COMM 218Z Interpersonal Communication

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

COMM218Z increases the knowledge and use of competent communication skills to better understand oneself, others, and the role of communication in interpersonal relationships.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Recommended: Placement into WR 121Z (or higher); or completion of WR 115 (or higher) with a grade of C or better.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Common Course Numbering Outcomes

Describe how culture, identity, perception, biases, and power influence the communication process.
Recognize and analyze interpersonal communication concepts (e.g., ethics, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, emotions, and conflict).
Assess one’s own interpersonal skills to become more competent in a variety of relational contexts.
Apply foundational concepts and theories to interpersonal communication.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.
Respond to the needs of diverse audiences and contexts.
Build and manage relationships.

Content Outline

Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
- Key elements
- Models of communication
- Characteristics of effective communication
Self-Concept and Interpersonal Communication
- Self-concept
- Self-esteem
- Self-disclosure
Perceptions
- Interpersonal perception
- Perceiving others
- Barriers to accurate perceptions
- Improving perception skills
Cultural Perspectives in Interpersonal Communication
- Cultural and diversity defined
- Understanding culture
  - Cultural events
  - Cultural values
  - Cultural contexts
- Barriers to effective intercultural communication
  - Ethnocentrism
  - Stereotyping
  - Prejudice
Listening Effectively
- Listening defined
- Listening styles
- Barriers to effective listening
- Improving listening skills
- Responding skills
Verbal Communication
- Understanding how language works
- Recognizing the power of language
- Using language effectively
Nonverbal Communication
- Understanding the importance of nonverbal communication
- Understanding nonverbal communication codes
  - Kinesics (body movement, posture, and gestures)
  - Eye contact
  - Facial expression
  - Paralanguage (vocal cues)
  - Proxemics (use of space)
  - Haptics (touch)
  - Appearance
  - Silence
  - Chronemics (use of time)
- Interpreting nonverbal communication
Conflict Management
- Understanding conflict as a process
- Conflict management styles
- Conflict management skills
Developing Interpersonal Relationships
- Stages of interpersonal relationships
- Theories of interpersonal relationship development
- Strategies for developing interpersonal relationships
- Managing relationship challenges
Interpersonal Communication in Context
- Interpersonal relationships at home: family communication
- Interpersonal relationships and computer-mediated communication
- Interpersonal relationships at work