Interpersonal Communication

Required Text
Wood, J.T. (2016). Interpersonal communication: everyday encounters. (8th ed). Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage
Learning.

ISBN: 9781337089647

Course Description
Students explore the challenges of building and maintaining relationships through verbal, nonverbal language, conflict
management, perception and listening skills. Ideas are applied to everyday aspects of interaction in both personal and
professional relationships. Students gain an in-depth perspective on communication and the role it plays in everyday
challenges.

Course Objectives
Upon completing this course you will be able to:

Define interpersonal communication

Describe the models and principles of interpersonal communication
Determine how perception influences communication
Utilize verbal and nonverbal communication skills to improve relationships
Derive ways of improving nonverbal communication
Apply mindful listening and effective listening
Evaluate the influence of emotion and communication in relationships
Analyze effective communication during conflict
Apply effective interpersonal communication principles to friendships, romantic partners, and family relationships
1.
Tentative Schedule
Read chapter 1 in textbook
Read lecture: Personal Models and Communication
Rules
Week 1: Personal Models and
Participate in discussion: Competent
Communication Rules
Communicators
Complete assignment: Two Communication Rules
In Your Family
 Read chapters 2 and 3 in textbook
Read lecture: Looking at the Self
Week 2: Looking at the Self Participate in discussion: Perception Check
Complete assignment: Maslows Hierarchy of
Needs
Read chapter 4 in textbook
Read lecture: Language
Week 3: Language Participate in discussion: Netiquette
Complete assignment: Gender Speech
Communities
Read chapter 5 in textbook
Participate in discussion: Listening at Work
Week 4: Nonverbal Complete assignment: Nonverbal Emotion
Complete the Midterm over chapter 4, 5, and 6
Read additional resources
Read chapter 6 in textbook
Read lecture: Listening
Participate in discussion: Obstacles to Effective
Week 5: Listening
Listening
Complete assignment: Analyzing Your Listening
Effectiveness
Read chapters 7 and 8 in textbook
Read lecture: Communication Climates
Week 6: Communication Climates Participate in discussion: Relationship Building
Complete assignment: Constructive Conflict
Communication
Read chapters 9 and 10 in textbook
Read lecture: Online Communication and Conflict
Week 7: Online Communication and Conflict
Participate in discussion: Meeting Friends Online
Complete assignment: Conflict in Relationships
Read chapters 11 and 12 in textbook
Read lecture: Families
Participate in discussion: Lifetime Romantic
Relationship
Week 8: Families
Complete assignment: Family Communication
Take the Final over chapters 10, 11, and 12
Complete online course survey
Read additional resources
Work must be submitted by 11:59 PM E.S.T. on the due date
Grading Policy
Assignment Percentage
Discussions 40%
Assignments 40%
Midterm 10%
Final 10%

Expected Student Workload

The following table outlines the academic effort required for you to be successful in this course. While the times in the
table are approximate, it is presented to help with your time management. If you have any questions or concerns, please
direct them to your instructor or student advisor.

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.6

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 0.0

1 Readings 1.6

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 6.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.6

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 0.0

2 Readings 2.1

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 3.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

 Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.5

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 0.0

3 Readings 1.1

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 2.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.6

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 2.0

4 Readings 1.7

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 6.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.5

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 2.0

5 Readings 1.0

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 3.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

 Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.5

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 0.0

6 Readings 2.1

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 2.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.5

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 0.0

7 Readings 2.2

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 2.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 0.6

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 2.0

8 Readings 2.3

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 4.5

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

** The numbers listed in the chart above are rounded to the nearest whole