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

1. Explain important communication theories, perspectives, and concepts.
2. Develop an awareness of cultural diversity in the U.S. and its effects on human interactions in our multicultural society.
3. Analytically create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.
4. Develop effective presentations supported by appropriate visual aids.

1. Foundations of Communication
   1. Communication Perspectives
      1. Communication contexts and characteristics
      2. The communication process
      3. Communication principles & characteristics
   2. Communication and Ethics
      1. Ethical principles
      2. Communication in the 21^st century (mediated and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and styles
      3. Guidelines for improving listening skills
4. Communication Applications
   1. Interpersonal communication & relationships
      1. Types and 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 and problem-solving
      4. Evaluating group effectiveness
   3. Public Speaking
      1. Speech-making process
      2. Informative speaking
      3. Persuasive speaking