11. Communication in Intercultural Relationships
    1. Intercultural Competence in Interpersonal Relationships
       1. Cultural variations in interpersonal relationships
       2. The maintenance of Face
       3. Improving intercultural relationships
12. Episodes, Contexts, & Intercultural Interactions
    1. The social context
    2. The healthcare context
    3. The educational context
    4. The business context
13. The potential for Intercultural Competence
    1. Intercultural contact
    2. Power differences between groups
    3. The ethics of intercultural competence

CMN 209 - Introduction to Communication Technology

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Introduction of communication technology and its applications to everyday life in the 21st Century. Focuses on the effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on our society, culture, and interpersonal relationships. Includes important communication technology approaches, concepts, and skills, future forecasting and trends, mass communication theory, and critical digital literacy. Also includes using technology tools for the effective creation of messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.

2. Explain how communication technology affects our society, culture, and interpersonal relationships

3. Demonstrate ability to recognize some important communication technology applications

4. Increase computer mediated communication (CMC) competence in the use of communication technologies by creating messages appropriate for the audience, purpose, and context.

            A. Defining New Media

            B. Approaches to Communication Technology

            C. New Media Channels (media richness, synchronicity, social presence, guidelines for         choosing a channel)

            D. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) Competence

II.  Communication Technology Effects

            A. Cultural Effects (cultural imperialism, hegemony, impact on cultural diversity, impact on    cultural identity)

            B. CMC in Interpersonal Relationships

            C. Communication in Virtual Groups

III. Communication Technology Applications

            A. Social Media

            B. Virtual Environments

            C. Communication Technology and Self: video game effects, films/TV/music/streaming, Internet

          addiction, identity and perception

IV. Communication Technologies Skills and Competencies

       A. Mediated Platform Assessment

       B. Message Encoding and Creation

       C. Audience Analysis

CMN 228 - Research Methods in Communication

1. Explain how research methods are used to study communication behavior.
2. Explain how to plan, design, and conduct communication research using appropriate methodology.
3. Demonstrate principles and techniques of qualitative methods of communication research.

1. Conceptualizing Communication Research
   1. Introduction to the research culture
      1. Importance of knowing research methods
      2. Making claims and offering evidence
      3. The research process
   2. Ask questions about communication
      1. Define communication research
      2. Areas of communication research
      3. Basic versus applied communication research topics
      4. Research questions and hypotheses
   3. Find, Read, and Use Research
      1. Reasons for reviewing previous research
      2. Read scholarly journal articles
      3. Write a literature review
2. Plan and Design Communication Research
   1. Observing and designing communication variables
      1. Measurement theory
      2. Measurement methods
      3. Measurement techniques
   2. Design a valid communication research
      1. Measurement validity
      2. Measurement reliability
      3. Sampling
   3. Research ethics and politics
      1. The politics of academic research
      2. Ethical issues involving research participants
      3. Ethical decisions involving research findings
   4. Methodologies for Conducting Communication Research
      1. Survey Research
      2. Textual analysis ( narrative, conversational analysis)
      3. Naturalistic inquiry (ethnography, interviewing)
3. Analyzing and Interpreting Data
   1. Describe data
   2. Infer from data
   3. Appropriate uses of the techniques
   4. Re-conceptualizing communication research
   5. Discuss research findings
   6. Identify limitations of the research
   7. Suggest future research