Curriculum Overview
Master in Nonverbal and Deceptive Behavior
Welcome to the Curriculum Overview of our Master in Nonverbal and Deceptive Behavior program. This specialized program is designed to provide students with a profound understanding of nonverbal communication, body language, and the psychological aspects of deceptive behavior. Our curriculum offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to master the intricacies of nonverbal cues and their applications in various professional settings.
Below is a detailed table outlining each course included in the program, along with descriptions and key learning outcomes. This structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to excel in fields such as law enforcement, psychology, and corporate communication.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISM500 | Technological Learning Tools. | 3 | This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the virtual learning environment. Students will become proficient in utilizing tools such as the Moodle platform and Google Drive, engaging in activities such as online questionnaires, activity submissions, forum participation, and interactive sessions with peers and instructors in a virtual setting. They will also learn to create accounts, access the Google Drive cloud, and collaborate on documents with colleagues and teachers. This training is highly beneficial in today's digital landscape, where proficiency in these technological tools is increasingly essential both professionally and personally. Prerequisite: None |
| ITN501 | Introduction to Nonverbal Behavior | 3 | This course offers students a rigorous understanding of emotional processes and their correlation with nonverbal behavior, grounded in solid scientific foundations. They will explore various approaches to the study of emotion and its physiological underpinnings. Additionally, students will grasp fundamental concepts related to non-verbal behavior and delve into the study and practical application of the NBAM protocol, a validated analytical tool in research. Through this course, students will appreciate the significant role of emotions in social interactions and recognize the practical utility of non-verbal behavior analysis for accurate interpretation. Prerequisite: ISM500 |
| FEX501 | Facial Expression (I) | 3 | The goal of this course is to prepare students to recognize emotions through facial expressions. It includes a comprehensive review of various coding systems, focusing on the FACS and EMFACS protocols developed by Dr. Ekman and his team, which are widely recognized in the scientific community. Students will explore the concept of micro-expressions and practice identifying basic emotions by detecting facial action units. They will undergo practical training using photography and video programs designed by Dr. Matsumoto and his team. Upon completion of this training, students will be equipped to apply facial expression analysis in their respective fields, enhancing their ability to understand others. Prerequisite: ISM 500; ITN 501 |
| PEC501 | Proxemic, Prosodic and Other Expression Channels | 3 | This course provides comprehensive training in the various channels of non-verbal expression. Students will explore the management of distances and spaces (proxemics), the interpretation of acoustic patterns in voice (prosody), the significance of touch (haptics), the importance of appearance, and the nuances of gaze (oculesics). Using the NBAM protocol, students will conduct a practical case study involving the analysis of non-verbal behavior across all these expressive channels. This integrated approach prepares students to apply their skills to real-world scenarios effectively. Prerequisite: ISM500; ITN501 |
| RSC550 | Research and Scientific Communication | 3 | This course provides students with a focused perspective on scientific research. They will gain skills in conducting bibliographic searches in scientific databases, learn various bibliographic reference formats, develop a deep understanding of APA referencing guidelines, and acquire knowledge in disseminating research through conferences and scientific poster presentations. This training is designed to equip students with the academic rigor necessary to excel in scientific writing and professional work. Prerequisite: ISM500; ITN501 |
| FEX502 | Facial Expression (II), Gestures and Postures | 3 | In this course, we delve deeper into the interpretation of facial expressions, expanding our studies to include facial analysis of infants and reviewing current facial recognition software. Additionally, we explore two other forms of non-verbal expression: gestures and postures, drawing exclusively on scientific literature to discern valuable insights from speculative claims. Students will understand the benefits of mastering these two additional expressive channels, applying their knowledge in practical contexts. Prerequisite: ISM 500; ITN 501; FEX 501 |
| DCD501 | Deceit Detection (I) | 3 | In this course, students are introduced to the world of lie detection from a rigorous scientific perspective. The fundamental concepts in this field are defined, and the content analysis tools used by psychologists and security forces in advanced countries are thoroughly examined. Through the application of these content analysis techniques, students will learn to assess the credibility of testimonies. Prerequisite: ISM 500; ITN 501 |
| DCD602 | Deceit Detection (II) | 3 | This course, the third and final installment dedicated to lie detection, goes beyond reviewing basic police techniques. It conducts a rigorous examination of the latest advancements in lie detection investigations, presenting a comprehensive exposition of meta-analytical conclusions derived from both verbal and non-verbal indicators. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape in deception detection and insights into the future directions of study in this field. Prerequisite: ISM500; ITN501; DCD501 |
| DCD603 | Deceit Detection (III) | 3 | This course, the third and final installment dedicated to lie detection, not only reviews police techniques but also conducts a rigorous examination of advancements in investigative lie detection. It offers a comprehensive exposition of meta-analytical conclusions derived from both verbal and non-verbal indicators of deception. Students gain an overview of the current state of deception detection and insights into the future directions of study in this field. Prerequisite: ISM 500; ITN 501; DCD 501 |
| NPF601 | Nonverbal Behavior in The Professional Field | 3 | This course explores the practical applications of studying non-verbal behavior across various professional fields. Students will examine how mastery of this discipline benefits negotiations, labor relations, medical practices, therapeutic interventions, and commercial transactions. The course emphasizes the theoretical and practical foundations necessary for students to enhance their job performance and develop professional reports if requested to serve as experts in the field. Prerequisite: ISM500; ITN501 |
| SAV501 | System for Analysis of Validity in Evaluation (SAVE) | 3 | In this course, students will acquire a methodology that integrates knowledge and skills from various scientific fields, providing a comprehensive set of interdisciplinary tools essential for expert activities. Specifically, students will learn to develop their own formula X = (V1 + V2 + V3) VO. This formula includes components such as plausibility and truthfulness from the interview process, and verification and assessment from the investigation phase. Moreover, students will be introduced to the SAVE Meta-protocol, which establishes a systematic approach to behavior analysis. This protocol simplifies the structuring of various behavior analysis protocols into a single expert report preparation process. Prerequisite: ISM500; ITN501 |
| CAP601 | Capstone Project | 3 | The Capstone Project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students. Each student will receive continuous tutoring to support them with academic writing. Additionally, students will be required to present their work in front of an online tribunal of professors who will evaluate it. This experience will be invaluable in their professional life, helping them consolidate their knowledge into a practical document and enhancing their public communication skills. Prerequisite: ISM 500; ITN 501; RSC 550 |
Each course is designed to build on the previous one, providing a cohesive and comprehensive education that prepares students for leadership roles in the field of nonverbal communication and deception detection. Enroll today to become an expert in interpreting nonverbal cues and make a significant impact in your professional field.