Interpersonal Communication

The text I use when teaching interpersonal communication is, “Looking out, Looking In,” by Adler and Proctor. Click here to be taken to find it on Amazon. Please email me with any questions regarding my teaching methods or lessons.

A special thanks to my former professors, Brent Bean and Eric Embree, for helping me create this course.

Syllabus:

Course Description:
The study of Interpersonal Communication is the study of interaction between people. It is not only the conversation, but the study of relationships, problems, and situations and how they can be dealt with in a positive manner. This course is designed to study interpersonal communication from a descriptive as well as analytical point of view. The topics of interpersonal relationships, self-concept, perception, emotions, verbal and nonverbal language, listening, intimacy, climate, and conflict will be discussed. Possible methods of enhancing interpersonal communication situations will be practiced through discussion, role play, writing, and observance.

* This course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

Course Goals and Objectives:
1. The student will understand the need to reflect upon interpersonal communication practices.
2. The student will gain knowledge of concepts, theories, and research findings in interpersonal communication.
3. The student will develop and practice communication skills in a supportive environment.
4. The student will learn the vocabulary of interpersonal communication theory and practice.
5. The student will understand various contexts (friendship, family, etc.) in which interpersonal communication occurs.

Class Policies:
1. Academic Dishonesty– Cheating on exams and plagiarism of papers constitutes grounds for failure of that assignment, and potential failure of this course.
2. Late Work– Unless we have made previous arrangements, late work will not be accepted. Please don’t even ask.
3. Out of Class Contact– The best way to get in contact with me outside of class is with a simple text message. Feel free to text, call, Facebook message, or email me at any time. I will respond at my earliest convenience, but will most likely to give you a quick response if you text me.
4. Respect & Flexibility- This semester will be unlike any other that you’ve taken and I’ve taught. As long as you remain patient with me and your classmates, I promise to always do the same. Give each other the benefit of the doubt and I promise we will get through this together.

Assignments:
1. Participation Points- Because of the nature of the material and the importance of class discussion, students are required to attend each class. Students are allowed two absences before their grade will be affected. Remember, participation points are a citizenship grade and are therefore earned by you.
2. Exams- There will be three exams that will be taken in the classroom consisting of true and false, multiple choice, matching questions, and short answers.
3. Chapter Captures- The captures are designed to ensure success for all students in the class. Admittedly, they can be tedious if you do not care for the content. But they will help you apply the concepts and theories of this course and help you become a better communicator. I also allow you to use your captures during the exams.
4. Daily semester journal (including weekends): Each student is required to record five good things that happened to them for 90 days throughout the semester. Each entry needs to be a complete sentence. Extra credit can be earned if you journal more than the required 90 days.
5. Communication Essays: Students will be assigned short papers that promote interpersonal communication. Each paper only needs to be one page long, normal font (Calibri, Cambria, Times New Roman), size 10-12 font, single-spaced. The papers are:
o Digital Distractions- Article review.
o Go to Lunch- Find an opportunity to “take someone to lunch.” Write about who you went with, what you talked about, and what you gained from this experience.
o Disability paper- Go without use of a body part of sense for an hour or more. Write about what you experienced and learned.
o Ten Qualities- Get at least three people to write down ten qualities about you. Email, write, or call them to get this assignment done. Write what you learned about yourself from this assignment.
o Letter- Write a letter to a hero in your life and describe how they have affect your life. Alternatively, write a letter to your future or current spouse concerning the communication you want for your future lives together. This assignment can be any length.