Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1318-020 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

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.   Define and explain basic communication terms and principles which undergird competent communication in personal, social and professional settings.

2.   Analyze various communication contexts.

3.   Understand the process of perception and the part perception plays in communicating with others.

4.   Improve listening skills.

​5.   Understand the process of intercultural communication.

6.   Apply communication principles and theory in diverse circumstances and demonstrate effective communication,distinguishing effective from less-effective responses.

7.   Become aware of the stages of relational development and deterioration.

​8.   Describe the influence of both verbal and nonverbal messages in communication.

​9.   Demonstrate use of appropriate citations for all reference work used in papers and presentations.

​10.  Participate in class and group presentations.

​11.  Demonstrate courtesy and respect for classmates.

 

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

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.

 

>Individual 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:

 

90-100      A

80-89        B

70-79        C

60-69        D

0-59          F

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information