Contra Costa College
Course Outline
Department &Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
Co-requisite
Challenge Policy
Advisory
Speech 128
Interpersonal Communication
none
none
none
none
Number of Weeks
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Hours By Arrangement
Activity Hours
Units
18
3
3
COURSE/CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course offers an opportunity to learn and apply in daily life the principles of human interpersonal
communication. Content is based on psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal
person-to-person interaction. Attention is given to human perception, interpersonal dynamics, self-awareness,
listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, and conflict resolution.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
Identify aspects of the interpersonal communication process and the causes of breakdowns in communication
Explain the effect of self-concept on communication
Identify and practice techniques of good listening
Discern specific ways to deal effectively with criticism
Explain the role of nonverbal communication in interpersonal relationships
Apply methods of interpersonal conflict resolution
Write a project on a communication skill vital to the student
Write and present and oral report
COURSE CONTENT: (In detail; attach additional information as needed and include percentage breakdown)
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Introduction to the study of communication
Communication and the self-concept
Preventing and dealing with defensiveness
Nonverbal communication
Listening skills
Resolving interpersonal conflicts
Work on individual communication skills
Integration of coursework in interpersonal communication
Researching and presenting the oral report
Understanding and improving interpersonal relationships
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture-discussion, power-point presentations, role-plays and group exercises, reading, giving and hearing oral
presentations, nonverbal experiments, 8-week skill package term projects, films and exercises from the text and
other sources.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook Title:
Author:
Looking Out/Looking In
Adler/Proctor/Towne
Publisher:
Edition/Date:
Wadsworth Communication
12th Edition/ 2007
COURSE EXPECTATIONS (Use applicable expectations)
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Hours per week
Weekly Reading Assignments
3-4
Weekly Writing Assignments
2-3
Weekly Math Problems
Lab or Software Application Assignments
Other Performance Assignments
2
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
30
5
35
15
15
%
%
%
%
%
4-5 Tests + comprehensive final exam
Nonverbal experiment
Skill package
Oral Report
Participation
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, CR/NC, or SC)
Letter Grade
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Credit / No Credit
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit
Prepared by: Sherry Diestler
Content Review Date: March 20, 2008
Revised 11/07
X
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
or
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit