Davis A. Foulger, Ph. D.

Visiting Professor
Fall, 2005-Spring, 2006
and Fall 2001-Spring 2003

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
COLLEGE AT OSWEGO

Department of Communication Studies

Proposed Modification of Approved Syllabus
I. Course Number and Credit: COM 212, 3 semester hours
II. Course Title: Interpersonal Communication
III. Course Description:

A broad introduction to the study Interpersonal Communication that will give the student a range of tools, based in communication theory and research, with which they can better understand communication with family and friends has helped to shape who they are, how differing communication experiences cause people to think in different ways, and how their communication practice can be managed to enhance both their career success and their relationships with friends, significant others, and family.
IV. Prerequisites: None.
V. Course Justification: Understanding human interaction is basic to an understanding of all human personal and social behavior. Drawing on the theories and research of psychologists, sociologists, philosophers, political scientists, among others, theories of interpersonal communication offer the student a fundamental understanding of human communication processes and the ways in which that communication shapes who we are and how we interact with others. Students who complete this course should have enhanced listening skills, better conflict management skills, and a better understanding of language, non-verbal communication, the communication process, interpersonal behavior in families, friendships, and society, and a variety of human coping strategies which allow the student to become more effective in his or her personal life, relationships, and career.
VI. Course Objectives:
  1. To introduce the student to the importance of intrapersonal communication in the development of self-identity.
  2. To understand the function of perception.
  3. To incrase the student's effectiveness in analyzing his or her own and other's communication styles including active listening and expressing feelings.
  4. To understand the function of language.
  5. To explore concepts in non-verbal communication.
  6. To increase the student's effectiveness in forming, maintaining, and ending relationships.
  7. To increase the student's effectiveness in managing interpersonal conflicts.
  8. To incrase the student's sensitivities to cultural and gender differences affecting interpersonal communication.
VII. Course Outline:
  1. The significance of intrapersonal communication within interpersonal communication to acheive personal goals, to understand the value of self-concept and to relate to others.
  2. The function of person perception in understanding others.
  3. Principles and functions of active listening and appropriate feedback including the necessity and propriety of expressing feelings.
  4. The function of language in defining a sense of self, a sense of others, and a sense of one's world.
  5. Principles and functions of nonverbal communication in the process of human relating.
  6. Personal styles of behavior which increase effective relationship building.
  7. Managing interpersonal conflicts effectively.
  8. Contexts of interpersonal communication: dyadic, small group, cultural and gender, and the interview.
VIII. Methods of Instruction: Classroom lecture-discussion, films, videotapes, small group discussions, dyadic encounters, out-of-class experiences and reports, personal communication journal, interview opportunities, and student-instructor conferences.
IX. Course Requirements: Students will be required to complete journals, reports, papers, projects, and examinations.
X. Means of Evaluation: Tests, reports, communication journals, papers and projects.
XI. Resources: No additional resources are required.
  • XII.Bibliography:
  • Adler, R., et. al. Interplay. Fourth Edition. NY: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Inc., 1989.
  • Adler, R. and Neil Towne. Looking Out, Looking In. Fifth Edition. NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1986.
  • Deetz, Stanley A. and Sheryl L. Stevenson. Managing Interpersonal Communication. NY: Harper & Row, 1986.
  • DeVito, Joseph A. The Interpersonal Communication Book. Fifth Edition. Harper & Row, 1989.
  • Donoho, Melvin W. and John L. Meyer. How To Get the Job You Want. NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1976.
  • Einborn, Lois, Patricia Bradley and John Baird. Effective Employment Interviewing. IL: Scott, Foresman and Company, 1982.
  • Johnson, David W. Reaching Out. Third Edition. NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc, 1986.
  • Meyer, John L. and Melvin W. Donoho. Get the Right Person for the Job. NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1979.
  • Peterson, Eric E. (ed.) et. al. Contemporary Issues in Interpersonal Communication. MA: Ginn Press, 1987.
  • Phillips, G. and Wood, J. Communication and Human Relationships. NY: McMillan Company, 1983.
  • Ross, Raymond S. and Mark G. Ross. Relating and Interacting. NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1982.
  • Stuart, J. (ed.) Bridges Not Walls. Fourth Edition. Phillipines: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc., 1986.
  • Trenholm, Sarah and Arthur Jensen. Interpersonal Communication. CA: Wadsworth, Inc., 1988.
  • Verderber, R. and K. Verderber. Interact. Fifth Edition. CA: Wadsworth, Inc., 1988.

Journals and Periodicals:

  • Human Relations
  • Journal of Abnormal Social Psychology
  • Journal of Communication
  • Journal of Communication Education
  • Journal of Consulting Psychology
  • Journal of Personality
  • Journal of Personality & Social Psychology
  • Journal of Social Psychology
  • Psychological Reports
  • Psychological Review
  • Psychology Today
  • Quarterly Journal of Speech