CM 230W – Interpersonal Communication
Fall 2005
Communication should be thought of not as a collection of techniques we
use on others, but as a process we engage in with them. – Adler, Proctor and Towne
Sarah Worley
103 Quinter House
Office Phone: ext. 3168
Home Phone: 814.643.2096
Email: Worley@juniata.edu
Office Hours:
MW 3-4, TR 10-12, and by appointment
Required Text:
- Adler, Rosenfeld and Proctor, Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal
Communication, 9th ed. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2004)
- Outside readings as assigned.
Course Description:
The goal of this course is to help you become a better communicator by
examining the process of dyadic communication as it relates to your life and to the world in which you live. We
will study the theories and applications of interpersonal communication by exploring the impact language can
have on relationships. This course will help you develop an appreciation for how the study of communication in
interpersonal relationships can make a difference in everyday life. Awareness and understanding of our own
communication styles and those of others is the first step in empowering us to improve. The success of this
course relies heavily on self-examination which necessarily involves investigating (individually and as a group)
feelings and behaviors that aren’t often shared in classroom settings. That being understood it will be expected
of you to maintain a respectful and supportive learning environment for each member of the class.
Attendance Policy: Regular attendance in any class is a good practice to develop, it is imperative in a course
of this nature. The expectation is that students will attend every class, no skips are permitted. I understand that
emergencies happen, but I expect to be notified before an emergency absence occurs. Excessive absences will
have a detrimental impact on your final grade and can result in a failing grade for the course.
** Please note that withdrawal after the mid-term date is at the discretion of the instructor.**
Communication Expectations:
While I value email and the efficiency gained through its use, I value and expect face-to-face communication
for most interactions regarding assignments, absences etc. Email is acceptable for announcements or
reminders that do not require a response from me.
Assignments and Grading:
Portfolio
Dyadic Oral Presentation
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Attendance and Participation
Collection of short writing assignments given
over the course of the semester
10 min presentations involving an in depth
analysis of interpersonal theories and
observations
Essays and short answers
Essays and short answers
Students expected to be prepared for in-class
discussion, class activities often involve minipresentations
20%
20%
25%
25%
10%
Note: Students are expected to uphold the standards of academic honesty and integrity set forth
by the college. Any infraction of these policies will result in failure of the course.
Agenda: (Subject to change as semester evolves.)
Date
Readings
Assignments
Aug. 29
31
Course overview and Introductions
Sept. 2 What we think we know about Communication
Foundations of Interpersonal Communication
5
Ch. 1
7
9
What is Interpersonal Communication and
why do we do it? – Com myth Survey
The Communication process and competence
LAB: Is it interpersonal communication?
12
14
16
Communication and the Self
LAB: Self Concept “Bag”
Guest Speaker – Bernardo Carducci
Ch. 2
19
21
23
26
28
Self Concept and Identity
LAB: The Lemon Exchange
Perceiving Others and Stereotyping
Creating and Responding to Messages
Language and Perception
The Nature of Language
30
Language: Race, Class and Gender
Oct. 3
5
7
Body Language
Theories of Nonverbal Communication
LAB:
10
12
14
No Class – Fall Break
The Art of Listening
Listening Responses
17
19
21
24
26
LAB: Becoming an Effective Listener
Review
Midterm Exam
Dimensions of Interpersonal Relationships
Emotions
LAB: Find the Feelings
28
Why we form relationships?
Ch. 7
“Owning
Anger”
Ch. 8
31
Nov.2
4
The Stages of Interpersonal Relationships
LAB: Wanted: Relationships
Interpersonal Relationships and Intimacy
Ch. 9
Mini presentation
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
“Speaking the
Corn into Being”
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
“Tell Me More”
7
9
Communication Climate
“Defensive/Supportive Communication”
11
Feedback
14
16
18
21
23
25
Dyadic Presentations
Dyadic Presentations
Dyadic Presentations
Contexts of Interpersonal Communication
“The Story of Us”
No Class – Thanksgiving
No Class – Thanksgiving
28
30
Dec. 2
“The Story of Us”
Conflict and Communication
LAB: Mediation Workshop
5
7
9
Culture and Communication
LAB:
Communicating with Family and at Work
12
14
Wrap Up
Reading Day
Ch. 10
“Defensive
Communication”
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
Ch. 13