COMMUNICATION STUDIES 8:
Interpersonal
Communication
STUDEN
T
HANDBO
Containing the Semester Syllabus,
Assignment Guidelines,
And
Supplementary Information
Instructor:
Joan Merriam
So, you’re taking a Communications class……
Which means you need to
COMMUNICATE!!!
ALL STUDENTS
MUST
the Canvas app from
iTunes or the GooglePlay store…and from then on, any
email sent to you through Canvas
will automatically be texted to your phone! (So
you can avoid having to log on to your college
email to see if your instructors have sent you
something they think is Very Important.)
(Like your grade.)
You can text back a reply and it will go to your
instructor’s Inbox as an email!
How cool is that???
iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/canvas-by-instructure/id480883488?mt=8
GooglePlay:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instructure.candroid&hl=en
2
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (Communication Studies 8)
~ Spring, 2016 ~
Sierra College Nevada County Campus: N6-206
Tuesday/Thursday 12:30 – 1:50pm
COURSE SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Joan Merriam
e-mail: jmerriam@sierracollege.edu (through Canvas or Outlook)
BOOKS:
 Looking Out, Looking In (14th edition)
Adler and Proctor (ISBN: 978-0-8400-2817-4)
 That’s Not What I Meant!
Deborah Tannen (ISBN: 978-0-06-206299-4)
Note: Other reading may be assigned during the semester
DIGITAL DOCS:
All course documents are available digitally on Canvas and my website at
www.joanmerriam.com
WHAT I EXPECT OF YOU:
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION is crucial for learning how to interact and communicate well.
Everyone begins with 200 participation points, and is entitled to THREE unexcused absences;
beyond this, each missed class will cost 20 points. Anyone who falls below 100 points in this
area may be dropped from the course.
If you’re ill or out of town, let me know so I can mark your absence as excused. It’s your
responsibility to sign the daily attendance roll!
ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments must be presented when due, barring real emergencies.
ONE-HALF GRADE POINT will be deducted for each class session the assignment is late
without an excused absence. Assignments more than three sessions late will not be accepted,
and will receive an automatic “F.”
EXAMS: Makeup exams will be given ONLY in the case of an excused absence—it’s your
responsibility to let me know if you’re ill or unable to attend class because of a true emergency.
Otherwise, missing an exam means you’ll receive zero points.
NO texting in class is allowed…if I catch you, I’ll “borrow” your phone!!
3
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT OF ME:
I try to set up an OPEN ACADEMIC ATMOSPHERE of mutual respect and tolerance in which free
and open exchange of ideas and opinions can take place. There are no “off-limits” questions or
subjects—although I expect everyone to stay within the bounds of decency and be respectful of
racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, and sexual diversity.
FAIR AND EQUITABLE GRADING PRACTICES
I do not grade students on test results alone, or use a grading “curve.” Your grade is based
on your completion of assignments, class participation, and exams. But be warned:
ANYONE WHO CHEATS ON AN EXAM, SUBMITS WORK THAT IS NOT HIS OR HER OWN,
OR PLAGIARIZES ALL OR PART OF AN ASSIGNMENT, WILL RECEIVE AN “F” ON THE
ASSIGNMENT AND MAY BE DROPPED FROM THE COURSE.
EMAILING ASSIGNMENTS
The only assignment that you can email me is your first paper, “Looking at Yourself as a
Communicator.” I must receive it by midnight on the due date. If emailed, it will be graded
and returned to you by email in order to save paper. Your semester project must be submitted
as a hard copy (see details on page 9 and the “Journal Assignments” handout).
DISABLED STUDENTS
Students with disabilities who need assistance or accommodation should advise me, and
make arrangements with Disabled Student Services as soon as possible.
POINT BREAKDOWN FOR GRADING (900 POINTS TOTAL):
Participation/Attendance .....................200 points
Class Activities .......................................100 points
Quizzes ......................................................75 points ( 3 x 25 points each)
Midterm Exam ........................................150 points
Semester Project………...........................300 points (3 sections x 100 points each)
Yourself as a Communicator paper ............75 points
Here are the points you will need to earn the grade of your choice in the course:
A = 810 – 900 points (90 to 100% of total points)
B = 720 - 809 points (80 to 89% of total points)
C = 630 - 719 points (70 to 79% of total points)
4
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Over the course of the semester, you will engage in critical thinking and will be expected to
apply concepts at college level. Specifically, in this class you will:
 Examine the theories of interpersonal communication and analyze how they operate in
interpersonal relationships
 Distinguish the components of the communication models and analyze their impact on
one-on-one communication
 Analyze the significant role that communication plays in shaping our beliefs, values,
and attitudes
 Examine how the self-concept influences perception and communication behavior
 Critically assess the impact of emotion on communication in relationships










Investigate appropriate ways to communicate emotions to others
Evaluate the use of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in communicating with others
Determine how verbal and nonverbal communication create relational climate
Differentiate and employ a variety of effective listening techniques
Investigate the impact of communication in the development, maintenance and
dissolution of relationships
Examine the impact of culture, ethnicity, gender, roles, socioeconomic status, power,
and age on communication, and adapt appropriately
Identify, evaluate and utilize appropriate conflict management techniques for a variety
of contexts and situations
Investigate the negative aspects of interpersonal communication
Assess personal communication behavior and apply appropriate techniques to improve
communication in interpersonal relationships
Investigate the influence of perception on communication
5
6
Class Schedule (subject to change)
Note: “Adler” refers to the textbook (Looking Out, Looking In); “Tannen” refers to That’s Not What I Meant!
DAY & DATE
DISCUSSION TOPIC OR ACTIVITY
FOR NEXT CLASS:
Tues., Jan. 26
Thurs., Jan. 28
Orientation and Course Overview; Some Basics
More Basics: Understanding Communication
Adler, Chapter 1
---
Tues., Feb. 2
Thurs., Feb. 4
Tues., Feb. 9
Thurs., Feb. 11
Tues., Feb. 16
Thurs., Feb. 18
Whooo Are Yooou? (Getting to Know You)
Looking at the Self
Managing Our Identities
The Impact of Social Media on Communication
Self-Disclosure Perception and Empathy
Emotional Intelligence
Adler, Chapter 2
---
Tues., Feb. 23
Quiz # 1: Adler, Chapters 1-3
Conversational Styles
Emotions: What They Are (and Aren’t!)
Thurs., Feb. 25
Tues., March 1
Thurs., March 3
Tues., March 8
Thurs., March 10
Tues., March 15
Thurs., March 17
Guest Speaker: What’s Good About Fighting? Learning How to
Fight Fair with the People You Care About
Gender, Culture, and Language
Nonverbal Communication
Types of Nonverbal Communication
The Art of Listening
 MIDTERM EXAM DUE
Listening, Learning, and Responding
March 21 -25:
Adler, Chapters 3 & 4
--Tannen, Chapters 1-3
Tannen, Chapters 4-6
--Adler, Chapter 5
Adler, Chapter 6
--Adler, Chapter 7
--Adler, Chapter 8
SPRING BREAK!!!
Tues., March 29
Thurs., March 31
A First Look at Relationship Dynamics
How Conversations Go Wrong
Tannen, Chapters 7-8
---
Tues., April 5
Thurs., April 7
Tues., April 12
Thurs., April 14
Saying What We Mean…or Not
Friends, Families, and Intimate Partners
Men and Women in Conversation
Guest Speaker: How to Talk to Anyone About Anything
Adler, Chapter 9
Tannen, Chapters 9-10
-----
Tues., April 19
Thurs., April 21
Tues., April 26
Thurs., April 28
Tues., May 3
Thurs., May 5
Tues., May 10
Thurs., May 12
Tues., May 17
Thurs., May 19
Quiz # 2: Adler, Chapters 5-7 and Tannen
What’s Love Got to Do With it?
Friendships and Family Relationships
Communication Climates
Creating Better Communication
Film Lessons About Interpersonal Communication, Part 1
Adler Chapter 10
Adler Chapter 11
-----
Film Lessons About Interpersonal Communication, Part 2
-----
Guest Speaker: “No-Lose” Negotiations and Constructive Conflict
Resolving Conflict
Conflict and Conflict Styles
 Quiz # 3: Adler, Chapters 8-11 and film
---------
7
DATES and DEADLINES
(subject to change)
Thurs., February 18
“Looking at Yourself as a Communicator”
Tues., February 23
QUIZ #1: Adler, Chapters 1-3
Thurs., March 3
Section 1, Journal Assignments
Thurs., March 10
MIDTERM EXAM DISTRIBUTED
(Adler, Chapters 1-6; Guest Speaker #1)
Thurs., March 17
MIDTERM EXAM DUE
Tues., April 5
Section 2, Journal Assignments
Tues., April 19
QUIZ #2: Adler, Chapters 5-7 and Tannen
Tues., May 3
Section 3, Journal Assignments
Thurs., May 19
QUIZ #3: Adler, Chapters 8-11 and film
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Quizzes, as well as the Midterm, may include questions related to the
supplementary reading which I will be distributing throughout the
semester. While we may spend some class time discussing them, it’s
YOUR responsibility to read these articles and be familiar with them.
8
ASSIGNMENT
GUIDELINES
and
REQUIREMENTS
ACTIVITES AND ASSIGNMENTS
Here are the activities and assignments that will earn you points:
200 points: Participation/Attendance. Since this is a class in interpersonal communication,
you will be expected to not just attend class, but actively participate in the activities and
discussions. It’s your choice as to whether to sit there like a lump and never say a word…just
be aware that you’ll lose points for “blobbing out”!
100 points: Class Activities. 100 points are available here for in-class activities, extra
assignments, or other activities assigned by the instructor.
75 points: Quizzes. (3 quizzes x 25 points = 75 points) There will be three brief quizzes,
designed to check your understanding of the books, readings, and class discussions.
NO MAKE-UPS ARE ALLOWED FOR QUIZZES.
150 points: Midterm Exam. There will be one 150-point take-home midterm exam. No final
exam will be given.
300 points: Semester Project – Communications Journal. The semester project is meant to
incorporate all the concepts covered during the semester in a series of journal assignments due
in three sections.
75 points: You as a Communicator paper. One paper, worth 75 points, is required to be
completed.
 In addition, you may write ONE ADDITIONAL PAPER of 3-4 pages for 50 points extra credit.
You MUST clear your topic with me first.
NOTE: All papers are to be typed, double-spaced, on white bond, in
current MLA style. Papers will be graded for content, clarity,
and completeness, in addition to grammar, punctuation, and
spelling. If you are unsure of how to write a college-level
paper, visit the Learning Center.
8
SEMESTER PROJECT:
COMMUNICATIONS JOURNAL ASSIGNMENTS
Throughout the semester, you will be completing a number of journal assignments which are
provided in a separate attachment to this syllabus. You will need to insert the pages into a
binder or notebook to submit them to me on the dates listed below and in the “Dates &
Deadlines” section.
PAY ATTENTION TO THESE DATES, as I may not be reminding you of them in class! You
will lose points if Journals are late (see page 3, “Assignments.”)
All entries (except for those where you are asked to check or circle something) should be in
ESSAY FORMAT, and must be typed, double-spaced, on plain white bond.
Length: As noted in each assignment
Points: 100 per section, 300 total for the semester
Due:
Section 1: DUE March 3
Section 2: DUE April 5
Section 3: DUE May 3
9
OTHER WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
1. LOOKING AT YOURSELF AS A COMMUNICATOR
Length: 3-4 pages, typed and double-spaced
Points: 75
Due: FEBRUARY 18
This assignment asks you to evaluate and discuss your own patterns of communication,
and communication strengths and weaknesses. (You need more than a sentence or
two…at least a paragraph is needed, and possibly more.)
Re-type each question, then answer or complete it…
1. To me, "effective communication" means
2. Pick a special person and rate yourself as a verbal communicator with them:
(a) very ineffective (b) fairly ineffective (c) so-so (d) fairly effective (e) very effective
Specifically, what would help you communicate more effectively with them?
3. The person or people that I consistently communicate very well with are
The main reasons that we communicate well are
4. The person or people I've consistently had trouble communicating with are
The main reasons I've had trouble with them are
5. The specific communication skills and abilities I want to develop are
What, if anything, is preventing me?
Remove the following page from your syllabus, put an “x” or “”
beside any items that are true for you, and attach it to your paper:
10
11
My usual communication strengths are:
__ I initiate needed talks promptly
__ My true self often guides me in conflicts
__ I use humor well
__ I make enough time to communicate
__ I hang in there, vs. numbing out or run away
__ I express myself clearly
__ I make good eye contact
__ I negotiate effectively with adults and kids
__ I have a large, growing vocabulary
__ I can summarize well
__ I’m usually in the present (vs. past or future)
__ I’m well organized when needed
__ I use appropriate physical touching
__ I’m generally aware and attentive
__ I assert my needs and limits effectively
__ I handle silences well enough
__ I’m usually empathic and sensitive
__ My words, face, and body match
__ I stay focused key topics until we're done
__ I’m honest and genuine
__ I confront other people respectfully
__ I handle most conflicts effectively
__ I question well
__ I criticize others constructively
__ I try to problem-solve vs. argue or control
__ I’m OK hearing and saying "no"
__ I’m usually tactful
__ I discuss problems promptly and honestly
__ I’m usually patient
__ I seldom interrupt
__ I’m assertive, vs. aggressive or submissive
__ I’m direct and clear
__ I know how to respond to obnoxious people
__ I self-disclose and use humor appropriately
__ I'm usually open to respectful feedback
__ I listen empathically in key situations
__ I communicate effectively with kids
__ I’m usually self-aware
__ I'm aware of communication outcomes
In public and private, I can comfortably express:
__ Joy
__ Anger
__ Forgiveness
__ Vulnerability
__ Encouragement
__ Fear
__ Frustration
__ Desire
__ Thanks
__ Confusion
__ Neediness
__ Praise
__ Apology
__ Shame
__ Pain
__ Sadness
__ Love
__ Disagreement
__ Affection
__ Weariness
__ Boredom
__ Hopes / dreams
__ Tears
__ Humor
__ Worry / anxiety
__ Opinions
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
From time to time, students will be divided into pairs or small groups for certain classroom
activities. No advance notice will be given regarding the dates that such exercises will take
place.
Note: If you are absent on the day the activity is held, you will lose all points
for the exercise. There can be no exceptions to this policy in fairness to all
students.
Group activities are not graded per se: each activity carries a specific number
of “participation points,” which each student who is present and participates
will receive.
13
SUPPLEMENTARY
MATERIALS
and
INFORMATION
EMPATHY
is like a huge umbrella,
covering every type of human communications encounter
EMPATHY links us to one another through the sharing of
human emotions . . .
Unless our speaking and listening is characterized by
empathy, our efforts at communicating are little more than
meaningless chatter.
14
The Johari Window
The Johari Window has four “panes”: each pane looks into a different part of the self in
relation to others. This model helps explain why some people may react to us
differently than we expect them to.
For instance, if I see myself as a reasonable person, but others have experienced me
as critical and judgmental, then I probably won’t understand when they hide information
about something they think may provoke my criticism. They are probably responding to
an aspect of my BLIND self.
THE
THE
OPEN
BLIND
SELF
SELF
(Things about yourself
that are OPEN to everyone)
(You are BLIND to
these things that others can see in you)
What YOU know about yourself
What OTHERS know about you
What OTHERS know about you
What YOU don’t know about yourself
THE
THE
HIDDEN
UNKNOWN
SELF
SELF
(Things that you
keep HIDDEN from
everyone but
yourself)
(Things about you that are
UNKNOWN to everyone,
including yourself)
What YOU know about yourself
What YOU don’t know about yourself
What OTHERS don’t know about
you
What OTHERS don’t know about
you
15
SOCIAL NETWORKING and INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION
A recent study found that one in four people spend more time socializing online,
via sites such as Facebook and Twitter, than they do in person.
Studies also show that 32% of people would rather text you than talk to you,
and a whopping 51% of teens would rather communicate digitally than in
person. 43% of 18-24 year-olds say that texting is just as meaningful as a faceto-face conversation with someone.
Often at events or parties, guests are attached to their smartphones tweeting or
texting, but no one is truly engaging or interacting with the people around them.
Is the focus now on communication quantity versus quality? Superficiality
versus authenticity? In an ironic twist, “social” media has the potential to
make us less social…a surrogate for the real thing. For social media to be a
truly effective communication vehicle, we all bear a responsibility to be genuine,
accurate, and not allow this technology to replace human contact.
16
17