Online · School of Behavioral Sciences · Community Care and Counseling

Studies in Interpersonal Communication HSCO-508 CG Section 8WK 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Modified 12/12/2022

Course DescriptionAn interactive learning experience designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of self and the “listening-to-understanding” skills which facilitate improved interpersonal communications in establishing and maintaining relationships with God and others.

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

RationaleEffective communication skills are critical in the Human Services Counseling field. This course will facilitate self-discovery and personal and professional growth. Students will examine how their identity and behavioral blend influences their interactions and develop skills that will allow them to address barriers to effective interpersonal, family, and professional communication. By engaging in online assessments, reading assignments, self-reflection, and group interactions, students will enhance their active listening, empathetic, attending, and reflecting skills with the goal of maintaining healthy, healing, and helping relationships with others.

Course Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: A. Demonstrate familiarity with the various aspects of the interpersonal communication process. B. Critically evaluate self-assessments and examine the impact of personal strengths and weaknesses on interpersonal communication in a variety of contexts. C. Apply active and empathic listening to engage in authentic conversations. D. Identify appropriate and effective communication skills for developing and maintaining healthy, healing, and helping relationships in both personal and professional arenas.

Course ResourcesClick 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 LearningA. Computer with basic audio/video input and 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 Office E. Media player and software F. Digital Camera and Flash Memory Card

Course AssignmentsTextbook readings and lecture presentations (CLO: A, D)

Course Requirements ChecklistAfter reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations (https://www.liberty.edu/institutional-effectiveness/student-expectations/), the student will complete the Course Requirement Checklist in the Course Overview.

Self-Assessment AssignmentThe student will self-administer two online assessments. (CLO: B)

Discussions (4)The student will complete four Discussions in this course. The student will post one discussion thread that is between 300 and 350 words addressing a specific topic. The student will then post two discussion replies of between 200 and 250 words. Discussion threads and discussion replies must demonstrate course-related knowledge and be supported by references to the course literature. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Reflection Paper Assignments (4)The student will write four 3-page reflection papers on specific topics. The student will reflect on emerging insights about his/her interpersonal communication, describe application of new strategies and skills in personal and professional contexts, and integrate a variety of course materials. The papers must be submitted as Word documents in current APA format and must be well written and organized. (CLO: A, B, D)

Interpersonal Communication Plan AssignmentThe student will develop a strategic interpersonal communication plan that demonstrates course-related knowledge; commitment to establish and maintain healthy, healing, and helping relationships; and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally. The student will produce a 9–10-minute video of himself/herself presenting the plan using a digital camera or recording device. The video must be uploaded to YouTube and be accompanied by a 15–20-slide PowerPoint presentation that is submitted along with the link to the video. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Quizzes (2)The student will complete two quizzes consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the France & Weikel, Petersen, and Schultze & Badzinski texts. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and have a time limit of two hours. (CLO: A, D)

Course GradingDiscussions (4 at 50 points each) 200 Reflection Paper Assignments (4 at 100 points each) 400 Interpersonal Communication Plan Assignment 200 Quizzes (2 at 100 points each) 200 Total 1010

Course PoliciesProfessional Communication We live in a fast-paced world with text messaging which encourages short and abbreviated communication. However, students are expected to be professional, courteous, and polite in all correspondence with other students and faculty, using full sentences and correct grammar. Students' electronic communication should also be pleasing to God. “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31, ESV).

Dual Relationships The faculty is responsible to interact with counseling students in a supervisory capacity/role. As such, faculty may provide students professional principles, guidance, and recommendations as it relates to the context of the student-client setting. The faculty is responsible to avoid dual relationships with students such as entering a student-counselor or student-pastor relationship. Thus, the faculty does not provide personal counseling addressing student personal problems. If a faculty member perceives that a student is in need of personal or professional counseling, then that faculty member will recommend that the student pursue either pastoral or professional assistance from a counselor in his/her community.

Limits of Confidentiality In the event of a student’s disclosure, either verbally or in writing, of threat of serious or foreseeable harm to self or others, abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly or disabled person, or current involvement in criminal activity, the faculty, staff, administrator, or supervisor will take immediate action. This action may include, but is not limited to, immediate notification of appropriate state law enforcement or social services personnel, emergency contacts, and notification of the appropriate program chair or online dean. The incident and action taken will become part of the student’s permanent record.

Policies 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 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/ . 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+