Interpersonal
Communication
Com 123
Instructor: Lisa Martin, M.S.
Office: Fell Hall 459
Email: lmmarti@ilstu.edu
Classroom: Fell Hall 125
Office Hours: 9:15 to 10:15 TH or by appt.
Phone: 309-438-7727
Section: 001
Meeting time: T/TH 11am-12:15p
TEXT (Required):
Adler, R. B., Rosenfeld, L. B., & Proctor, R. F. (2015). Interplay: The process of
interpersonal communication. New York: Oxford University Press.
(Textbook materials with access codes available at University Barnes and Noble or
Alamo II)
ALSO REQUIRED
 A working ISU email account that you check regularly.
 A stapler* (anything handed in must be stapled, or it will receive a deduction in
points)
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (COM 123) COURSE GOALS:
1)
Students will become more competent interpersonal communicators (using
knowledge, skill, motivation, and judgment).
2)
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interpersonal communication
process.
3)
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply interpersonal communication
concepts such as active listening, perception, self-concept, and message systems
(verbal and nonverbal) to everyday communication situations.
4)
Students will become more competent in communicating in small group
discussions and in-class activities (articulating and defending their own ideas as
well as listening to and considering the ideas of others).
5)
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the differences in interpersonal
communication contexts.
6)
Students will identify their own patterns of functional and dysfunctional
interpersonal communication habits
ASSIGNMENTS:
* ALL PAPERS FORMAT:
- All assignments must be typed. Handwritten will not be accepted unless
discussed prior to due date.
- All assignments are to be typed using 12pt. font and 1 inch margins.
- All assignments are to be double-spaced (except for the header).
- All assignments are to be STAPLED.
- All references are to be cited using American Psychological Association (APA)
Style (6th Edition).
- All assignments must be turned in WITH THE RUBRIC or you will lose 5
points.
HEADERS:
Please make your headings for ALL assignments uniform. I have provided an example
below that I will expect you to follow. Though your work will be double spaced (with the
exception of your outlines), 12pt font, and will have 1 inch margins, the heading should
be SINGLE SPACED, on the right-hand side, and on the first page ONLY.
Your Name
COM 123
Assignment
Date
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES:
All artifacts, assignments and exams must be completed on the date assigned. No late
work will be accepted unless I have previously approved an alternative due date. If you
do not turn in an assignment on the date assigned, or if you do not come to class on an
exam date, you will receive a ZERO for that assignment unless an alternative due date
has been previously approved or documentation has been provided for extreme
circumstances.
Make sure to anticipate predictable problems so you can prevent them. For example,
running out of paper or ink, or losing computer files you failed to back up are problems
that need not occur if you are looking ahead. If you work ahead of time, you will not be
rushing to get your work done, so think ahead!
I will work with you if you have a legitimate reason for your absence (determined by
me) AND arrangements have been made with me prior to the class meeting. I want to
help you in any way possible, but will not accept less than your full effort. Like most
instructors, I am more understanding if you keep me informed: If you encounter
problems, please let me know right away.
All assignments are to be stapled together prior to coming to class, I do not want to
lose any of your materials. If your assignments are not stapled together they will
receive a deduction in points.
ACTIVITIES:
Activities will be done in class and cannot be made up. On random days when the class
does an activity, I will award “activity points” for showing up to class. Detailed
instructions will be given at the appropriate times.
PARTICIPATION:
Since this class is an INTERPERSONAL course, it is very important to have discussions
and participation between classmates. Participation is a function of attendance,
demonstration of having read the material, asking questions that extend the thinking of
the class and instructor, contributing relevant examples, and demonstrating respect
for the contributions of classmates. Participation will be assessed through the
demonstration of your attendance, preparation, and input in class. If you are
disruptive or are not benefitting the learning environment of the classroom, this will
be reflected in your final grade.
ARTIFACTS (2):
(2-3 pages double-spaced, typed): The artifacts are analyses of observations, experiences,
conversations, newspaper clippings, television clips, advertisements, songs, magazine
articles, cartoons, etc. that illustrate some concept or theme from the class. Therefore, be
thinking throughout the semester of artifact ideas as they present themselves.
Rubrics are to be attached to back of the artifact. If you do not attached the rubric you
will lose 5 points on the assignment.
Artifact should include three sections:
1) A description of the concept presented in text or in lecture
2) A description of the artifact
3) An explanation of how the concept applies to the artifact
The magazine articles, cartoons, newspaper clippings, and ads should be attached.
There will be 2 artifact assignments throughout the semester with specific due dates, and
they are 25 points each.
CHAPTER NOTES:
To ensure you are learning the course content outside of our synthesized class session,
you are required to present chapter notes at the end of each week (dates detailed on the
“Tentative Schedule” below). These chapter notes will be evaluated and returned to you.
I will collect 12 chapter notes throughout the semester.
These chapter notes are broken into two sections: (1) Key Terms and (2) Activities.
EXAMS:
There will be three (3) unit exams covering information from the text, additional
handouts provided by instructor, and from lecture. No exam will be comprehensive.
Exams will assess your understanding of interpersonal communication concepts and
theories, as well as your application and integration abilities.
FINAL PROJECT:
The goal for this course is to become a competent interpersonal communicator, the final
project will be to write a 6-page paper detailing the utility of interpersonal skills from a
professional perspective. For example, if you want to be an HR professional when you
graduate, you would go through the chapters and select the skills that you deem to be
most important to this profession. You then would discuss these skills as they would be
applicable to the profession and your success as an HR professional. For example, you
may write a page about why listening skills would be important and how you would use
appropriate listening to be better at your job.
EVALUATION:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3 (final)
Final Project
Activity Points
Artifacts (2 at 25 pts.)
Chapter Notes
TOTAL
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
50 pts.
50 pts.
120 pts
620 pts.
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
** Please note: If I feel the class has not been keeping up with the
required reading, I reserve the right to administer pop quizzes at any point.
**Assessments and point values subject to change. **
COURSE POLICIES:
ATTENDANCE:
 You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss and participate in activities
associated with the readings. I will synthesize the material into discussions and
activities where you will play a large role. In order to assess your preparation
for class, you will complete the participation requirement as stated above. Thus,
regular attendance is expected. Being absent will deprive you of valuable class
discussions and will also prevent you from fulfilling certain graded in-class
activities, which cannot be made up. You are always responsible for all material
distributed in your absence. Also note, any/all materials are handed out only
once. If you are not in class to receive them, you should obtain the information
from a fellow classmate.
 I do not make distinctions in terms of "excused" vs. "unexcused" absences. If you
talk to me in advance (not the day of class) about missing or have an emergency
that you let me know about with documentation as soon as possible, I make sure
that you are able to turn in assignments for full credit.
 Please try to be in class on time. Remember attendance is taken at the beginning
of each class. Tardiness will result in deduction of participation points.
o If you feel that you have a legitimate reason for being tardy, come talk to
me the first week of class.
I understand that unexpected things come up in life; if you have a legitimate reason for
not being in class, you must contact me as far as possible in advance. I am willing to
work with you and work something out that benefits both parties, but you have to
communicate with me and keep me informed. If you are involved in any university
activities that will cause you to miss class, I need a schedule of classes that you will miss
and a signed note from your coach or advisor verifying that you are on the team.
*PROFESSIONAL COURTESY:
Professional courtesy includes respecting others' opinions, not interrupting in class, being
respectful to those who are speaking, working together in a spirit of cooperation, and
being ethical communicators. Since this is an interpersonal class, the discussion may
become intimate with personal narratives, thus what is discussed in the classroom shall
not leave the classroom. Please demonstrate these behaviors at all times in this class. I
expect that my students remain professional and mature when discussing controversial
ideas and remember that debate is an academic process, not an opportunity for personal
attacks.
COMMUNICATING WITH ME:
Email is the best way to get in contact with me if you have questions or concerns. Please
allow at least a 12-hour response time, 36 hours on the weekends. For example, if you
email me an hour before class starts, do not assume I will respond to that email within the
hour. It is expected that email communication be of professional quality. When writing
through e-mail to an instructor, please identify yourself and the subject matter in the
subject line of the email. Please be sure to address me in a professional manner. Always
sign your name in your e-mails. Please follow these guidelines so your e-mail is given
full consideration.
CELL PHONES/TEXTING:
Laptops will be allowed for note taking purposes only. However, all other electronic
devices are to be turned off and put away before class begins. If I catch you texting in
class, I will assume you have learned that day’s material well enough to instruct the
class—and you will be required to teach the rest of the session. IF YOUR PHONE
RINGS DURING AN EXAM, I WILL DEDUCT 5 points FROM YOUR GRADE.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM:
Students are expected to be honest in all academic work, consistent with the academic
integrity policy as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. All work is to be
appropriately cited when it is borrowed, directly or indirectly, from another source.
Unauthorized and unacknowledged collaboration on speech topics and/or the presentation
of someone else’s work warrants plagiarism.
Students found to inadvertently commit acts of dishonesty will receive appropriate
penalties specific to the assignment in question. Students found to commit intentional
acts of dishonesty will receive a failing grade in the course and will be referred for
appropriate disciplinary action through Community Rights and Responsibilities.
SPECIAL NEEDS:
Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability
should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 438-8620 (TDD).
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Life at college can get very complicated. Students sometimes feel overwhelmed, lost,
experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationship difficulties or diminished
self-esteem. However, many of these issues can be effectively addressed with a little
help. Student Counseling Services (SCS) helps students cope with difficult emotions and
life stressors. Student Counseling Services is staffed by experienced, professional
psychologists and counselors, who are attuned to the needs of college students. The
services are FREE and completely confidential. Find out more at
Counseling.IllinoisState.edu or by calling (309) 438-3655.
UNIVERSITY BEREAVEMENT POLICY
Students who experience the death of an immediate family member or relative as defined
in the University Student Bereavement Policy will be excused from class for funeral
leave, subsequent bereavement, and/or travel considerations. Students are responsible for
providing appropriate documentation to the Dean of Students office and for contacting
the instructor as soon as possible to make arrangements for completing missed
work. More information is available in the Student Bereavement Policy at
http://www.policy.illinoisstate.edu/2-1-27.shtml
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH POOL WEBPAGE:
This website is dedicated to research projects approved by the School of Communication
which students enrolled in communication courses may participate during the semester.
Students are encouraged to participate in research projects found on this website for 10
EXTRA CREDIT points (up to 5 projects, 2 points each). The website can be found at:
https://sites.google.com/site/isucomresearch
Please also be aware that federal guidelines indicate that instructors offering extra credit
for research participation must offer a reasonable alternative (such as a research paper)
for students who want to earn extra credit but do not want to participate in a study.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR COM 123:
*NOTE: I reserve the right to modify our schedule at any point throughout
the semester.
Week
Date
Day
1
8/18
T
CHAP.
Material Covered
Assignment Due
Course Orientation / Introductions /
Interview as a Biographer / Syllabus
Overview
Read Syllabus
Show Up
Assign Any Old Bag Speech
8/20
Th
Any Old Bag Speeches
Presentations
Syllabus Contract
Due
2
3
4
8/25
T
1
Interpersonal Process
Read Chapter 1
8/27
Th
1
Interpersonal Process
Review Chapter 1/
Ch. Notes
9/1
T
3
Communication and the Self
Read Chapter 3
9/3
Th
3
Communication and the Self
Review Chapter 3/
Ch. Notes
9/8
T
4
Perceiving Others
Read Chapter 4
9/10
Th
4
Perceiving Others Chapter 4
Review Chapter 4/
Ch. Notes
Assign Artifact 1
5
6
9/15
T
8
Emotions – Dr. Bowman
Read Chapter 8
9/17
Th
8
Emotions
Review Chapter
8/Ch. Notes
9/22
T
**Exam 1 Review Day**
Review Chapters 1,
3, 4, & 8
Artifact 1 Due
9/24
Th
**Exam 1: Unit 1: Chapters 1, 3, 4, & 8**
Exam Day
7
8
9/29
T
5
Language
Read Chapter 5
10/1
Th
5
Language
Review Chapter 5/
Ch. Notes
10/6
T
6
Nonverbal Communication
Read Chapter 6
10/8
Th
6
Nonverbal Communication
Review Chapter
6/Ch. Notes
Assign Artifact 2
9
10
10/13
T
7
Listening
Read Chapter 7
10/15
Th
7
Listening
Review Chapter 7/
Ch. Notes
10/20
T
10
Communication in Close Relationships
Read Chapter 10
Artifact 2 Due
11
12
13
Communication in Close Relationships
Review Chapter
10/ Ch. Notes
T
** Exam 2 Review Day**
Review Chapters
5,6,7, & 10
10/29
Th
**Exam 2: Unit 2: Chapters 5, 6, 7, & 10**
Exam Day
11/3
T
9
Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships
Read Chapter 9
11/5
Th
9
Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships
Review Chapter 9/
Ch. Notes
11/10
T
2
Communication Climate
Read Chapter 11
10/22
Th
10/27
10
Assign Final Projects
14
15
11/12
Th
2
Communication Climate
Review Chapter
11/ Ch. Notes
11/17
T
11
Culture and Interpersonal Communication/
Chad Parker
Read Chapter 2
11/19
Th
11
Culture and Interpersonal Communication
Review Chapter 2/
Ch. Notes
12/1
T
12
Managing Conflict
Read Chapter 12
Final Projects
Due
12/3
Th
12
Managing Conflict
Review Chapter
12/ Ch. Notes
Review for Final
Exam
Syllabus Contract
I have read the syllabus for Lisa Martin’s Com 123 and agree to the terms for required
coursework and acceptable classroom behavior.
Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Name (please print) ___________________________Date____________________
Major: ________________________________________________________________
What do you do in your free time (hobbies/extracurricular activities)?
What is one thing about you that might surprise people who don’t know you?
What is your dream job/career?
What is your favorite song, music artist, or music video?
Please list at least 2 goals you hope to meet through this course:
Briefly, how do you see the information and skills learned from this class applying to
your career?
What do you believe is your greatest strength academically?