Undergraduate Courses
Communication Challenges for the Health of Humankind
Qualitative Research Methods
Empirical Research Methods in Communication
Persuasion
Nonverbal Communication
Conflict Communication
Relational Communication
Discussion and Analysis
Advanced Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication
Oral Communication
Introduction to Communication and Rhetoric
Course Descriptions
Faculty of Communication, CULTURE & SOCIETY, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Communication Challenges for the Health of Humankind (6 ECTS; starting in 2022)
Globalization of modernity and inherent sustainability issues are taking a visible toll on the health and well-being of humankind. Global crises like the Covid-pandemic or climate change showed us serious weaknesses in human communication. In the coming years, more successful communication will become increasingly important for our health and peaceful coexistence. Will we succeed or fail in uniting humankind to confront its grand challenges together? This is one of the most existential questions ever encountered, and it is addressed to communication science.
The objective of this course is to help students understand the role and potency of human communication in emerging global health matters, and to provide students with the communicative competence to participate in these discussions in a unifying way, as these skills are becoming increasingly crucial. The course consists of three parts. The first section focuses on human nature, human health, and the nature of human communication. In the second part, special emphasis is given to communication themes that are now rapidly arising in the context of globalization and the digital age. The third part discusses future challenges to the health of humankind, and opportunities therein for the field of communication.
Throughout this course, students will actively engage in readings, media resources and interactive class discussions on “grand challenges” and current “hot topics.” Students will be encouraged to focus these discussions to their own specific interests to make them more tangible to their own lives. They will also be asked to consider the role of technology in supporting a healthier communication for a healthier future of humankind.
Qualitative Research Methods (3 ECTS; 2016 – 2021)
This course exposes students to the core historical, epistemological and theoretical approaches to qualitative research. The course will highlight the various aspects of qualitative research, and compare its strength and weaknesses to quantitative research approaches. Students will also learn about the process of developing and conducting qualitative research and how to apply various techniques related to the collection and analysis of qualitative data.
Department of Communication, Wake Forest University
Introduction to Communication and Rhetoric (COM 100; 2009 – 2011)
This course provides an overview of key concepts and theories that guide our understanding of human communication in various contexts (i.e., interpersonal, small group, public, organizational, mass media, and intercultural communication). The primary goals of this course include developing students’ abilities to (1) define and describe the complex nature of communication, (2) identify and describe the various contexts of communication study, (3) explain the various features of communication common to all contexts, (4) connect theoretical concepts of communication to real-life experience, (5) define key terms used by communication researchers and practitioners, and (6) begin to understand and speak the language of the communication discipline.
Empirical Research Methods in Communication (COM 220; 2009 – 2011)
This course focuses on social scientific methods for conducting communication research. The course is especially designed to provide students with the ability to demonstrate general knowledge of empirical research methods and objectives; critically consume empirical research presented in scholarly journals and popular culture reports; assess the appropriateness of various research methods in response to questions asked by researchers; understand how to design a preliminary communication study using social scientific research methods; select appropriate analysis strategies based on certain variables of interest; and conduct basic analyses with a given data set.
Persuasion (COM 353; 2009 – 2011)
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the role communication plays in the social influence process. The primary goal of this class is to help students understand the techniques and factors that lead to changes in attitudes and behavior. After taking this class, students are able to (1) define key terms used by social influence researchers and practitioners, (2) explain, compare and contrast major classic and contemporary social influence theories and models, (3) assess the types of situations where each concept or theory would be most relevant, and (4) summarize the key ethical principles and implications involved in the social influence process.
Nonverbal Communication (COM 370; 2009 – 2011)
This special topics course is designed to introduce students to theory and research on how humans communicate nonverbally. We discuss several components of nonverbal communication, including the different nonverbal codes (facial expressions, gestures and touch, proxemics, vocalics, eye contact, and personal appearance), applications of these codes (impression management, deception, successful interviewing and how to sell oneself nonverbally), contextual influential factors on nonverbal communication such as sex and cultures, and the significance of nonverbal communication in legal and healthcare settings.
The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University
Nonverbal Communication (COM 317; 2006 – 2009)
This course introduces students to theory and research on how humans communicate nonverbally. We discuss several components of nonverbal communication, including touch, proximity, vocal quality, eye contact, facial expression, personal appearance, gesturing, and gender and culture differences in nonverbal behavior.
Conflict Communication (COM 312; 2006 – 2009)
This course analyzes real-life strategies and scholarly explanations of communication used in the management of conflicts. The course material is both theoretical and practical in nature, and equips students to deal with relational conflict, feel more confident in negotiating, and be more informed about conflict and gender, bullying, and mediation.
Relational Communication (COM 310; 2006 – 2009)
This course concentrates on defining and understanding basic communication processes that occur within the context of close relationships, and is organized around three general topic areas: (1) developing and escalating relationships, (2) maintaining fair and satisfying relationships, and (3) coping with relational challenges.
Interpersonal Communication (COM 110; 2006 – 2009)
This course is designed to teach students fundamental concepts related to interpersonal communication across a variety of interactions, such as those with friends, co-workers, family members, and romantic partners. It focuses on learning the processes and challenges involved in interpersonal communication.
School of Communication, San Diego State University
Discussion and Analysis (COM 296; 2004 – 2006)
This course is designed for freshmen and elaborates topics discussed in the introductory oral communication course COM 103.
Advanced Public Speaking (COM 204; 2004 – 2006)
This course builds on Com 103 and teaches students skills and practice on extemporaneous speaking on subjects of current interest, both national and local, with stress on organization and delivery.
Oral Communication (COM 103; 2004 – 2006)
This course trains students in the fundamental processes of oral expression, methods obtaining and organizing material, outlining, and the principles of attention and delivery. As part of this course, students gain practice in the construction and delivery of various forms of speeches.