Course: Fundamentals of non-verbal communication

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Course title Fundamentals of non-verbal communication
Course code KZU/ZNKBN
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Foret Martin, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Opletalová Veronika, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Foretová Petra, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introductory session, overview of course content and completion requirements. 2. Non-verbal communication and (vs.) non-verbal behavior; fundamental areas in the study of non-verbal communication; approaches to studying non-verbal communication. 3. The human face as a means of non-verbal communication; eye contact and gaze. 4. Facial expressions: facial expressions and mimicry; tools for measuring facial expressions. 5. Introduction to the FACS (Facial Action Coding System); micro-expression analysis; laughter and smiles. 6. Facial expressions: laughter and smiles and their role in communication. 7. Gestures and approaches to their study; types of gestures. 8. Gestures and approaches to their study: an intercultural perspective. 9. Deception in communication; possibilities of non-verbal lie detection. 10. Touch and contact behavior (so-called tactile communication). 11. Proxemics and the role of distance in communication. 12. Non-verbal communication from an intercultural perspective I: proxemics and haptics. 13. Non-verbal communication from an intercultural perspective II: chronemics and time perception. 14. Course closure and evaluation of student work.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization), Group work
Learning outcomes
The goal is to familiarize students with the ways in which people communicate nonverbally. Various channels through which people express themselves non-verbally, the functions of non-verbal communication, and contextual factors influencing non-verbal communication will be covered. Attention will be paid not only to traditional areas of non-verbal behavior (ranging from facial expressions and gestures to posturics and proxemics), but also to less frequently addressed yet equally important areas (chronemics, olfactics, oculesics). Intercultural aspects regarding the use and functioning of non-verbal communication will also be discussed. Among other things, the course also aims to debunk traditional myths and half-truths that have surrounded the study of non-verbal communication from the outset.
Students are familiar with the fundamental areas of non-verbal communication research. Students are knowledgeable about the latest findings in individual areas of non-verbal communication research. Students are able to distinguish between scientific findings and non-scientific claims about non-verbal communication. Students are capable of analyzing non-verbal behavior in selected communication situations.
Prerequisites
Completion of the courses Introduction to Communication Studies (KZU/USKBN) and Social Communication (KZU/SKN).

Assessment methods and criteria
Final project

REQUIREMENTS FOR COURSE CREDIT: 1. Attendance at seminars (a maximum of 2 absences allowed). 2. Oral presentation on a selected topic (+ handout for other seminar participants). COLLOQUIUM REQUIREMENTS: 1. Seminar paper (submission no later than 5 business days before the scheduled colloquium). 2. Defense of the seminar paper + general knowledge of the topics covered in the seminar. Emphasis is placed primarily on the ability to discuss and debate topics in the field of non-verbal communication. Important Notice Regarding Moodle (moodle.upmedia.cz) The course has its virtual support portal hosted on the learning system of the Department of Media and Cultural Studies and Journalism in Moodle. It is an integral part of our instruction. In Moodle, you will find learning materials and links to additional useful resources.
Recommended literature
  • Blažek, V. Trnka, R. (eds.). (2009). Lidský obličej Vnímání tváře z pohledu kognitivních, behaviorálních a sociálních věd. Praha.
  • Ekman, P., Friesen, W. V., & Fadrný, J. Emoce pod maskou: poznám, co si myslíš, podle toho, jak se tváříš.
  • KLEIN, Z. (1998). Atlas sémantických gest. Praha.
  • Knapp, M. L., Hall, J. A., & Horgan, T. G. Nonverbal communication in human interaction.
  • Vybíral, Z. (2003). Lži, polopravdy a pravda v lidské komunikaci. Praha.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2022) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2025) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2019) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter