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 - Options 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