Examines communication as a process of face-to-face interaction in which people express and negotiate social meanings and social relationships. Includes the study of social and cultural codes in interpersonal communication, with special reference to contemporary American subcultural groups and their communication patterns. Through assigned readings and the viewing of films, the course integrates theory and practice in applying theory to cases and examples. (VPLA, I&S)
This course is offered 100% online and runs from September 30, 2026, to December 18, 2026.
Online, Self-Paced (Quarterly Start)
You'll earn 5 academic credits for successfully completing this course.
Professor Emeritus, Department of Communication | University of Washington
Gerry Philipsen was a full-time faculty member in communication at the University of California at Santa Barbara from 1972 to 1978, and in 1978 he joined the faculty of the University of Washington. He retired in December of 2013 but continues to work on research and teaching in the study of cultural codes of communication and communication in work groups and teams. At the University of Washington, he received the Distinguished Teaching Award and the award for Distinguished Faculty Contributions to Lifelong Learning.
In 2013, he was named, by election, a Distinguished Scholar of the National Communication Association. In 35 years at the University of Washing-ton he supervised 35 students through the Ph.D. degree in the study of cultural codes in communication. At the university he also served as Chair of the Faculty Senate, Secretary of the Faculty and as a Department Chair.
