INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION II
COM 320-001
MW 3:30-4:45 pm
Dr. A. K. McDaniel
Office: Leutze Hall 233 Phone: 962-7932
Email: mcdaniela@uncw.edu
Website http://people.uncw.edu/mcdaniela
Office hours: MWF 1-3pm and TTH by appointment
Course description
This course involves in depth analyses and discussions of interpersonal communication
theories and research as they apply to topics such as developing closeness with others,
communication processes in established relationships, and serious challenges in relationships.
Using scholarly and popular texts, interpersonal communication theory application will be
analyzed and evaluated. (Prerequisites: Completion of COM 200 and COM 220)
Objectives
•
Students will build on the knowledge obtained in COM 220 about platonic, familial, and
romantic relationship dynamics
•
Students will engage meaningfully with concepts and theories central to interpersonal
communication
•
Students will evaluate interpersonal communication research using research skills learned
in COM 200
•
Students will apply interpersonal communication theories and relationship contexts to
everyday problems
•
Students will participate in activities to enhance their oral, written, teamwork and
analytical skills
COM Department Learning Outcomes
The COM department is committed to four overarching learning outcomes. You will encounter
assignments that address one or more of these outcomes. This course will stress outcome three but will
help you gain abilities in each of these outcomes.

Capacity to construct and deliver an effective oral argument or performance of text, based on
thorough audience analysis and clear rhetorical objectives.

Capacity to construct effective written argument or media product based on thorough audience
analysis and clear rhetorical objectives.

Capacity to conduct original primary research, locate and critically evaluate secondary research,
and integrate such information into new communication products.

Capacity to analyze and critique messages in all forms and across objectives from an informed,
critical perspective.
This course fulfills the Writing Intensive and Information Literacy requirements for
University Studies
There is no need to buy a textbook for this class. See the READINGS link on the website for
theories and concepts.
Theories
Griffin, E. (2009). A first look at communication theory. Seventh edition. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill.
Concepts
Gavin, K. M. (2010). Making connections: Reading in relational communication. Fifth
edition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press
GRADING
Assignments
Chapter Analyses (4)
Annotated Abstract Presentation
IC Theory Paper
IC Concept Paper
BONUS POINTS—TOP HAT
20%
20%
25%
35%
COURSE SCHEDULE
AUG 19
Introduction
24
Assign chapters and Discuss TOP HAT
26
Discuss Annotated Abstract assignment
31
Discuss chapter analyses and ASK DR. K website
SEPT
2
7
9
14
16
21
23
28
30
Discuss IC Theory Paper and role play topics
LABOR DAY
Discuss Attribution Theory
Theory presentation and analysis due
Discuss Social Penetration Theory
Theory presentation and analysis due
Discuss Expectancy Violations Theory
Theory presentation and analysis due
Discuss Uncertainty Reduction Theory
OCT
5
7
12
14
19
RAIN DAY
Theory presentation and analysis due
FALL BREAK
Discuss Relational Dialectics
Theory presentation and analysis due
Discuss Theory Paper
IC Theory Paper due
MID-SEMESTER FEEDBACK
21
26
28
Discuss Family Relationships and Divorce
NOV
2
4
9
11
16
18
23
25
30
Concept presentation and analysis due
Discuss Same-sex and Cross-sex Friendship
Concept presentation and analysis due
Discuss Workplace Communication
Concept presentation and analysis due
Discuss Acquaintanceship
Concept presentation and analysis due
THANKSGIVING
Discuss Nonmarital Cohabitation
DEC
2
Concept presentation and analysis due
Discuss IC Concept Paper and role play topics
DEC
2
7
IDEA
IC Concept Paper due