STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
COLLEGE AT OSWEGO

Department of Communication Studies

Approved Syllabus

An understanding of intepersonal communication is basic to the study of human communication. Communication educators have in recent years broadened traditional communication studies to investigate the dynamics of he interpersonal context. They have examined the individual's ability to relate to her/himself and to form relationships with others. The art of relating effectively to others requires three things: (1) a knowledge of principles; (2) the application of those principles in practice; (3) criticism of he effectiveness of the application. This course proposes to meet these three goals.

The introductory interpersonal course, Interpersonal Communication, Com 212, offers the student basic concepts of the interpersonal process, and this advanced course provides further understanding and application through a variety of experiences.

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 explain the principles of conflict management
8. to describe the need for love and trust

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. Conflict Management
   1. Nature of conflict
   2. Analysis
   3. Management Procedures
8. Love and Trust
   1. Definitions of Love
   2. Common Ground and Growth
   3. Maintaining Self-Identity
   4. Dealing with the loss of love

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

Readings, research paper, group workshop, oral reports.

Examinations, term paper, and group workshop.