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

Approved Syllabus

I. Course Number and Credit: COM 212, 3 semester hours
II. Course Title: Interpersonal Communication
III. Course Description: The study of human interaction as it relates to the development of positive self-identity and to building human relationships through effective communication.
IV. Prerequisites: None.
V. Course Justification: The study of human communication is basic to an understanding of all human personal and social behavior. Drawing on the theories and research of psychologists, sociologists, philosophers, and political scientists, theories of interpersonal communication offer the student a fundamental understanding of human communication processes and a variety of human coping strategies which allow the student to become more effective in his or her personal, social and career life.
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: Attached