RELC 500
THEORIES OF RELATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Winter 2014
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
There are twenty-two students in the class. Almost all of the students are in the Relational
Communication Program in the College of Communication at DePaul University. They have a wide
range of interests and career goals. Many of the students are currently employed as executive assistants,
account managers, marketing associates and human resource managers. But, we also have a minister, a
police officer, an event coordinator, a comedian, and a sign language interpreter. Some of the students
are simply interested in advancing in their current career. But, the majority of the students want to
explore other career options.
The students expressed an interest in exploring career opportunities and startup businesses in the
following areas:
HR Consulting
Freelance PR
Educational Consulting
Corporate Consulting
Health Care Consulting (physician/patient interaction)
Developing Community-Based Mentorship Programs
Freelance Writing/Publishing
Creating Training and Development Programs for the Retail Sector
Conflict Management Mediation
Developing Self-Help Programs/Workshops
Teaching Dance
Comedy Writing
Event Planning
Roughly 25% of the students will be graduating this year. For them, this will be their last opportunity to
explore how interpersonal concepts and theories can be used to advance their career goals. For the Team
Project students will be exploring how to develop business models that integrate class concepts with their
career goals. For a majority of the students, this course will be the starting point for developing their
ideas. They will have two years to work on the ideas they develop in this class, which will culminate
with a capstone project when they graduate next year.
With respect to entrepreneurship, the primary learning objectives are to:
•
•
•
•
Understand the benefits of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset
Become aware of the resources and activities available to them through the Coleman Center
Understand and apply the process of idea/opportunity modeling
Practice developing a business model
Although it is not mentioned in the syllabus, throughout the quarter, for each theory covered, I plan to
bring in an example of how that theory has been used to solve problems in the real world and can be used
to develop business models.
Syllabus
2
RELC 500
THEORIES OF RELATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Winter 2014
Instructor
Tim Cole, Ph.D.
14 E. Jackson - #1811
tcole@depaul.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 2:00 to 4:30pm
And by appointment
Course Description
This seminar explores key concepts and theories used to explain relational communication. We will
cover different theoretical paradigms, we will investigate the purpose and role of different theoretical
models, and we will learn how to evaluate theoretical claims. Practical applications of theory,
including applying an entrepreneurial perspective, will also be addressed.
Course Design
This seminar is based on a lecture and discussion format.
Course Objectives
The principal objectives of this course are to 1) broaden your understanding of relational
communication by studying theory, 2) learn how to evaluate and apply such theories and 3) explore
ways that theory can be used to solve problem and create business models. Specifically, these
objectives can be defined as follows:
a. Examine the functions that interpersonal communication plays in personal and professional
settings.
b. Understand the paradigms used to study relational communication.
c. Articulate and analyze the role of theory in understanding interpersonal communication.
d. Apply criteria for evaluating theories of interpersonal communication.
e. Become familiar with the range of theories used to explain communication in interpersonal
contexts.
f.
Apply interpersonal theories to real life applications.
g. Examine the role of theory in solving problems from an entrepreneurial point of view.
Reading Assignments
Readings for the course will be assigned and posted throughout the quarter on D2L. All reading
assignments should be completed before class on the day assigned.
Syllabus
3
Course Policies
Exams. There is one take-home, final exam. The exam must be completed by the specified due date.
No late exams are allowed, except in the case of an extreme emergency. In the rare event that an
emergency arises, it is the student's responsibility to: (1) inform the instructor prior to the scheduled
due date and (2) provide the instructor with written documentation of the emergency (e.g., medical
note from a certified physician). Examples of events that do not qualify as emergencies include:
conflicts with work schedules, important family vacations, etc.
Written Assignments. The written assignments are to be turned in via D2L on the designated due
date. Late reports will result in a 10% grade reduction each and every day that they are late (expect in
the case of an extreme emergency). In the rare event that an emergency arises, it is the student's
responsibility to: (1) inform the instructor prior to the scheduled due date and (2) provide the
instructor with written documentation of the emergency (e.g., medical note from a certified
physician). Examples of events that do not qualify as emergencies include: computer crashes,
conflicting work schedules, etc.
Application Project. There will be one team project during the quarter. The project will be
presented during class on the designated due date. Late presentations are not allowed (expect in the
case of an extreme emergency). In the rare event that an emergency arises, it is the student's
responsibility to: (1) inform the instructor prior to the scheduled due date and (2) provide the
instructor with written documentation of the emergency (e.g., medical note from a certified
physician).
Academic Honesty. All coursework should reflect your own effort or others’ contributions should
be properly acknowledged. For complete information regarding academic honesty as it pertains to
this course, please refer to the guidelines specified in DePaul’s Student Handbook and Faculty
Guidebook.
Sexual Harassment. All members of the academic community should take steps to creating an
environment where sexual harassment does not occur. DePaul’s policy regarding harassment as
specified in the Faculty Guidebook will be enforced.
Students with Disabilities. Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact
of a disability should contact me privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussion will remain
confidential. To ensure that you receive the most reasonable accommodation based on your needs,
contact me as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week or two of the course)
and be sure to contact the following office for support and additional services:
Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD)
#370, Student Center, LPC, 773.325.1677
Syllabus
4
Assignments
Reflection Essays. There will be four reflection essays due during the quarter. A description of
these assignments can be found on page 4.
Journal Assignment. There will be one journal assignment due during the quarter. A description of
this assignment can be found on page 5.
Team Project. There will be one team project assigned during the quarter. A description of this
project can be found on page 6.
Exam. There will be one take-home, final exam. The exam will consist of short answer questions on
key concepts, theories and readings.
Grades. Your overall grade will be based on your performance on the reading prompts, reflection
essays, written assignment, dyadic project and final exam.
Reflection Essays (25%)
Journal Assignment (25%)
Team Project (25%)
Final Exam (25%)
Overall Course Grade. Your overall course grade will be calculated according to the following
criteria:
1. For each assignment you will earn a score. Your score will be based by comparing the points you
earned against the highest points possible on that assignment (divide your points by the highest
points possible).
2. You will also earn an overall score, which represents how well you did in the course. This score
will be calculated by taking the sum of your assignment scores divided by the highest scores
possible on all of the assignments.
3. Your grade will be determined based on where your overall score using the following scale:
Your Score
97 to 100
94 to 96
90 to 93
87 to 89
84 to 86
80 to 83
Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
Your Score
77 to 79
74 to 76
70 to 73
67 to 69
64 to 66
60 to 63
0 to 59
Grade
C+
C
CD+
D
DF
Syllabus
5
REFLECTION ESSAYS
Purpose: To reflect on the course material by writing a reflection essay on a topic of your choice.
Assignment: Pick a topic that we have discussed in class (or the readings) that was interesting to you.
Then consider the following questions: What about the topic was so interesting? How does the topic
relate to your life? Do you have strong feelings about the topic? If so, why? Did the issue change or
reinforce your beliefs? If so, how? Do you think that knowing about this topic will impact how you view
yourself, others, and how you interact?
You can also structure your reflection essay using one or more of the models listed below.
Types of reflection essays:
•
•
Narrative
Emotional
•
Percipient
•
Analytical
•
Evaluative
•
Critical
Return to an event and describe what happened using a theory or concept.
Examine the emotions produced by an event or activity from a
theoretical/conceptual point of view.
Think about the perceptions and reactions involved. How did the theory or
concept change your thinking?
Systematically analyze the parts, processes or stages of an event in light of course
concepts or theory.
Assess the positive and negative aspects of an experience in light of course
concepts.
Consider implications for future behavior in light of a theory or concept.
Write a two-page reflection essay describing your reaction to the topic.
Your reflection essays, with your name removed, may be shared with the rest of the class as a way to gain
additional perspectives on the course material.
Mechanics: All essays must be typed, double-spaced, and with one-inch margins. Please keep a copy of
your essay for your own records.
Due Date: All late assignments will be penalized by 10% for each and every day they are late. Please
see the course calendar for the due date.
Grading Criteria: Your essay will be graded according to the following criteria:
a. Exploration of concepts presented in course - not merely a description of the concept, but your
reflection on the concept.
b. Clear and organized presentation of your reflection.
c. Application of topic to your personal or professional life.
Syllabus
6
JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT
Purpose: To demonstrate your ability to analyze common interpersonal problems/issues from a
theoretical point of view and identify potential solutions through the application of theory.
Assignment: Keep a journal of interpersonal issues/problems that you notice during the quarter and
analyze your observations using theories presented in class.
Steps:
1. Keep a journal or record of relational issues or problems you notice. You can think of this
assignment as keeping a “frustration” journal. Note common relational problems (in your
personal life or a professional setting) that you experience (or notice) and record them. Include as
many details as possible: Who was involved? What was the issue? What were the underlying
emotions? What were the communication practices observed? What were the underlying triggers?
What were the outcomes?
2. Identify common themes underlying the patterns you observed. You can focus on one major
theme or identify several separate themes. Describe in detail the patterns you noticed.
3. Analyze the patterns identified by applying one or more relational communication theories. What
theories help you make sense of the pattern(s) identified? Provide a detailed analysis of the
pattern(s) you uncovered. Explain the pattern(s) observed in terms of one or more theories we
have covered.
4. Try to identify possible solutions to the problems or issues identified. Based on your theoretical
analysis of the pattern(s) uncovered, what are some potential solutions or ways of solving such
problems in the future? Can you provide some guidelines or an action plan, informed by theory,
to resolve the problem(s) encountered?
You will hand in a complete description, analysis and action plan of the problem you have identified
(5-7 pages).
Mechanics: All assignments must be typed, double-spaced, and with one-inch margins. Please keep a
copy of your essay for your own records.
Due Date: All late assignments will be penalized by 10% for each and every day they are late. Please
see the course calendar for the due date.
Grading Criteria: Your assignment will be graded according to the following criteria:
a. Theoretical analysis of a problem identified.
b. Detailed action plan or recommendations for solving the problem using theoretical concepts.
c. Clear and organized presentation of your ideas.
Syllabus
7
TEAM PROJECT
Purpose: To demonstrate your ability to collaborate with another individual, give a presentation, and
develop a business idea by applying interpersonal communication theory.
Assignment: Working in teams of two you will be asked to take an interpersonal communication theory
(or combination of theories) and develop a business model. You can take a theory and develop workplace
procedures for resolving conflict, develop a new smart phone or social media application, develop a set of
guidelines for assessing relational compatibility, develop ideas for starting self-help workshops, etc.
Essentially, you are to take course concepts and generate ways to apply those concepts so they have
practical value in the real world.
Steps:
1. You will be assigned to work with another person.
2. Each team must select one or more theories that can be used to create a potential business model.
You can either develop a business model or work on the generation and assessment of ideas
underlying a business model.
3. You will give an informal, preliminary overview of your project to the class and receive feedback
on it. Based on the feedback received, you will modify your ideas and subsequently give a
formal presentation outlining your proposal.
4. Based on your experience, you will write a two-page report on what you learned while working
on this assignment.
Due Dates: Due dates for the report and presentations are listed in the class calendar. Late presentations
and reports are not acceptable.
Grading Criteria: Your work will be graded according to the following criteria:
a.
b.
c.
c.
Use of theory to develop a business model.
Clear and organized presentation of ideas.
Improvement of application based on feedback received from class.
Reflection on what you learn from doing this assignment.
Syllabus
COURSE CALENDAR
Date
Topics
First Week
Introduction, Background Information,
Paradigms, Theories, Criteria for Evaluating
Theory
Applying an Entrepreneurial Perspective,
Developing a Business Model, Principles of
Innovation
Evolutionary Theories
Idea/Opportunity Modeling
Second Week
Third Week
Assignments
Readings
Posted on D2L
Posted on D2L
Posted on D2L
Fourth Week
Theories of Interdependency
Idea/Opportunity Modeling
Reflection Essay
Posted on D2L
Fifth Week
Theories of Relational Development and
Conflict
Idea/Opportunity Modeling
Theories of Interaction Dynamics
Idea/Opportunity Modeling
Reflection Essay
Posted on D2L
Reflection Essay
Posted on D2L
Seventh Week
Theories of Personality and Love
Preliminary Team
Presentation
Posted on D2L
Eight Week
Theories of the Dark Side of Interpersonal
Communication – Jealousy, Abuse,
Violence
Miscellaneous Concepts and Issues
Reflection Essay
Posted on D2L
Sixth Week
Ninth Week
Tenth Week
Journal Assignment None
Team Presentation
and Report
Take Home Final
Due March 19th
None
8
Syllabus
TENTATIVE LIST OF THEORIES/CONCEPTS
Evolutionary Theories
Interpersonal Neurobiology
Mate Selection Preferences
Paternity Uncertainty
Parental Investment
Grandparental Investment
Attachment Theory
Parent Infant Attachment
Adult Romantic Attachment
Nonzero Sum Collaboration
Strategic Interference Theory
Parent-Offspring Conflict
Division of Labor
Affectionate Communication Theory
Sociometer Theory
Theories of Interdependency
Social Exchange
Communal Rules Approach
Interdependence Theory
Approach Motivation and Avoidance Motivation
Self-Expansion Model
Relational Turbulence Model
Equity Theory
Investment Theory
Theories of Relational Development and Conflict
Social Penetration Theory
Knapp’s Staircase Model
Conservation of Resources Theory
Attribution Theory
Phase Model of Conflict Management
Conflict Styles
Theories of Interactional Dynamics
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Predicted Outcome Value Theory
Uncertainty Management Theory
Theory of Motivated Information Management
Gender Differences
9
Syllabus 10
Cultural Explanation
Power Explanation
Expectancy Violations Theory
Relational Dialectics
Politeness Theory
Interaction Adaptation Theory
Grice’s Cooperative Principle
Information Manipulation Theory
Language Style Matching
Personality Theories and Theories of Love
Big Five
Norton Communicator Style
Triangular Theory of Love
Helen Fisher’s Theory on Love
Love Styles
Unrequited Love
Compassionate Love
Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication
Jealousy
Meanness
I-Cubed Theory of Interpersonal Violence
Miscellaneous Concepts
Palo Alto Group
Power
Relational Dimensions
Idealization of Intimacy
Singlehood
Relational Maintenance
Social/Emotional Support
Long Distance Relationships
Communication Climates
Truth-Bias
Michelangelo Effect
Communication Competence
Ego Depletion