Interpersonal Communication (COMM 3393)

Fall 2003

(Tentative Syllabus—Check with instructor to confirm.)

Instructor: James L. Heflin, Ph.D. Website: http://www.cameron.edu/~jamesh/ Email: jamesh@cameron.edu

Office: 112 Music Building Office Phone: 581-2426 Office Hours: Posted on website

Course Description

Improving communication between persons.  Discovering and overcoming obstacles in person-to-person communication.  Self-awareness of the student’s own communication behavior as well as that of others.

Textbooks

Miller, Sherod and others.  CONNECTING WITH SELF AND OTHERS.  Littleton, CO.: Interpersonal Communication Programs, Inc., 1988.

DeVito, Joseph A.  THE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION BOOK (tenth edition), New York: Longman, 2003.

Goals and Objectives

1. Identify interpersonal communication theory that reflects recent research findings in human relationships.
2. Demonstrate a practical use of interpersonal communication theory through classroom activities and assignments. 
3. Master Miller’s Awareness Wheel model of communication.
4. Understand human behavior in conflict situations. 
5. Identify the impact of cultural diversity in interpersonal relationships. 
6. Apply writing skills in the development of a written project on an interpersonal communication variable. 
7. Identify ethical variables in interpersonal communication.
8. Identify the variables in the development of relationships related to a significant other, friendship, and work-related relationship. 
9. Apply interpersonal conflict resolution strategies to a relationship. 

Course Assignments

1. The student will read assigned materials in their textbooks and journals.
2. The student will take seven (7) exams from the materials covered in the course.
3. The student will write one paper on a interpersonal communication variable that interest them and has specific relevance to their personal relationships.
4. The student’s final grade will be based on an average score of the following  items:
   
   

   Exam 1-7	700 points
   Journal	300 points

   
   
5. The student is given class schedule.  This schedule may change during the course.  Please contact the professor when a class is missed for details and handouts.
6. Make-up exams MUST be taken within seven days of the original exam period.

Absences

Upon the 7th absence on MWF Classes, (unless an agreement has been arranged in advance with the professor), the student will receive an “F” for the course.  In 16 week night classes, the student is allowed two absences.

Grading Schedule

Classroom Participation

Student participation in any class is paramount.  This is especially true of a course in interpersonal communication. The student is encouraged to actively participate in class discussion, exercises, and group activities.  The student is asked to look at issues and concepts in regard to interpersonal communication and relationship development.  The student is asked to focus attention on how communication within relationships and group activities can be improved.  The student is asked to demonstrate a tolerance and appreciation of divergent opinions presented by students.  An attitude of mutual respect between the instructor and the student and any speaker is critical to optimize the learning experience.  As a result, any student who creates distractions during class by talking, eating, or being disrespectful to others will be required to leave the class, and will not be  permitted to return to the class unless the professor determines the student has adopted an appropriate attitude of mutual respect and trust.