Interpersonal Communication

Course Number:

COMM 218Z

Transcript Title:

Interpersonal Communication

Created:

Aug 04, 2022

Updated:

Apr 26, 2023

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

40

Lecture / Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

0

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

Yes

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)

Major

2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)

Not Addressed

3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)

Minor

4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)

Not Addressed

5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies may include:

• Qualitative examinations
• Essays
• Research papers
• Portfolios
• Oral presentations
• Term Projects
• Quantitative examinations
• Journals
• In-class participation
• Projects
• Group work
• Dyadic exercises

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Describe how culture, identity, perception, biases, and power influence the communication process.

• Cultural Identify Theory as it relates to group and individual communication processes
  • Assessing how communication styles evoke feelings of belonging or exclusion
  • Relationship between constructed language and social structures, cultural patterns, and gender orientation
  • Analyses differences and commonalities when viewing speeches across multiple languages and cultures
• Communication styles and their relationship to biases and culture
  • Conflict Management
  • Social Identity Theory
  • Gatekeeping Theory
• Use of grammar, tone, and vocabulary in communication patterns and how they are related to intrinsic biases, identity, and perceptions
  • Media Portrayal
  • Gatekeeping Theory
  • Agenda Setting/Function

Outcome #2: Recognize and analyze interpersonal communication concepts (e.g., ethics, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, emotions, and conflict).

• Identifying interpersonal communication concepts
• Analyzing interpersonal interactions
  • Observing and analyzing day to day communications
    • Cues, and commonly used behaviors of expression
    • Relationship of communication patterns to communication theories
      • Social Responsibility Theory
      • Gap Theory
      • Cross-cultural communication
• Factors that influence communication patterns beyond spoken word
  • Parlinguistics
  • Body language/Kinesics
  • Posture
  • Positioning/Space
  • Eye Contact
• Influences of stereotyping through messaging and how it demonstrates communication concepts

Outcome #3: Assess one’s own interpersonal skills to become more competent in a variety of relational contexts.

• Reflecting on individual communication styles
  • Formal and informal communication styles and analyze as seen through the lens of related communication theories
    • Formal communication
      • School/work
      • Political address
      • Religious address
    • Informal communication
      • Chat
      • Friend groups
      • Family
  • Contrast communication individual communication styles between formal and informal
• Cultural norms in one’s own communication style
  • reflecting and analyzing recorded and impromptu communications
  • comparing and contrasting local/personal communications and remote
• Awareness of own communication patterns and norms in conversation
• Adjusting demonstrate culturally responsive communication
  • Parlinguistics
  • Body language/Kinesics
  • Posture
  • Positioning/Space
  • Eye Contact

Outcome #4: Apply foundational concepts and theories to interpersonal communication

• Understanding foundational concepts from item 1
• Application of theories and concepts described in item 2
• Practice applying the foundational concepts and theories through various interpersonal communications
• Demonstrate understanding of concepts

Suggested Texts and Materials

• Understanding Interpersonal Communication (2nd edition) by Richard West & Lynn H. Turner, published by Thomson Wadsworth