Introduction to Interpersonal Communication - 1st year
Fundamental course introducing the concepts and theories of interpersonal communication. Topics include: process and functions of communication, relationship development, communication strategies, interpersonal language skills, listening and response skills and managing conflict.
Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Define and identify elements and functions of interpersonal communication;
2. Define and identify the process and functions of perception: self-concept;
3. Improve accuracy of self-/other-perception;
4. Develop listening and feedback skills;
5. Able to communicate ideas and feelings;
6. Develop and use interpersonal language and managing conflict skills.
Topics:
Course topics will include the following:
1. Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication: The Communication Process; Communication Communicating, functions of Communication
2. Perception Process: Definition, Perception and Communication, Self-concept
3. Relationships and Communication: Relationship Theories, Nature and Stages of Relationships, Levels of Communication with Relationships
4. Verbal Communication: Language, Language and Perception, Connotation, Denotation, Interpersonal Language Skills
5. Nonverbal Communication: Time, Proxemics, Haptics, Kinesics, Paralanguage
6. Communication of Ideas and Feelings: Self-disclosure, Describe Feelings, Crediting, Criticism
7. Listening and Feedback Skills
8. Managing Conflict: Types of Conflict, Patterns of Managing Conflict, Guidelines of Managing Conflict
Method of Instruction:
1. Lectures
2. Class Discussions
3. Small Group Activities
4. Student Presentations
5. Role Playing
6. Simulations
7. Use of Library for Research Projects
Types of Assignments:
1. Students will read approximately one chapter-length assignment per week
2. Students must be able to take notes from their textbook and supplementary readings and from lectures
3. Students must be able to write a well-organized paper, free from errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Sample Text:
1. Interpersonal Communication: Relating To Others (Steven A. Beebe, Susan J. Beebe and Mark V. Redmond, Allyn and Bacon. 1996)
