Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1318-005 Interpersonal Communication

Prerequisites

Course Description

Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance and termination in relationship contexts including friendships, romantic partners, families and relationships with co-workers and supervisors.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Textbook: Messages, custom edition, Joseph Devito, available only in the AC bookstore. .

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

 

Course Overview:

Interpersonal communication invites students to examine their present communication style and to improve their competency in communicating with other people. Through reading and participating in practical class exercises, students will explore the basic elements of interpersonal communication, including critical thinking, self-concept, perception, listening, verbal and non-verbal expression, emotional expression, conversational skills, personal relationships, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, and personal power. That means we'll be looking at how well we get along with others and tips for all of us to improve our people skills.

IPC - Learning Outcomes: Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance and termination in relationship contexts including friendships, romantic partners, famlies and relationships with co-workers and supervisors.

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1.   Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles.

2.   Demonstate ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal interactions in mediated and face-to-face contexts.

3.   Identify perceptual processes as they relate to self and others.

4.   Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating and applying communication theories in oral and written assignments.

5. Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of cross-cultural, co-cultural, gender and age influence on human communication.

6. Demonstrate ability to identify, evaluate and apply conflict styles and conflict management techniques in dyads and/or groups.

7. Identify types of and barriers to effective listening.

 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

CLASS POLICIES:

 

>This class relies upon two major concepts: (1) your active participation in discussions and other class activities and (2) a close analysis of your own communication tendencies with people with whom you associate and/or meet.

 

>Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement and is strongly recommended.  Obviously your class participation in discussions and class activities will directly affect your grade.  Attendance will count as 5% of your grade. Class participation will also count as 10% of your grade.

 

>No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor. It is your responsibility to drop or withdraw from the class.

 

>There will be three unit quizzes mainly comprised of objective questions. Questions will be taken from assigned reading and class notes. Each quiz will count as 15% of your final grade. 

 

>Two papers will be assigned, a nonverbal observation paper which will count as 15% of your grade and a film analysis paper which will count as 10% of your grade.  These need to be two pages, typed, double spaced, with 1” margins and Times New Roman 12 pt. font.  Specific instructions for each paper will be discussed during the appropriate class period.  Twenty points will be deducted for late papers.

 

>Group project presented at the end of the semester will count as 15% of your grade.

 

>  Plagiarism is serious academic misconduct.  What you do must be your own work.  Source citations are essential for information you get from other places.  Any discovered plagiarism will result in a grade of 0.

 

>Extra credit opportunities may be arranged with the instructor.

Confidentiality:

Many communication courses ask students to engage in a level of self-disclosure not usually characteristic of other courses (e.g. Calculus).  Different people will feel comfortable with varying levels of self-disclosure.  While I would like you to draw from your personal experience, you may choose to talk about yourself or someone you know.  If it is the latter, in the interest of confidentially they should remain nameless.  While some things in this course may be therapeutic, this class is not therapy.  Therefore I reserve the right to limit self-disclosure if it is not in keeping with the objectives of the course.  Additionally, because some individuals will be sharing personal stories, I expect there to be a level of confidentiality among the members of the class and respect for their classmates’ privacy.  

Grading Criteria

\ GRADING POILCY:

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\ 90-100      A

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\ 80-89        B

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\ 70-79        C

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\ 60-69        D

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\ 0-59          F

Attendance

No attendance information available

Calendar

Additional Information

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