interpersonal communication

COURSE DESCRIPTION Catalog Description: Focuses on the social scientific study of dyadic (two-person) communication. Opportunities are given to integrate theory and practice in an effort to stimulate self-awareness and highlight taken-for granted aspects of interpersonal communicative behavior. And more… Relationships are a central component of our everyday lives and influence how we construct our personal sense of identity. In this course, we will be taking a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication (communication between individuals) by focusing mainly on close relationships (family, friends, romantic partners). We will critique positive and negative communication patterns that we have observed in the media and past interactions and we will apply interpersonal theory and concepts to improve our communication within our own close relationships. In addition, we will be learning the language of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to implement into our daily interactions. Through NVC practice and reflection, we will cultivate a practice of empathetic communication to both self and others. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of the course, you will be able to: • Explain theories and concepts of interpersonal communication and apply these concepts to personal relationships. • Identify the guiding principles of Nonviolent Communication and apply this communication process/language to your relationships, workplaces, and communities. • Distinguish empathetic communication from other forms of non-empathetic communication and demonstrate empathic communication to both self and others. • Evaluate the positive and negative effects of communication behaviors and their impact on close relationships. • Self-reflect and asses your own communication behaviors in relationships through journaling and sharing in a supportive group environment. COURSE FORMAT AND POLICIES Support: I am committed to helping every student attain their best possible education. I am here to help! Please do not hesitate to ask questions, or ask for help, in or out of class. I will also be available if you would like me to review your work and give you feedback before it is turned in or presented. If you have any needs that it would be helpful for me to be aware of, please do let me know. PLNU Attendance and Participation Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all class sessions is considered essential to optimum academic achievement. If the student is absent for more than 10 percent of class sessions, the faculty member will issue a written warning of de enrollment. If the absences exceed 20 percent, the student may be de-enrolled without notice until the university drop date or, after that date, receive the appropriate grade for their work and participation. COM 1090 Attendance Policy: As members of a learning community, your presence is appreciated, and your absence is noticed. The class sessions are set up to help people learn from each other (through discussions, activities, etc.) and you are expected to attend each class session. Everyone has useful and insightful information to offer to the class. Participation is the core of this work, and to help keep track of that, I take attendance. You are allowed two (2) absences in the course of the semester without penalty. The only absences excused after that will be university approved absences or Covid-related absences (see sections below). It is your choice how you use these absences and it is encouraged that you use them wisely. Please note that these 2 absences DO include instances of illness (w/o EAC accommodation) and family obligations. Each absence over two will result in a 15-point deduction to your overall grade. University Approved Absences: Absences for certain events and obligations recognized by the University (i.e.: participation in sports, forensics, music tours, field trips, etc.) may be counted as “excused.” Please notify me at least one week prior to such absences with documentation and contact information from the sponsoring program/department. You are responsible for making up all work missed due to absences in a timely manner, to be worked out ahead of time with me. COVID-19: Our course will follow all of the PLNU policies related to Covid-19. Please see the PLNU Covid-19 website and the PLNU catalog for the most current policies. All of us, including me, can show our respect and care for each other by wearing our masks indoors when required by the University, and not coming to class if we feel ill or have any Covid symptoms. If you have Covid-related absences with documentation from the EAC that extend beyond the two “freebie” absences allotted for the course, they will be excused. You will still be responsible for getting the notes from a classmate and keeping up with all assignments for any classes you miss. Due to our current pandemic conditions, there is the possibility that classes may periodically need to be held in an asynchronous or synchronous online format. The attendance policy still applies to these types of class formats. Please check email/Canvas announcements on a regular basis for any course updates. Late to Class/Leaving Early: It is an expectation of this class community that we begin our class time together, and complete our class time together each day. Instances of habitual lateness are a distraction to our class community and may impact your ability to participate fully in the course. Therefore, I do make note when you are late to class and five tardies will equal one absence. Please talk to me early in the semester if you have any questions or concerns about this policy. Being absent for more than 20 minutes during any part of a class period, whether at the beginning, middle, or end, will constitute an absence. Similarly, it is expected that you remain actively engaged in the classroom discussion and activities until the end of the class period. If you absolutely must leave early one day for a personal/emergency reason, please let me know at the class period prior or via email before class. (During advising time, please arrange any advising meetings with your academic adviser so that they do not conflict with your class schedule.) Late Work/Make-Up Work: All assignments are to be submitted/turned in according to the due dates set on this syllabus schedule and on Canvas. In general, no late or makeup written assignments/presentations/exams will be allowed. Please communicate with me in advance of an assignment due date if you are concerned that an illness or other personal hardship may prevent you from turning in an assignment on time. Presentation dates are your commitment and should not be changed, as changes impact class planning. Exam or presentation makeups will only be considered in the rare instance of a documented illness or personal emergency (i.e.: Covid documentation from the EAC) and you have notified me prior to the beginning of class.