Note:
Course content may be changed, term to term, without
notice. The information below is provided as a guide
for course selection and is not binding in any form,
and should not be used to purchase course materials.
COMS 522 Course Syllabus
COURSE SYLLABUS
COMS 522
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION THEORY AND PRACTICE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Analysis of theories and research of the relationships between communication and factors such
as self-concept, gender, culture, language, paralanguage, and competence in a variety of
interpersonal contexts.
RATIONALE
This course is designed to help the student learn the theories regarding interpersonal
communication. The course allows students to research the scholarship in the discipline. Because
interpersonal communication is such a large division of the communication discipline, it is
vitally important that students understand the theories and research in this area of study. This
course will allow the student to explore much of the research in this area of communication.
I.
II.
PREREQUISITES
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic
Course Catalog.
REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASES
Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are
registered: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/liberty.htm
III.
IV.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING
A.
Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B.
Internet access (broadband recommended)
C.
Microsoft Word
(Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to Liberty University students.)
MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
Summarize interpersonal communication theories and genres within the field of
communication.
B.
Compare differences in theories used to study various contexts of interpersonal
communication.
C.
Outline the need for theories in the study of interpersonal communication.
D.
Apply interpersonal theory to a real communication context.
Page 1 of 3
COMS 522 Course Syllabus
E.
V.
Research scholarly literature that applies to interpersonal communication theory
in order to get to know the discipline and the researchers in the discipline.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS
A.
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
B.
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the
related checklist found in Module/Week 1.
C.
Discussion Board Forums (2)
The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for
each Discussion Board Forum. Each thread must be at least 400 words and
demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is
required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200
words.
D.
Chapter Summaries (19)
The student will write a 2-page summary of each chapter in the textbook. The
student must outline each chapter, and biblically defend or refute each chapter’s
content.
E.
Research Paper
The student will write a 10–12-page research-based paper in current MLA format
that focuses on an interpersonal communication theory. The paper must include at
least 15 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible. The student
will also have the option to submit his/her research paper topic and research paper
outline to the instructor. These 2 submissions will not be counted as a part of the
student’s grade.
F.
Research Presentation and Critiques
The student will video-record a presentation of his/her Research Paper and post to
the Research Presentation and Critiques Forum using Video Everywhere. The
presentation must be 8–10 minutes. In addition, the student will critique the
presentations of 5 classmates.
G.
Workshop Presentation and Critiques
The student will video-record a 10–12-minute workshop intended to improve
interpersonal communication skills and post the video to the Workshop
Presentation and Critiques Forum using Video Everywhere. The student must
select a topic provided in the assignment instructions on Blackboard. In addition,
the student will critique the workshop presentations of 5 classmates.
H.
Tests (2)
Each test will cover the Reading & Study material for the module(s)/week(s) in
which it is assigned. Each test will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 essay
questions, and have a 2-hour and 45-minute time limit.
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COMS 522 Course Syllabus
VI.
COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES
A.
Points
Course Requirements Checklist
Discussion Board Forums (2 at 25 pts ea)
Chapter Summaries (19 at 10 pts ea)
Research Paper
Research Presentation and Critiques
Workshop Presentation and Critiques
Tests (2 at 100 pts ea)
Total
B.
10
50
190
200
130
230
200
1010
Scale
A = 940–1010 A- = 920–939 B+ = 900–919 B = 860–899 B- = 840–859
C+ = 820–839 C = 780–819 C- = 760–779 D+ = 740–759 D = 700–739
D- = 680–699 F = 0–679
C.
Late Assignment Policy
If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must
contact the instructor immediately by email.
Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the
instructor will receive the following deductions:
1.
Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will
receive a 10% deduction.
2.
Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20%
deduction.
3.
Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the
course will not be accepted.
4.
Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be accepted.
Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health issues) will be
reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.
D.
Disability Assistance
Students with a documented disability may contact Liberty University Online’s
Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to
make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be
found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport.
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COMS 522 Course Schedule
COURSE SCHEDULE
COMS 522
Textbooks: Knapp & Daly, The SAGE Handbook of Interpersonal Communication (2011).
MODULE/
WEEK
READING & STUDY
ASSIGNMENTS
POINTS
1
Knapp & Daly: chs. 1–3
1 presentation
Course Requirements Checklist
Class Introductions
DB Forum 1
Chapter Summary 1
Chapter Summary 2
Chapter Summary 3
10
0
25
10
10
10
2
Knapp & Daly: chs. 4–6
1 presentation
Chapter Summary 4
Chapter Summary 5
Chapter Summary 6
Research Paper Topic
10
10
10
0
3
Knapp & Daly: chs. 7–8
1 presentation
DB Forum 2
Chapter Summary 7
Chapter Summary 8
Research Paper Outline
25
10
10
0
4
Knapp & Daly: chs. 9–11
1 presentation
Chapter Summary 9
Chapter Summary 10
Chapter Summary 11
Test 1
10
10
10
100
5
Knapp & Daly: chs. 12–13
1 presentation
Chapter Summary 12
Chapter Summary 13
Research Paper
Research Presentation
10
10
200
100
6
Knapp & Daly: chs. 14–15
1 presentation
Chapter Summary 14
Chapter Summary 15
Research Presentation Critiques
10
10
30
7
Knapp & Daly: chs. 16–17
1 presentation
Chapter Summary 16
Chapter Summary 17
Workshop Presentation
10
10
200
8
Knapp & Daly: chs. 18–21
1 presentation
Chapter Summary 18
Chapter Summary 19
Workshop Critiques
Test 2
10
10
30
100
TOTAL
1010
DB = Discussion Board
NOTE: Each course module/week begins on Monday morning at 12:00 a.m. (ET) and ends on Sunday
night at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The final module/week ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday.