COMM 225—INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Dr. George Denger,
Instructor
Spring 2008
322 Library
X2330
gdenger@lssu.edu
Description
COMM 225 provides a grounding in interpersonal communication theory, research, and
practice. Students are apprised of the areas covered by this communication subfield.
Theory and research are reviewed through lecture and application to realistic
communication situations. Emphasis throughout is on the cultivation of ability to
develop personal interpersonal effectiveness through real-time and reflective application
of course content.
Objectives
Following successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to identify areas of human interaction lying within the field of
interpersonal communication.
2. Accurately interpret interpersonal communication of others in terms of the major
areas of theory and research applicable to such interaction.
3. Enact appropriate interpersonal behavior consistent with course content.
4. Identify the ethical issues inherent to interpersonal communication.
Policies
1. You must attend class faithfully. You may have three excused absences without
sanction. Unexcused absences beyond those will result in a lowering of your grade.
Attendance will usually be recorded on an attendance sheet. It is your responsibility
to sign it. If you do not, you will be charged an absence.
2. Active and constructive participation is highly encouraged.
3. Keep all of your returned work for the duration of the semester.
4. All work must be highly legible.
5. You must adhere to the standards of academic honesty. Violations may result in
failure of the course.
Text
Guerrero, L. K., Andersen, P. A., & Afifi, W. A. (2007). Close Encounters:
Communication in relationships. (2nd Ed.) Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
Assignments and Grading
Each of the following assignment areas is much more extensively discussed in separate
handouts. The percentage weights of these assignments is shown after the descriptions
below.
1. Tests. Three tests will be administered. Exact format will be announced in advance.
A study guide will be provided prior to the tests. (15% each, 45% total)
2. Application exercise. In this activity, you will view video samples of interpersonal
communication. Your challenge will be to generate real-time analysis of the
communication taking place in the sample. (15%)
3. Papers. You will write three short papers. Additional handouts will provide further
details. (10% each, 30% total)
a. Popular press article critique. In this assignment, you will find and critique in
light of professional literature an article of significance to the content of this
course.
b. Public figure analysis paper. One feature of our voyeuristic culture is its
fascination with the trials and tribulations of public figures. Your task in this
paper is to identify such an individual, and interpret their communicative
difficulties in terms of course content.
c. Developmental strategy paper. The cultivation of interpersonal skill is (or
should be) a lifelong process. In this assignment, your task is to propose a
personal strategy for the continued development in this area following course
completion.
4. Participation. (10%)
ADA & ACCOMMODATIONS In compliance with Lake Superior State University
policies and equal access laws, disability-related accommodations or
services are available to students with documented disabilities.
If you are a student with a disability and you think you may require
accommodations you must register with Disability Services (DS), which
is located in the KJS Library, Room 147, (906) 635-2355 or x2355 on
campus. DS will provide you with a letter of confirmation of your
verified disability and authorize recommended accommodations. This
authorization must be presented to your instructor before any
accommodations can be made.
Students who desire such services should meet with instructors in a
timely manner, preferably during the first week of class, to discuss
individual disability related needs. Any student who feels that an
accommodation is needed – based on the impact of a disability – should
meet with instructors privately to discuss specific needs.
IPASS/ Student First: If at mid-term your grades reflect that you are
at risk for failing some or all of your classes, you will be contacted
by a representative of IPASS/Student First. The IPASS/Student First
programs are designed to help you gain control over your learning
through pro-active communication and goal-setting, the development of
intentional learning skills and study habits, and personal
accountability.
Semester Calendar
COMM 225—INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Dr. George
Denger,
Instructor
Spring 2008
322 Library
X2330
gdenger@ lssu.edu
Spring 2008 Office Hours: MWF, 10:15-11:45; M, 2-2:45, and by appointment.
Date
1/14, 16, 18
1/21, 23, 25
1/28, 30, 2/1
2/4, 6, 8
2/11, 13, 15
2/18, 20, 22
2/25, 27, 29
3/10, 12, 14
3/17, 19, 21
3/24, 26, 28
3/31, 4/2, 4
4/7, 9, 11
4/14, 16, 18
4/21, 23, 25
Finals Week
Topics, activities, and due dates
Introduction; conceptualizing relational communication.
Identity.
Forces of social attraction.
Making sense, uncertainty and expectancy.
Getting closer: initiating and intensifying relationships.
Paper #1 due W, 2/6
Styles of love and attachment. Test #1, ch. 1-5, W, 2/13
Sexual communication.
Intimacy and Affection.
Spring Break
Maintaining intimate relationships. Paper #2 due, W,
3/12
Interdependence and equity.
Power, dominance and influence. Test #2, ch. 6-10, W,
3/26
Privacy and secrets in relationships.
Relational transgressions.
Conflict. Paper #3 due, W, 4/16
Ending relationships. Application assignment
Test #3
Readings
Ch. 1, 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
Ch. 7
Ch. 8
Ch. 9
Ch. 10
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
Ch. 13
Ch. 14
Ch. 15