Intro to Communication

Catalog description

This course provides an introductory survey into the study of communication. Through new and iconic communications research, we will study how humans create "meaning," using words or symbols or gestures, and explore the ways that communication has changed over the generations. Focus will be on how human beings interact, whether alone, in groups, with friends and family, or at work, but other forms of communication - such as that of animals - will also be considered. Among the topics we will look at are how babies learn to communicate; what impact such factors as gender identity, culture, social class, and ethnicity have on how people relate to each other; why certain words are considered "taboo" in a culture; whether the language a person speaks influences their thoughts and perceptions; and e-mail, texting, or sitting in front of computer screens affects communication.