Nonverbal Communication, SP227
Understanding how the invisible language creates reality
Darlene Geiger, M.S.
Winter 2005

Time: MWF 10:15-11:20
Location: PCAT 128
CRN 43168 section 001
Office: NH 39, Hours: Tuesdays 11-1:00 (& by appointment)
Phone and voice mail: 503-725-4194
E-mail: geigerd@pdx.edu (e-mail is the best way to contact me outside office hours)

Teaching Assistant: Tina Rust tina@crystalvue.net

Required Text:

Guerrero, L. K., DeVito, J. A., & Hecht, M. L. (Eds.). (1999). The nonverbal communication reader: Classic and contemporary readings (2nd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.
Note: Text can be purchased at the PSU bookstore 1880 SW 6th Ave. in Urban Center.

Lecture Text is on reserve at Millar Library:
Leathers, D. G. (1997). Successful nonverbal communication: Principles and applications (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Course Description

Nonverbal communication has vital impact on the interpretation of messages and the creation of reality. This course is designed to explore the function that nonverbal cues have in society as well as critically analyze each of the three nonverbal communication systems: visual, auditory and invisible. More specifically, this class will consider the cues derived from the nonverbal codes: facial expression, eye behavior, kinesics, proxemics, haptics, physical appearance, paralanguage and chronemics. This class will take an interactive approach to gaining an in-depth awareness of how context not only affects perception but also how the presentation of nonverbal cues in context can affect communication outcome. A group research paper is required.

Course Objectives:

To understand the functions that one's own behavior can serve in interpersonal and/or group situations so that one may reflect on the desired behaviors that can make daily interactions more effective.

To describe nonverbal behavior using objective terminology, rather than subjective interpretations, in an effort to systematically analyze nonverbal messages for meaning.

To comprehend and analyze nonverbal research findings as presented in the readings, lectures, discussions and assignments.

To demonstrate how knowledge of nonverbal cues can be used to understand social phenomena through guided inquiry.

Course Expectations: Be aware of the messages your own behaviors send

It is expected that you are accountable: Come to class on time. The approach that we will take, as a class, will be one of a cooperative learning environment. Individually, you will be part of a cooperative group of three to five people formed the second week of class. You are responsible for reading the assigned material before discussion. You are relied upon for sharing class materials and interpretations (handouts, notes, text interpretations and assignment specifics) and whatever else is necessary for everyone in your group to be 'up-to-speed' at all times.

It is expected that you are interdependent: This class relies on active participation. Your learning in this course is dependent upon the level of responsibility that you choose to take for yourself and for your colleagues. Come to class on time. Our class is a learning community in which each person is considered necessary to the intellectual growth of his/her colleagues. In other words, positive group interaction, tolerance and interest in your class member's progress are essential student characteristics to the overall success of this course. Therefore the class will be as useful and rewarding as you choose to make it and your choice does not only effect your own education, but that of your colleagues as well.

NOTE: It is expected that any student who may need an accommodation for any sort of disability should immediately contact me so that together we may provide the necessary arrangements for your success in this course.

Attendance Policy

Because your colleagues are dependent on your individual contributions in class, attendance is mandatory. If you do not show both accountability and interdependence toward your group (see "Course Expectations" above), you could be ejected from your research team base group. In which case your grade will be substantially lowered and no alternative assignments will be made available to you.

If extenuating circumstances should occur and you are unable to come to class, it is your responsibility to contact a group member to get yourself caught up. A member of your base group will share any lecture notes and materials presented during your absence. You will provide the same in return. Your group research depends upon your commitment to this class, and a significant portion of your grade is based on peer evaluation of that commitment. A strong sense of accountability and interdependence is imperative for a successful base group and class. Whatever your excuse, whether it is a car accident or campus event, if you miss more than three hours of class (eg, two classes plus a tardy), your grade will be lowered. This is an important consideration for whether this term is a good time for you to take this course.

Coursework Requirements

There are two exams: one midterm and one final. There is one research paper that requires incremental submissions: proposal, data, first draft of the "work-in-progress" and the final draft. There are also various tasks/assignments throughout the quarter, including a log of your and others' nonverbal behaviors. Finally, participation, attendance and collegiality are required.

The assignments are as follows: