COM 225: Interpersonal Communication
Spring 2015
Professor:
Pat Baker
Office: #6 Jackson Court
pabaker@davidson.edu
Cell/Text: 704-572-3898
Office hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 10 am – 12 pm; 3:30-4:30 pm
Other days by appointment
Required Text
Looking Out/Looking In
Ronald B. Adler, Russell F. Proctor II, Fourteenth Edition,
Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, Boston
Purpose of the Course
This course is a theoretical, practical, and experiential study of the selective, systemic and
individual transactions that allow people to reflect on and build personal knowledge of one
another to create shared meaning. Readings, role plays, discussions and exercises focus on
connecting concepts and models to everyday interactions. Included are issues of diversity,
personal identity, human perceptions, language use, mindful listening, conflict management and
nonverbal communication. Class time will focus on concept application, through discussion and
exercises.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to analyze selective, systemic and individual communication transactions,
applying the analyses to their own and to other persons’ styles and goals. Students will be able to
use theoretical concepts and models in class exercises designed to connect theory to real-life
communication events. Students will review their own listening skills and learn how to focus on
mindful listening. Students will practice and evaluate effective conflict management techniques.
Writing assignments will enable students to organize their in-class and out-of-class learning
experiences to reinforce their understanding and application of course concepts.
Attendance
Because this class is interactive and experiential, attendance is essential. Excessive absences
and/or frequently entering class late will reduce your grade. If you must be absent, be sure to
get notes from a couple of classmates. Everyone in the class is required to participate in
discussions and exercises. The class will determine discussion guidelines together early in the
term. Included will be confidentiality and respect for differing views.
Smart Phones, Tablets and Laptops
Smart phones must be silenced and not in sight during class time. Laptops and tablets are not
allowed in this class unless there is a specific need approved by the professor in advance.
Assignments
Research Paper: 30%
The 10-12 page research paper will focus on a topic from the course, to be assigned.
The paper will explore research findings and society’s current views on the topic, as related to
interpersonal communication. Works cited must include respected academic sources: journal
articles, papers, books, etc. The textbook is not a research source for the assignment. Students
may expound on topics from the text with additional research, but not focusing on information
found in the textbook. Fields other than communication can be helpful -- possibly psychology
and/or sociology. Society’s current view may come from newspapers, magazines, blogs or other
media sources.
The paper must be double-spaced. The style may be MLA, APA or Chicago – your choice.
Include your own assessment of the research findings. What are your conclusions? Do you agree
or disagree with the researchers and why? Support your view with specific references to your
research.
Using the Library
Students may schedule a consultation and work with a librarian one-on-one. The library also
offers drop-in consultations (no appointment needed).
See http://davidson.libguides.com/content.php?pid=364785&sid=2985441#10498729
Analysis Paper 20%
The 6-8 page analysis paper will explore a significant relationship in your life, current or past
(close friend, relative, or romantic partner) by applying three or more concepts studied in the
course to the relationship.
Presentation 10%
Each student will explain the research paper on an assigned date in a 10-minute PowerPoint or
Prezi presentation. Evaluation will focus on content quality and effective use of presentation
software.
Two Reviews: 20 % each = 40%
Reviews will be closed book, take-home and will focus on information from the textbook and
topics covered in class, including student presentations. There is no final exam in this class.
Extensions are not granted based on student workload because everyone in the class
is busy. Use this syllabus and those from other classes to plan how to meet deadlines.
Using the Writing Center
Remember, the Writing Center will work with you individually and free of charge. Visit the
webpage for more information: http://sites.davidson.edu/ctl/students/tutoring/writing-center/
Using the Speaking Center
As you prepare your class presentation, a visit to the Speaking Center would be a good idea.
Student tutors will help you brainstorm, organize and practice your presentation. The center,
located in the library’s Center for Teaching and Learning, is open 8-11 pm Sunday-Thursday. No
appointment is necessary.
Interpersonal Communication Class Schedule: Spring 2015
Date
Topic
Assignments: Read before class
PART I: LOOKING IN
T
Jan. 13
Introductions and Course Overview
None
Th
Jan. 15
First Look at Interpersonal Communication
Chapter 1
T
Jan. 20
Communication and Identity:
Creating and Presenting the Self
Chapter 2
Th
Jan. 22
Perception:
What You See Is What You Get
Chapter 3
T
Jan. 27
Emotions: Feeling, Thinking and
Communicating
Chapter 4
Th
Jan. 29
Continuing discussions in class.
T
Feb. 3
Research day. Class does not meet.
Th
Feb. 5
Applying chapters 2, 3 and 4 with discussion of reading posted on Moodle:
“The End of Courtship?” by Alex Williams
T
Feb. 10
Research Paper due by 3 pm, #6 Jackson Court.
PART II: LOOKING OUT
Th
Feb. 12
Language: Barrier and Bridge
T
Feb. 17
Continuing discussions in class. Student presentations begin.
Th
Feb. 19
Catch-up Day. Class does not meet.
T
Feb. 24
Nonverbal Communication:
Messages Beyond Words
Student presentations
Th
Feb. 26
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Continuing discussions in class. Student presentations
Feb. 28-March 9: Spring Break – Enjoy!
T
March 10
Catch-up Day. Class does not meet.
Th
March 12
Review due at P. Baker’s office by 3 pm
Chapters 1-6.
T
March 17
Listening: More Than Meets the Ear
Student presentations
Chapter 7
PART III: LOOKING AT RELATIONAL DYNAMICS
Th
March 19
Communication and Relational Dynamics
Student presentations
Chapter 8
T
March 24
Interpersonal Communication in Close Relationships
Student presentations
Chapter 9
Th
March 26
Continuing discussions in class. Student presentations
T
March 31
Analysis Paper due by 3 pm #6 Jackson Court
Th
April 2
Improving Communication Climates
Student presentations
Chapter 10
April 4-7: Easter Break
T
April 7
Managing Interpersonal Conflicts
Chapter 11
Th
April 9
Continuing discussions in class. Student presentations
T
April 14
Issues in Interpersonal Com: See Moodle for Assigned Reading
Student presentations
Th
April 16
Summary discussions in class.
Th
April 23
Study day -- class does not meet.
T
April 28
Review due by 3 pm, #6 Jackson Ct.: Chapters 7-11