INSTRUCTOR: Samuel J. Perry

 OFFICE HOURS: Classroom Building A, Room 108. Office hours will be posted at that location and will be announced in class. Also by appointment.

 CREDIT HOURS: 3. CONTACT HOURS: 3.

 TEXT: Adler, Ronald B. & Neil Towne Looking Out Looking In, Ninth Edition. Harcourt Brace, 1999.

 COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal situations. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in speech/communication.

 OBJECTIVES:

 1. To develop confidence and competence in the interpersonal communication skills needed to communicate effectively in both group and dyadic settings.

 2. To enhance interpersonal communication through effective use of nonverbal communication skills.

 3. To apply the basic principles of group discussion, demonstrating an understanding and application of both task and maintenance roles in the small task group.

 4. To understand the role of interpersonal communication in the development of both self-esteem and self-actualization needs.

 5. To apply the principles of conflict management communication in interpersonal relationships.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

 1. Numerous interpersonal role-playing exercises.

 2. A group discussion exercise with preparatory research.

 3. A research paper exploring communication theory and application.

 4. At least two written exams.

 GRADING: The student will be graded on his or her successful completion of the course requirements. Unexcused failure to complete a course requirement at the assigned time will result in an F.

 If an assignment is missed due to an absence (i.e. one in which a written excuse from a qualified person such as a doctor, advisor, or college official) contact the instructor for instructions about either making up the work or receiving a "no grade" for the missed assignment. A "no grade" counts neither for nor against you.

 GRADING SCALE:

LETTER GRADE NUMERICAL QUALITY POINTS

AND DESCRIPTION GRADE PER SEMESTER HOUR

A - Excellent 93 - 100 4

B - Good 85 - 92 3

C - Average 77 - 84 2

D - Below Average 70 - 76 1

F - Unsatisfactory Below 70 0

AU - Audit

 ATTENDANCE: College policy states that class absences cannot exceed the equivalent of one and one-half weeks of instruction. Each student is accountable for any work missed or assignments given while absent from class. Those students who incur absences in excess of the attendance policy will be dropped from the course as specified in the college catalog. See the catalog for information regarding reinstatement procedures.

 Promptness is appreciated. If you enter class after the roll has been taken, you are tardy. If you must be tardy, please report to the instructor at the close of the class period, otherwise the record will show you as absent.

 CLASSROOM CONDUCT: Students are to conduct themselves in an orderly and courteous manner as befitting the college classroom. In accordance with the college handbook, no food or drink will be permitted in the classroom.

 NOTE: Students are encouraged to take advantage of the instructor's office hours for academic counseling and matters related to this course.

 COURSE CONTENT:

 I. The Communication Model

A. Shannon-Weaver Model

B. Elements of the Communication Model

II. Nonverbal Communication

A. Paralanguage

B. Kinesics

C. Proxemics

D. Time

E. Objects

III. Selective Perception

A. Physiological Factors

B. Psychological Factors

IV. Group Discussion in the Small Task Group

A. Strengths of the Task Group

B. Weaknesses of the Task Group

C. Communication within the Group

D. Networks

E. Decision Making

F. Agenda

G. Leadership Styles

H. Power within the Group

I. Roles within the Group

1. Task Roles

2. Maintenance Roles

3. Individual Roles

V. Interpersonal Relationships

A. Perception and Communication

B. Symbols and Meaning

C. Intercultural Communication

D. Elements of Satisfying Personal Relationships

E. Confirming and Disconfirming Climates

F. Principles of Conflict

G. Dealing with Conflict

H. Committed Relationships