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James Baker

Full-Time Faculty

Phone: 408-855-5411
Email: [email protected]
Office Location: SEC-248N
Department: Communication Studies

During his Ph.D., James focused on research examining the nature of student motivation, cognition, and learning in and outside of the classroom - and how this may or may not be influenced by instructor behaviors. Also, he was interested in investigating the dark side of interpersonal relationships, such as conflict, relational turbulence, jealousy, among others.

James loves sharing these theoretical and research-based practices in his Communication Studies classes.


Education

  • Ph.D., Instructional Communication
    • West Virginia University
  • M.A., Communication Studies
    • California State University, Sacramento
  • B.A., Communication Studies,
    • California State University, Sacramento

Courses Taught

  • Interpersonal Communication,
  • Small Group Communication
  • Public Speaking
  • Persuasion, Organizational Communication,
  • Undergraduate Communication Research Methods
  • Communication Theory
  • Introduction to Human Communication

Fast Facts

James grew up in the Bay Area and enjoys exploring all that California has to offer. When not teaching, he loves traveling with his wife, Megan. He also has an awesome Australian Shepherd mix dog, named Indy, who is full of energy and who is spoiled. James enjoys hiking, traveling, skiing (both snow and water), cooking, spending time with family and friends, and the outdoors.


Favorite Quotes

“Not all those who wonder are lost” - J.R.R. Tolkien

“I want a life I can live, not just a life I can live with” – Zachary Kale