Fall 1999

Course Coordinator Dr. Derek R. Lane website: http://www.uky.edu/~drlane/interpersonal/

Required Course Materials

    Verderber, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (1998). Inter-Act: Using Interpersonal Communication Skills, (8th edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.

    Lane, D. R. (1999). Interpersonal Communication Student Handbook.

Other supplemental readings will be provided throughout the course. Required reading material will be available in the Reading Room on the first floor of EGJ or handed out in class.

Students may also be expected to purchase two packages of Scantron Forms #882-ES from the UK Bookstore to be used when taking chapter quizzes.

Note: The benefits you receive in this class are directly proportional to your efforts in keeping up with the assigned reading and actively participating in class to build trust, cooperation, support and mutual respect.

Course Description

Interpersonal Communication (COM 252) is designed to increase your understanding and implementation of effective interpersonal communication behaviors and skills. Throughout the semester we will examine basic verbal and nonverbal elements affecting communication between individuals in family, peer group, and work contexts. This course requires you to participate in activities designed to develop interpersonal communication skills and will actually improve the quality of your life if you keep an open mind and actively participate! Topics include: an introduction to interpersonal communication theory, strategy development, relationship and conversation management, effective listening, conflict management, defensive communication, communication anxiety, cultural/gender differences in communication style, ethics in communicating, relationship development, communication climate, and intercultural communication.

Interpersonal communication introduces students to the complex interaction of social and psychological forces operating in human communication. The course is designed with a dual approach consisting of both theory and application that allows students opportunities to critically evaluate the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and the communication issues surrounding human interaction in various contexts. Theories will be considered based on relevance to empirical research, and various applied communication contexts (e.g., industry, education, medical and legal practice, etc.). There is a an important distinction between social skills/manners and the interpersonal communication skills your are expected to develop in this course.

Course Purposes

Students in this course will examine the dynamics of face-to-face encounters. A number of theories of communication will be presented that describe various aspects of the communication process. Many individuals believe that "communication" is so basic that it is taken for granted and not thought about seriously. Unfortunately, this attitude tends to result in such difficulties as misunderstandings, conflict, avoidance, and stereotyping. We will examine basic concepts, theories, and research findings relevant to initiating, developing, modifying, maintaining, and terminating relationships with an eye to the role of communication in the process. Lecture, discussion, in-and-out-of-class observations, and "applied" assignments will be used to increase student knowledge and behavioral competence in interpersonal communication.

At the conclusion of the course it is expected that students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in several core areas. Specifically, students should demonstrate an increased understanding of:

Instructional Modes

This course combines lectures by the instructor, class discussion of assigned textbook readings, group work, audio/video presentations emphasizing certain communication concepts and skills, oral presentations by the students, quizzes, exams, and classroom activities which all contribute to your overall understanding of interpersonal communication. Out-of-class work will include written exercises (journals and communication improvement plans) and research of communication concepts that are presented in workshops. Assigned chapters should be read before class so that you will be able to make a contribution to the class discussions and activities and perform well on the quizzes and exams.

General Class Requirements:

You are expected to:

There are certain basic standards of classroom civility that should be adhered to, particularly in a communication course. Civility does not eliminate appropriate humor, enjoyment, or other features of a comfortable and pleasant classroom community. Classroom civility does, however, include the following:

If you have a special need that may require an accommodation or assistance, please inform the instructor of the fact as soon as possible and no later than the end of the second class meeting.

Criteria for Course Completion

This course consists of several assignments, each of which must be completed. There are no optional assignments. Course completion is accomplished when all necessary assignments (Quizzes, Workshops, Application Journals, Communication Improvement Plans, Interpersonal Assessments, Participation, and Exams) have been completed. Failure to submit ALL assignments will result in an E for the course–regardless.

Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. Readings, class discussions, group workshops, and in-class activities increase both your understanding of interpersonal communication theory and the development of your interpersonal communication skills. Class attendance and participation are important in accomplishing the goals of this course. If you are going to miss a class it is your responsibility to speak with me PRIOR to the class session you will be missing. If you should have an unanticipated EMERGENCY, please leave a phone message for me at (257-2295) or an email at chuck@bryant.net

You will be allowed THREE ABSENCES (this is a total combination of excused and unexcused) during the semester. However, you cannot make up work missed for unexcused absences--you simply receive a zero. For each subsequent absence, 5% will be deducted from your final grade (students not attending class will not be given credit for any participation grade). For example, if you finish the semester with a 91% average and have four absences (one more than is allowed) you will receive an 86%, which is a B. If you are late for a class, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure I have not marked you absent for the day. This must be done the day you are late. Notice that you are given three free absences for situations in which you are really sick. Do not use those "freebies" for blowing off the class and then come to me later (after you have gone over the limit) when you really are sick and expect an excuse. Three freebies allow you to be sick; please don’t take advantage.

For any officially excused absence you are responsible for presenting official written documentation for the absence. For university-sponsored absences this notification is to be given to me prior to the absence; for other excused absences, this documentation must be presented within two weeks of the absence. Students are responsible for arranging to make-up missed individual work. Missed group work cannot be made up. In other words: "To have an absence excused, you will need to give your instructor legitimate written proof from a recognized source explaining the absence . . . AND IT BETTER BE VERY GOOD."

Please arrive to class on time. Tardiness is unprofessional and is not fair to me or to your classmates. Consequently, if you are consistently late, you can expect to receive a lowered participation grade. Moreover, do not expect me to cover any missed material.

Class Participation Policy

The quantity and quality of your contributions to class discussions and activities will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Course Requirements