Course Syllabus

MMC 4000

MMC 4000: NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Thursday: Periods 8 & 9 (3:00 4:55pm)
Weimer Hall G037
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:

Mr. Gabriel Stephen

Weimer Hall G040
TR Periods 3 & 4

PHONE:
E-MAIL:
WEBSITE:

(352) 846-1154
gcstephen@ufl.edu
Available via Canvas

COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the features of nonverbal
communication. Basic concepts of nonverbal communication such as the foundation, codes and
functions will be discussed. Additionally, this course will provide students with current practical
and theoretical evaluations of nonverbal communication and its role in the mass communication
field.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
Describe the nature of the relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication.
Identify major areas of research (and common methodologies) in nonverbal
communication.
Recognize the role of nonverbal behaviors/communication within specific contexts and
relationship types.
Apply principles of nonverbal communication in simulated or experimental contexts.
Analyze nonverbal behaviors in communicative interactions.
PREREQUISITES FOR COURSE
PUR3000 Principles of Public Relations
PUR3500 Public Relations Research
PUR3801 Public Relations Strategy
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS & MATERIALS
Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2010). Nonverbal communication. Boston,
MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Manusov, V. & Patterson, M. L. (Eds.) (2006). The Sage handbook of nonverbal
communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (HANDBOOK)
Students will need to have reliable access to an internet-ready device capable of using the
course website (via Canvas) and clearly viewing online videos.
CLASS FORMAT
This course will make use of lecture and discussion methods of instruction. Additionally, this
course will utilize experimental methods to best address the theoretical and conceptual features
of nonverbal communication. Students may expect in-class activities, lecture, discussion,
nonverbal cue analysis, and out-class assignments throughout the duration of the class.
CLASS POLICIES
Academic Integrity: The students of the University of Florida recognize that academic honesty
and integrity are fundamental values of the University community. Students who enroll at the
University commit to holding themselves and their peers to the high standard of honor required
by the Honor Code. Any individual who becomes aware of a violation of the Honor Code is bound
by honor to take corrective action. Student and faculty support are crucial to the success of the
Honor Code. The quality of a University of Florida education is dependent upon the community
acceptance and enforcement of the Honor Code.
Violations of the student honor code include, but are not limited to, the following:

Course Syllabus

MMC 4000

A. Plagiarism. A student shall not represent as the student's own work all or any portion of
the work of another. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:
Quoting oral or written materials including but not limited to those found on the
internet, whether published or unpublished, without proper attribution.
Submitting a document or assignment which in whole or in part is identical or
substantially identical to a document or assignment not authored by the student.
B. Unauthorized Use of Materials or Resources ("Cheating"). A student shall not use
unauthorized materials or resources in an academic activity. Unauthorized materials or
resources shall include:
Any paper or project authored by the student and presented by the student for the
satisfaction of any academic requirement if the student previously submitted
substantially the same paper or project to satisfy an academic requirement and did
not receive express authorization to resubmit the paper or project.
Any materials or resources prepared by another student and used without the other
student's express consent or without proper attribution to the other student.
Any materials or resources which the faculty member has notified the student or the
class are prohibited.
Use of a cheat sheet when not authorized to do so or use of any other resources or
materials during an examination, quiz, or other academic activity without the express
permission of the faculty member, whether access to such resource or materials is
through a cell phone, PDA, other electronic device, or any other means.
For more details about student conduct code procedure: https://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr.
Class Participation: Students are expected to actively participate in class discussion and in-class
activities. Because of the inherent nature of nonverbal communication, it is imperative for
students to engage in active learning to best comprehend the functions of nonverbal
communication. Students are also expected to show due respect to their peers and the instructor
while taking part in class discussions and activities.
Late Papers/Assignments/Incompletes: Barring unforeseen, emergency circumstances, no late
assignments will be accepted.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to be present for every class period. If it is the case
that a student must be tardy or absent from a class meeting, it is there responsibility to inform
the instructor before the scheduled class time. Excused absences require extenuating
circumstances such as serious or contagious illness, caregiving for a family member with an
illness, official university business or official government business (i.e. military duty, jury duty,
subpoena, summons).
In cases of inclement weather, please refer to official University channels (i.e. UF homepage,
emergency texts and e-mails) for any class cancellations. The instructor will also make a formal
announcement about any class cancellation up to one hour prior to the start of class.
E-mails: The instructor will make every attempt to respond to e-mails in a timely fashion typically within 24 hours, Monday through Friday barring unforeseen priority obligations (i.e.
research deadlines, University engagements, meetings, personal contracts).
Laptop Computers and Other Electronic Devices: Personal computers are allowed for notetaking purposes in class provided they do not serve as a distraction to the owner or other
students. If a computer is found to be used for non-essential application (i.e. games, social media,
messaging) the student will be asked to leave the class and further use of the computer in future
classes will be allowed only on a probationary basis.

Course Syllabus

MMC 4000

Cellular/Digital/Smart Phones and Other Electronic Devices: Students are asked to silence
and stow away cell phones or personal messaging devices of any kind prior to the start of the
class period. Disruptions to the class will not be tolerated.
Food & Drinks: With respect to the length of each class meeting, food will be permitted as long as
it meets the criteria of being library appropriate. Only snack-style foods foods that do not
require heating and/or utensils to consume - will be tolerated. Drinks must include a sealable cap,
lid or cover. Please refrain from consuming foods or drinks with intrusive odors. It is to the
discretion of the instructor to decide the appropriateness of foods or drinks in the classroom.
Students with Disabilities: Students are encouraged to utilize the Universitys student
resources if it is the case that they require assistance in the classroom. Reference the Resources
section at the end of the syllabus for disability service contact information.
ASSIGNMENTS & EVALUATION
Nonverbal Analysis (100 points, 10%): This goal of this assignment is for students to begin the
process of exercising their nonverbal communication perceptiveness. The purpose of this
assignment is not to generate a comprehensive analysis, but rather to initiate the practice of
being active thinker and evaluator of the nonverbal communicative behaviors going on in
everyday life. Students are to observe people interacting with one another in public, common
situations and examine the nonverbal behaviors that they witness. From those observations,
students will write a 3-5 page paper that describes what was observed, discusses its possible
meanings, and explains why what was observed was nonverbal communication. Students should
also prepare a short presentation on their significant findings and evaluation from the nonverbal
communication framework.
Due: January 29
Nonverbal Assessments (200 points, 20%): The goal of this assignment is to develop students
ability to critically evaluate mass media communication within the nonverbal framework in an
applied context. Students will search for a brief press conference video online and write a 1 page
debrief of the primary speaker evaluating the contents based on the codes and functions of
nonverbal communication. Assessments are due at the start of class.
Due: Weekly, February 5 April 16 (excluding March 5)
Nonverbal Influence Paper (250 points, 25%): The goal of this assignment is for students to
focus on a particular aspect of nonverbal communication and its influence on society (as
discussed in class). Referencing any of the covered topics from class, students are to further
research the historical, cultural, scientific, or behavior influences of nonverbal communication
and generate an 8-10 page analysis paper. Additionally, students must present their paper by
providing a summary of the key points of their paper and the significant features of their
research.
Due: Topic Submission February 12
Literature Review February 26
Paper & Presentation March 12
Research Study (350 points, 35%): The goal of this assignment is to develop a research paper
that can be submitted to a communication conference. Students will participate in all aspects of
designing and conducting a research study. Students will be graded on their initiative, quality of
work, attention to detail, attitude, timeliness, and problem solving ability. Additionally, on the
last day of class, students will provide a debriefing of the research study (i.e., explanation of
findings, implications of findings, limitations of study, future directions, and concluding remarks)
in written and oral form.
Due: Outline & Supplemental Materials - March 26
Literature Review April 9
Paper & Presentation - April 30

Course Syllabus

MMC 4000

Participation (100 points, 10%): The active nature of this course means that students are
expected to be fully prepared for each class session ready to contribute meaningfully and
productively to the discussion.
Due: Accumulative
Summary
Nonverbal Analysis

100 Points
1. Paper (80)
2. Presentation (20)

10%

Nonverbal Assessments

200 Points
10 sessions x 20 points each

20%

Nonverbal Influence
Paper

250 Points
1. Topic Submission (20)
2. Literature Review (50)
3. Paper & Presentation (180)

25%

Research Study

350 Points
1. Outline & Supporting Materials (50)
2. Literature Review (100)
3. Final Paper (200)

35%

Participation

100 Points

10%

Total:

1000 Points

100%

GRADING SYSTEM
High Achievement

A = 1000 900

A+ (970)

A (900)

A- (900)

Meets Expectations

B = 899 800

B+ (870)

B (830)

B- (800)

Below Expectations

C = 799 700

C+ (770)

C (730)

C- (700)

Inadequate Performance

D = 699 = 600

D+ (670)

D (630)

D- (600)

Failure

E = 599 - 0

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE

(The instructor reserves the right to amend and reassess portions of the syllabus; changes will be
announced in class)
Week/Date

1:

January 8

Topic
Syllabus;
Introduction to
Nonverbal
Communication;
Foundation:
Historical Overview

Readings

Syllabus; Manusov &

Patterson: Introduction,
Ch. 1

Assignment Due

N/A

Course Syllabus

MMC 4000

2:

January 15

Foundation: Theory
& Methods;
Nonverbal Analysis
Assignment

3:

January 22

Influence: Culture &

Science

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 2 & 3; Manusov
& Patterson: Ch. 7

N/A

4:

January 29

Influence: Behavior;
Nonverbal Analysis
Presentations

Manusov & Patterson: Ch.

9, 12, & 13

Analysis Paper;
Analysis Presentations

5:

February 5

Codes: Skills &

Abilities; Nonverbal
Influence
Assignment

Manusov & Patterson: Ch.

5

Assessment 1

6:

February 12

Codes: Body

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 4

Assessment 2;
Nonverbal Observation:
Topic Submission

7:

February 19

Codes: Visual &

Auditory

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 5

Assessment 3

8:

February 26

Codes: Contact

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 6

Assessment 4;
Literature Review

9:

March 5

NO CLASS: Spring
Break

NO CLASS

NO CLASS

10: March 12

Nonverbal Influence
Presentations;
Research Study
Assignment

N/A

Assessment 5; Paper &

Presentations

11: March 19

Functions: Selfexpression

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 11; Manusov &
Patterson: Ch. 16 & 25

Assessment 6

12: March 26

Functions:
Impressions

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 9 & 14;
Manusov & Patterson: Ch.
17 & 19

Assessment 7; Outline
& Supporting Materials

13: April 2

Functions:
Dominance & Power

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 13; Manusov &
Patterson: Ch. 15

Assessment 8

14: April 9

Functions: Intimate
Relationships

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Floyd: Ch. 12; Manusov &
Patterson: Ch. 14 & 21

Assessment 9;
Literature Review

15: April 16

Functions:

Burgoon, Guerrero, &

Assessment 10

Manusov & Patterson: Ch.

2&3

N/A

Course Syllabus

MMC 4000

Deception

Floyd: Ch. 15; Manusov &

Patterson: Ch. 18

16: April 23

NO CLASS: Reading
Days

NO CLASS

NO CLASS

17: April 30

Research
Presentations

N/A

Paper & Presentations

COURSE & INSTRUCTOR EVALUATIONS

Students are expected to provide honest and constructive feedback on the course and instructor;
the information provided with assist the University and instructor in providing the best
education to students. Submit course evaluations at the conclusion of the course at:
www.evaluations.ufl.edu.
RESOURCES
Division of Student Affairs | (352) 392-1261 | www.ufsa.ufl.edu
UF Student Affairs is an all-encompassing education advocacy organization (comprised of
13 departments) that provides students with a wide range of services, educational
opportunities, learning, support, outreach, activities and engagement opportunities and
services.
UF Counseling & Wellness Center | (352) 392-1575 | www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc
A department featured within student affairs that specializes in providing counseling
resources to students, couples or groups on an array of topics from student wellness to
crisis/emergency intervention to drug and alcohol support.
Disability Resource Center | (352) 392-1261 | www.dso.ufl.edu/drc!
Provides students with practical assistance, accommodations and services in and outside
of the classroom. Registration required (not reflected in students records).
Computer/Technology Assistance | (352) 392-HELP (4357) | helpdesk@ufl.edu
The UF IT department provides a number of services for computers, smartphones,
software and general technological assistance.
Knight Division for Scholarships, Career Services and Multicultural Affairs (1080
Weimer) | www.jou.ufl.edu/knight
The Knight Division is responsible for coordinating the colleges undergraduate
scholarship and assistantship programs, career resource activities and recruitment and
retention of students from underrepresented groups.
Career Resource Center | www.crc.ufl.edu
The CRC provides students with career development opportunities including workshops,
seminars, career counseling, job fairs and internship placement.