Course Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class examines the dynamics of communications between people. Students will learn the development of self-concept, perception, listening skills, and feedback as they affect the communication process. Non-verbal communication, attitudes, beliefs, and values will also be explored.

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:

This course is an introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of interpersonal communication. Students will gain practical insights into how to become better communicators, with an emphasis on the spoken exchange (and non-verbal cues) rather than the written word. Coursework includes opportunity to test comprehension, apply learning in real-world situations, analyze communication challenges and suggest solutions, and interact with peers and others throughout the learning process.

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

1) Students will understand the role of interpersonal communications in relationships and in personal growth and development.

2) Students will be able to explain communication influences within family dynamics, in social and work situations, in friendships, and within committed romantic relationships.

3) Students will demonstrate conflict management techniques.

4) Students will analyze real-world, personal communication styles and opportunities.

5) Students will apply sociological, psychological, political and ethical concepts to their study of interpersonal communication.

6) Students will collaborate with peers during class, actively practicing and observing skills; students will also participate in self-directed activity using online tools to collaborate with peers.

7) Students will practice active listening and other feedback techniques designed to improve communication and understanding.

8) Students will practice facilitation skills that are designed to enhance workplace communications, including improving team interaction and business meetings.

Outcomes/Assessments:

1) Cognitive: Students will assess and set goals for personal change.
2) Performance: Students will improve communication, listening, feedback, facilitation and conflict resolution skills .
3) Affective: Students should strive to improve relationships, social stature and self-confidence through improved interpersonal communication.


TEXT:

Julia T. Wood, “Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters” 5th Edition

ASSIGNMENTS/Points Breakdown:
Late work must be discussed with the professor prior to the due date.

1 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION PLAN (200 points)

2 JOURNAL ENTRIES -- You will prepare five (5) sets of journal entries based on reading assignments between class meeting dates. (5 x 20 points ea. = 100) These will be shared and discussed with peers using Blackboard interaction (discussion board format).

Each student will need to submit his or her own entry to that week’s journal prompts (from instructor, per the reading assignments), as well as offer feedback to at least two peers’ postings each week. That’s a total of three postings, minimum. Rubric for scoring includes: quality of thought/reflection, value of contribution to peer’s self-exploration process, and evidence of the care taken to prepare the communications.

3 FILM analysis applying key concepts from text. (200 points)

4 MIDTERM (online) - 100 points

5 FINAL EXAM – Students will need to complete the Final Exam available on the Blackboard site, due on June 23 at 6 p.m. (200 points). Instructor may require printed version of final exam be brought to final class meeting as well (so don't wait to the last minute to complete the exam!). For the final class meeting, come prepared to report on the progress of the Personal Communication Plan you developed at the beginning of the course.

6 PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE - 200 points

Total Possible Points = 1,000

SCORING

The following scale will be used when calculating final grades:

A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D 63-66%
D- 60-62%
F 0-59%