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 412, 3 credits
II. Course Title: Advanced Interpersonal Communication
III. Course Description:

A detailed look at specific theories of, and research traditions within, Interpersonal Communication. Topics, generally selected so as to not overlap with other specific course offerings within the department, might include such topics as Family Communication, Relationship Formation and Change, Nonverbal Communication, Interpersonal Communication Technologies, Intrapersonal Communication, and many others.

IV, Prerequisites: COM 212 plus six hours of communication courses, three hours of which must be upper division..
V, Course Justification:

The study of Interpersonal Communication is organized around a variety of theoretical and research traditions. This course gives the student a detailed view of a selection of those traditions that are not given detailed coverage in other department offerings. Examples of theoretical and research traditions that might receive coverage include Nonverbal Communication, Ethnomethodology, Communication Competence, Family Communication, Attraction and Relationship Development, Interpersonal Influence, Intrapersonal Communication, Interpersonal Communication Technologies, Listening, Communication Apprehension, the Social Construction of Reality, and many others.

The introductory interpersonal course, Interpersonal Communication, Com 212, offers the student an introduction to basic concepts of the interpersonal process. The intermediate interpersonal course, COM 312, offers the student a detailed view of the relationship of Interpersonal Communication to the creation of the self and its relationships with others. This advanced course provides a more detailed understanding of the theoretical and research traditions and methodologies on which our understanding of Interpersonal Communication has been built.

VI. Course Objectives:

The student will be able:

  1. to demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of relationships.
  2. to explain the dynamics of the self-other dialogue.
  3. to describe the principles of person perception.
  4. to explain the bridging function of self-disclosure.
  5. to distinguish the various contexts in which relationships develop.
  6. to explain the relevance of personal goals in relationships.
  7. to describe the need for love and trust
  8. to demonstrate a detailed understanding of a selection or theoretical and research traditions in Interpersonal Communication.
VII. Course Outline:

This course covers the following areas:

  1. The interpersonal relationship
    1. Definition
    2. Types
    3. Dynamics
  2. Intra/interpersonal Communication
    1. Self-Other Dynamics
    2. Growth of Awareness
    3. Self-Acceptance
  3. Person Perception
    1. Selectivity
    2. Factors affecting
    3. Qualities of the effective perceiver
  4. Self-Disclosure
    1. As a self-identity process
    2. Building trust
    3. Cautions in the use of self-disclosure
  5. Contexts of Relationships
    1. Interaction Process
    2. Varieties
    3. Using context to build relation
  6. Personal Goals
    1. Establishing hierarchies
    2. Measuring goal compatibility
    3. Weighing personal good and good of the other
  7. Love and Trust
    1. Definitions of Love
    2. Common Ground and Growth
    3. Maintaining Self-Identity
    4. Dealing with the loss of love
  8. A selection of specific theoretical and research traditions associated with Interpersonal Communication. For example:
    1. Discourse and/or Conversation Analysis
    2. Family Communication
    3. Relationship Formation, Maintenence, and Change
    4. Nonverbal Communication
    5. Interpersonal Communication Technologies
    6. Ethnography and/or Ethnomethodology
    7. Health Communicaiton
    8. Communication Competence
    9. Interpersonal Attraction
    10. Interpersonal Influence
    11. Listening
    12. Communication Apprehension
    13. Constructivism
    14. Language and Social Interaction
    15. Interspecies (e.g. Animal) Communication
    16. Long Distance Relationships
    17. Information Seeking
    18. Symbolic Interaction
    19. Legal Communication
    20. Interpersonal Roles
    21. Interpersonal Ecologies
VIII. Methods of Instruction:

Lectures, readings, class reports, discussions, workshop presentations.

IX. Course Requirements:

Readings, research paper, group workshop, oral reports.

X. Means of Evaluation:

Examinations, term paper, and group workshop.

XI. Resources: No additional resources will be needed to offer this course
beyond keeping current with library acquisitions.
XII. Bibliography: attached