SPC-145: Interpersonal Communication

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Communication & Media
Department
Speech
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Speech Communication
Course Number
145
Course Title
Interpersonal Communication
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG courses at HFC.
Catalog Course Description

Explores the process of communication between individuals in formal and informal, face-to-face and computer-mediated communication situations that occur in family, social, and work groups. Identifies, explains, and analyzes the social, linguistic, cultural, and psychological factors which impact interpersonal communication.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

The goal of this course places an emphasis on the student’s need to understand the concepts, principles, and theories which are involved to improve oral and written skills.

Core Course Topics
  1. The nature of the communication process
  2. The elements of an interpersonal communication situation
  3. Self-concept: awareness, acceptance, actualization, and self-disclosure
  4. Perception: perceiver and perceived
  5. Active listening and feedback
  6. Language and the symbolic process in oral and written communication
  7. Nonverbal communication
  8. Interpersonal relationships: intimate, family, social, and work groups
  9. The concepts of intimacy and distance in relationships
  10. Communication climates and overcoming barriers
  11. Conflict management
  12. Social media communication and technology (computer-mediated communication)
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Understand the nature of the communication process
  2. Describe basic communication concepts, terms and models
  3. Recognize the elements of an interpersonal communication situation
  4. Find and evaluate research material in terms of credibility, bias, accuracy, and ethics
  5. Describe the origin of the self-concept: awareness, acceptance, actualization, and self-disclosure, and its effect on communication
  6. Identify errors in the perception process and its effect on communication
  7. Demonstrate active listening skills
  8. Develop confirming communication styles
  9. Identify forms and functions of non-verbal behavior
  10. Use empathy and perception-checking skills to prevent misunderstanding in interpersonal relationships
  11. Understand the competencies related to communicating with those from other cultures
  12. Assess the values, beliefs and attitudes in communication situations
  13. Analyze use of self-disclosure in relationships
  14. Demonstrate conflict resolution skills and problem-solving methods
  15. Understand how the use of technology changes the way we create, maintain, and dissolve interpersonal relationships

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • Quizzes
  • Summary and analysis of case studies
  • In-class reflective papers on interpersonal communication topics
  • Class presentations, individual and group
  • Written exams
  • Major collaborative research-based oral and written project

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • English Composition or Communications
MTA Categories
  • Category 2: English Composition or Communications
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other
Effective Term
Winter 2022