Online · School of Communication & the Arts · Strategic & Personal Communication

Interpersonal Communication Theory and Practice

COMS-522

CG Section 8WK 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Modified 12/12/2022  Course Description

Analysis of theories and practices in interpersonal communication in such areas as self-concept, gender, culture, language, paralanguage, and competence in interpersonal relationships.

Requisites

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog (https://catalog.liberty.edu/).

 Rationale

This course is designed to help the student learn the theories regarding interpersonal communication. The course allows students to research the scholarship in the discipline. Because interpersonal communication is such a large division of the communication discipline, it is vitally important that students understand the theories and research in this area of study. This course will allow the student to explore much of the research in this area of communication.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Summarize interpersonal communication theories and genres within the field of communication.

B. Compare differences in theories used to study various contexts of interpersonal communication.

C. Outline the need for theories in the study of interpersonal communication.

D. Apply interpersonal theory to a real communication context.

E. Research scholarly literature that applies to interpersonal communication theory in order to get to know the discipline and the researchers in the discipline.

 Course Resources

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore (https://bncvirtual.com/liberty).

Additional Materials for Learning

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B. Internet access (broadband recommended)

C. Canvas recommended browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-

computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)

D. Microsoft Word

(Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to Liberty University students.)

  Course Assignments

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Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion: Video Class Introduction

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for this discussion. For the thread, the student must record a short video introduction answering the questions in the prompt. In addition to the thread, the student must respond to at least 2 classmates’ video introductions in written replies of at least 150 words each. Each reply must be supported by at least 1 course textbook reference in current APA style.

Discussions (2)

The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussions. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. The thread should use current APA format, include at least 2 peer- reviewed source citations (in addition to the course textbook) and integrate at least 1 biblical principle. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words, use APA format, and include at least 2 peer-reviewed source citations (in addition to the course textbook).

Interpersonal Communication Journal Entry Assignments (4)

Throughout the term, you will be completing 4 journal entries. You will choose a writing prompt from the Interpersonal Communication Journal Entry Prompts document to reflect upon and write about for that module. To receive full credit for this assignment, you must write several paragraphs – a minimum of 3/4 of a page (or three or four paragraphs double spaced) – for each entry, using personal examples and interacting with theory to discuss your thoughts and feelings on the topic. Through these journals, I want to see your process of self-reflection while deepening your understanding of interpersonal communication theory.

Each journal entry should be free of grammatical and spelling errors. Each entry should include the integration of scripture as well as include at least two documented sources (one can be your textbook). Please reference your sources (scripture should be referenced in the content of the entry) at the conclusion of your entry. As this assignment is not a formal paper, a cover page or reference page is not required. The journal entry with references should be completed on a single page.

Listening Project Paper Assignments (2)

The primary purpose of your listening project is for you to engage in reflection, while learning about the transformational power of listening. This project is both academic and reflexive. You will learn more about yourself, listening to God and those around you. You are strongly encouraged to plan for this project early on in the term to gain the most from the experience.

Julia Wood says that being mindful “is being fully present in the moment.”[1] This is one of the most difficult parts of interpersonal communication. Many times, we enter into listening interactions with an agenda. It is important for you to know how you listen best, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and how can you better adapt to diverse listening situations. This exercise will give you some practice doing just that.

Choose a person – or a representative of a group – whose story might not ordinarily be listened to. This person must be someone to whom you would not normally listen, and is a challenging and stretching person for you to interact with due to their life experience or difference in beliefs. You must be able to prove how the person chosen is challenging to you in your paper. It should be clearly evident that thought and planning have been put into the listening event in order to receive a high grade on the project. The more you chose to stretch yourself, the more you will gain from this project. The person you listen to must be outside of the Liberty community.

You must interact with them for at least 1.5 hours and no more than 2.5 hours. If necessary, you may break the listening periods into two or three sessions. This must be an interpersonal interaction. You may not listen to someone on the phone or video chat. At the most, you may listen to a small group of others – no more than four. You may not go listen to a speech for this project. For example, if you want to learn about Muslim apologetics, you may not go to a mosque to hear an Imam speak, however, you may listen to one of your Muslim friends explain their faith to you. Remember, this assignment is to help you learn where the other person is coming from – not to interject your own opinions. Based on your own discretion, you may or may not choose to tell the

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other person why you are going to be listening to them. If they ask you to keep their identity or any information that they share with you in confidence, please do the utmost to assure that you honor their request. Any information that you share with me will be kept in confidence.

When you go to your interaction, it is a good idea to have some initial questions prepared, but after that do your best to let the speaker lead the dialogue where they find importance, try your best not to interject your own agenda into the conversation.

[1] Wood, J. (2016). Interpersonal communication: Everyday encounters (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Best of Interpersonal Communication Essay Assignment

The student will write a research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on an interpersonal communication theory and the practical application of that concept to their personal and/or professional life. The paper must include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible, and be at least 750 words.

Quizzes (2)

Each quiz will cover the Textbook material for the module(s): week(s) in leading up to the module: week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 essay questions, and have a 3-hour time limit.

 Course Grading

10

Discussion: Video Class Introduction 50

150

Interpersonal Communication Journal Entry Assignments (4 at 75 pts ea) 300

200

Best of Interpersonal Communication Essay Assignment 100

200

Total 1010

 Policies

Course Requirements Checklist

Discussions (2 at 75 pts ea)

Listening Project Assignments (2 at 100 pts ea)

Quizzes (2 at 100 pts ea)

Late Assignment Policy

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.

2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.

3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special

circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by

the instructor.

4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date

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outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Disability Assistance

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation- support/ (https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or

the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wp- content/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).

Course Attendance

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Online+Attendance+and+Non-Attendance) can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/). Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non- Attendance (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Unofficial+Withdrawals)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

              Grading Scale

        A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D-

940- 1010

920- 939

900- 919

860- 899

840- 859

820- 839

780- 819

760- 779

740- 759

700- 739

680- 699

F

679 and below

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

Add/Drop Policy

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory

(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes). Honor Code

Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

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Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/ (https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/).

 Schedule

  When Topic Notes

   Course Overview Student Acknowledgements Course Requirements Checklist

 Module 1: Week 1

Learn

Read: 1 item Watch: 1 item

 Apply Discussion: Video Class Introduction

 Module 2: Week 2

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

 Apply Interpersonal Communication Journal Entry: Initial Assignment

 Module 3: Week 3

Learn

Apply Discussion: Perception and Listening

Read: 1 item Watch: 1 item

    Module 4: Week 4

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Interpersonal Communication Journal: Second Assignment Quiz: Midterm Examination

   Module 5: Week 5

Learn

Read: 1 item Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Module 6: Week 6

Learn

Listening Project Paper: Listening Assignment Discussion: Core Values and Family of Origin

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

 Apply Interpersonal Communication Journal Entry: Third Assignment

 Module 7: Week 7

Learn

Read: 1 item Watch: 1 item

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 When Topic Notes

    Apply

Interpersonal Communication Journal Entry: Final Assignment Best of Interpersonal Communication Essay Assignment

   Module 8: Week 8

Learn

Read: 1 item Watch: 1 item

  Apply

Listening Project Paper: Reflections Assignment Quiz: Final Examination

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