Course Syllabus

COMM 2110 Interpersonal Communication

Course Description

The study of interpersonal communication is the study of interaction between people. It is not only the conversation, but the psychology of relationships, problems, and situations and how they can be dealt with in an effective manner. This course is designed to study interpersonal communication from a descriptive as well as analytical point of view. The topics of interpersonal relationships include; Cognitive Psychology, 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, critical evaluation, feedback and observance.

Justification

COMM 2110 is a study of interpersonal communication variables and situations.; It is designed to aid students in improving social relationships, psychological awareness, increasing self-awareness and in using effective communication to achieve personal goals.; Interpersonal Communication is a practical and general course designed for students who desire to improve their communication effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on relationship communication skills as well as conflict resolution for both social and professional settings. Emphasis is also placed on delivery of at least two professional oral presentations performed during the semester. The course currently fills the Social and Behavioral Science general education category at Dixie State and University of Utah. Similar courses are taught at all USHE institutions.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Interpersonal communication is an exchange of information between two or more people. The major theories in the field of Communication, as well as psychology, will be discussed and students are required to apply these theories while analyzing an event from their own lives. As part of a personal analysis, \they will critically analyze cultural biases and how these biases impact their behavior and the behavior of others. Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method and social science research methods by designing a simple research project. Students will learn that every culture has unique communication patterns, which influence one's perception of conversations, and views of the world. Communication skills are developed and may be enhanced or improved with increased knowledge and practice. Students will demonstrate an understanding of this outcome through a research project, presentations, class discussions, quizzes and exams.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will write papers and/or essay-formatted tests that will demonstrate their comprehension and utilization of concepts, theories, and practices of interpersonal communication. Students are required to locate and read several articles from professional research journals, read the articles, and then write a summary (abstract) for each article. Each paper will be returned with suggestions for improving the student's written communication skills. Students will demonstrate an ability to read, retrieve, evaluate, interpret, and deliver information through assignments, a presentation, class discussions, quizzes and exams.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students will deliver a minimum of two oral presentations and one research paper during the semester which demonstrate their understanding of the cognitive psychology concepts and/or research ideas. Students will be encouraged to participate in a variety of activities used to enhance social relations and define roles within teams, often involving collaborative tasks. These activities are intended to improve performance in a team-based environment. Through classroom discussions, observations, and at least one group presentation students will demonstrate their ability to understand and manage conflict as part of a team.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason quantitatively.  Students will be encouraged to investigate and become aware to the knowledge that the more diverse an individual's cultural background is, the more different their styles of communication will be. Therefore, the first step, before communicating is for students to be able to reason analytically, critically, and creatively .about each person's background, ideas and beliefs and how these aspects influence the interpretation of their behaviors in relation to communication. Students will demonstrate an understanding of this outcome through classroom discussions, a critical thinking assignment, quizzes and exams.
5.  This course is multidisciplinary using psychology and communication. These two disciples work well together to help students understand why individuals think, behave, and communicate the way they do.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will be able to understand and explain the importance of effective communication skills within cultures. These skills are essential in a variety of settings in their lives. Through a variety of intercultural readings and class discussion students will be introduced to the history and influences of human culture and the effect that can be created on communication patterns. Some topics may include how cultures are influenced by communications, how communications influence cultures, and the contributions of human behavior and societies. Class discussions, projects, quizzes and/or exams will be used as tools to help students examine and demonstrate an understanding of historical periods and cultures from a social and behavioral science perspective. Students will be able to understand and explain the importance of effective communication skills within cultures. These skills are essential in a variety of settings in their lives. Through a variety of intercultural readings and class discussion students will be introduced to the history and influences of human culture and the effect that can be created on communication patterns. Some topics may include how cultures are influenced by communications, how communications influence cultures, and the contributions of human behavior and societies. Class discussions, projects, quizzes and/or exams will be used as tools to help students examine and demonstrate an understanding of historical periods and cultures from a social and behavioral science perspective.
2. Develop and communicate hypothetical explanations for individual human behavior within the large-scale historical or social context. In order to become better interpersonal communicators, students will start by examining the effect of culture on oneself. Students will then be encouraged to critically analyze many causes and effects of human behavior on the individual, communities, larger societies and globally. Through classroom discussion, projects, quizzes, and/or exams students will demonstrate their understanding and interpretations of the intricate nature of human behavior and culture.
3. Draw on the social and behavioral sciences to evaluate contemporary problems using social science research methodology. Students will develop skills to research, observe, and analyze interpersonal communication in everyday life, among cultural diverse populations, and on a global level. This may be done through the examination of a issues where students will evaluate past, current, and future trends in human behavior and how one can use research methodology to solve real-world problems. Students will be encouraged to develop skills to engage in mindful, reflexive, and accountable dialogue through cultural differences. Through class discussion, quizzes and/or exams, students will demonstrate their ability to identify and understand various benefits and challenges involved with interpersonal communication.
4. Describe and analytically compare social, political, economic, cultural, geographical, and historical settings and processes other than one’s own. Students will examine a variety of current and historical psychology patterns, and societal trends. This may be done through a research project addressing how there are many different cognitive processes besides one's own. Geographical, and other physical influences will be addressed as an influence on communication and the development of societal trends. The students will be asked to analyze their basic assumptions and experiences regarding communication and social issues. Through writing projects, quizzes and/or exams students will be asked to try looking at the world from another perspective.
5. Explain and use the social-scientific method to test research questions and draw conclusions. Through textbook study, primary texts, and other sources, students will be asked to examine communication and psychology theories, case studies, and/or controversies within the societal trends, cultures and/or global issues. Students will be asked to demonstrate their ability to test research questions, find clear and well-reasoned arguments, and draw comprehensive conclusions. A completion of this outcome will be demonstrated through a group or individual project.
6. Write effectively within the social science discipline, using correct disciplinary guidelines, to analyze, interpret, and communicate about social science phenomena. This course stresses the relationship between clear, simple prose and thoughtful social analysis. By conducting original research, students learn to effectively use basic skills, such as sentence and paragraph construction, as well as advanced aspects of data analysis, and report organization. Students will be required to demonstrate effective writing skills in the social science disciple. A completion of this outcome will be demonstrated through a research paper.

Course Content

This course will include: characteristics of competent communication; interpersonal communication theories, psychology models, and processes; Intercultural components of communication; Perception and self-concept development; constructive and deconstructive communication approaches; Scientific Method; Functions of nonverbal communication; Importance of effective listening; Dialectical forces in relationships; Gender issues; Engaging in effective conflict resolution; Analyze and evaluate personal communication and relationships through self-reflection, cognitive psychology, and recognition of various cultural and environmental norms; Research project writing, referencing, and study analysis.