NEGATIVITY IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
GLS 592-003
W 6:30-9:30pm
DR. A. K. McDaniel
Office: Leutze Hall 233
Phone: 962-7932
Email: mcdaniela@uncw.edu
Website: http://www.uncw.edu/people/mcdaniela
Office Hours: MWF 11-noon, M 2-4pm, F 2-3pm and TTH by appointment
Course description
This course involves in depth analyses and discussions of
interpersonal communication theories and research as they apply to
serious challenges in close relationships such as jealousy, sexual
coercion, codependency. Using scholarly texts, interpersonal
communication theory applications will be critiqued and research
designs will be proposed.
Objectives
 Students will develop a knowledge base for understanding how
negative communication is used in close relationships
 Students will conduct in-depth analyses of concepts and theories
central to negativity in interpersonal communication
 Students will critique interpersonal communication research
methodologies in scholarly journals
 Students will propose original research suitable for a master’s
thesis
Textbooks
Spitzberg, B. H. & Cupach, W. R. (1998). Eds. The darkside of
close relationships. Mahwah, New Jersey: LEA Publishers (required)
Baxter, L. A. & Braithwaite, D. O. (2008). Eds. Engaging
theories in interpersonal communication: Multiple perspectives. Los
Angeles: Sage. (optional)
Assignments
ASK DR. K Comments
Abstract presentation
Proposal presentation
Research proposal
10%
20%
20%
50%
COURSE SCHEDULE
JAN 11
Introduction
Discuss abstracts and discussion questions
Discuss reviewing articles and reading chapters
18
Assign chapters
25
FEB
1
8
15
22
29
MAR
7
14
21
28
Discuss
Discuss
Chapter
Discuss
Discuss
Chapter 9 NONMARITAL BREAK UPS
STAGE MODELS
9 presentation
Chapter 6 CODEPENDENCE
SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
Chapter
Discuss
Discuss
Chapter
Discuss
Discuss
Chapter
Discuss
Discuss
Chapter
Discuss
Discuss
Chapter
Discuss
6 presentation
Chapter 10 UNREQUITED LOVE
UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT THEORY
10 presentation
Chapter 8 ORI
UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT THEORY
8 presentation
Chapter 3 MISUNDERSTANDINGS
COORDINATED MANAGEMENT OF MEANING
3 presentation
Chapter 4 GOSSIP
COMMUNICATION PRIVACY MANAGEMENT THEORY
4 presentation
research presentations and proposals
Discuss Chapter 2 JEALOUSY and ENVY
Discuss ATTRIBUTION THEORY and ATTACHMENT THEORY
SPRING BREAK
Chapter 2 presentation
Discuss Chapter 7 SEXUAL COERCION
Discuss EXPECTANCY VIOLATIONS THEORY
Chapter 7 presentation
Discuss presentation order
APR
4
11
18
25
PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
SPOTS
MAY
7
Proposals due