SPEECH 121 – THE PROCESS OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
General Information: 8 week class – starts 6/18/2007, ends 8/12/2007. This
course takes place entirely online. No on-campus visits are required.
Course Description: In this course, we will examine the dynamics of face-to-face encounters. A number of theories of communication will be examined that describe various aspects of the communication process. Many people believe communication is so ‘basic’ that it is taken for granted and not really thought about seriously. Unfortunately this attitude tends to result in such difficulties as misunderstandings, conflict, avoiding communicating all together, and stereotyping. In this course, we will overview some of the basic concepts and theories relevant to initiating, developing, maintaining and terminating/redefining relationships with an eye to the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in the process. Lecture and ‘applied quizzes’ (taking theory and making it real and practical) will be used to increase your knowledge and behavioral competence in interpersonal communication. Required Materials: Interplay Course Requirements: 1. Students will learn the options and alternatives for action in a wide variety of interpersonal formal and informal situations. 2. Students will gain a heightened awareness of their own self concept, and gain an increased appreciation for the differences of others as far as race, culture, gender, etc. 3. Students will learn how the process of perception affects communication behavior. 4. Students will gain a more thorough understanding of the ethical dimensions of interpersonal communication. 5. Students will learn the differences between verbal and nonverbal communication and their ramifications in developing successful interpersonal interactions. 6. Students will learn to identify the components of defensive and/or supportive communication climates, and how to transform defensive climates into supportive ones. 7. Students will learn the components of communication competence and how to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of interpersonal strategies used in various interpersonal situations. 8. Students will gain a more thorough understanding of why and how relationships develop, and the role that communication plays in determining the nature and quality of interpersonal relationships. 9. Students will learn the importance of constructive conflict within the context of interpersonal relationships, and be able to apply various conflict management principles. |
