After a brief exposure to general background material, students will interact with a diverse sample of the scientific literature on human communication. The sample will include the following topics:

a) Turn-taking and repair
b) Grounding
c) Egocentrism and miscommunication
d) Speech act theory
e) Politeness theory
f) Other perspectives on human communication

- Know the major concepts, theories, and issues relevant to the study of human communication

- Demonstrate information literacy by accurately interpreting, summarizing and presenting information from primary sources

- Exhibit effective presentation skills within appropriate constraints (e.g., time limit, audience)

Attendance policy. Attendance is very important for this class and will be monitored. At the beginning of the semester every student is automatically awarded five points toward the final grade for the attendance. After the third absence, each absence will lead to a penalty of two points toward the final grade, which will be subtracted from the attendance grade. For example, if you cumulate five absences over the semester, you will lose one point toward the final grade whereas, if you miss less than four classes, you will be awarded five points. In other words, a six points net difference. Students who miss class are encouraged to acquire all of the missed information from fellow students in the class.

Textbook. There is no textbook for this class. The reading for the class will be a mix of chapters from academic textbooks and primary scientific sources such as scientific reports and literature reviews.