CMST 210 Interpersonal Communication

Formerly Spch 200 Interpersonal Communication

INSTRUCTOR/FACILITATOR:  Laura  Nudelman

Contact:  Website Email or office phone 425-564-2358

TEXTS:  Looking Out/Looking In, Adler , Proctor, & Towne, 12th  edition.  Thomson-Wadsworth.  The text can be purchased at the bookstore or an electronic version of the text can be purchased at a lower cost at:  www.ichapters.com .  Be sure to purchase this edition of the text. Previous editions will not contain all of the course material and will have different page numbers. 

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for quality communication with other people.  This objective will be accomplished through the study and application of interpersonal communication theory and concepts.

COURSE OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Define the process of communication and describe the specific qualities found in interpersonal relationships.

2.  Explain the relationship between perception, self-concept, and communication.

3.  Describe the characteristics of a competent communicator and the methods of improving language, nonverbal communication, and listening skills.

4.  Identify the common stages of interpersonal relationships and discuss the recommendations for improved relationship initiation, maintenance, and termination.

5.  Explain the influence of gender and culture in the interpersonal communication process.

6.  Discuss the nature of conflict and explain the effectiveness of the various approaches to conflict management.

FORMAT

You will be engaged in online discussion and complete writing assignments that help you apply the material.  This course ends with a comprehensive self-analysis of your communication competence.  Although CMST 210 might seem like the ultimate contradiction--interpersonal online instruction, you will be given many opportunities to apply the information in the course.  The reading materials in this class contain complex theory and terminology.  It is highly recommended that you have a college reading level.  Please consult your English placement test scores.

GRADING BREAKDOWN

EXAMS

Exam format consists of a combination of 50 true/false and multiple-choice questions.  Exams will be timed (50 minutes) so be sure to take your assessment at a high speed connection.  A review sheet will be made available before each exam.  A discussion board will be opened for questions about the test before each exam.

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION PAPER

This assignment is designed to help you learn how to apply the material from the class to daily communication.  You will watch a film and complete a 3-4 page intercultural communication analysis applying information from chapters 1-6.

PARTICIPATION

Participation in chapter discussions is required for completion of the course and is worth 200 points.  Students must answer one assigned question and respond to another student's answer for each chapter being discussed.  Several additional discussions based on articles loaded onto the class web-site are also required.  Postings must address all aspects of the discussion question and consist of a well-developed paragraph that includes references to the material found in the text.  One sentence responses are unacceptable.  Emphasis should be placed on discussing the concepts and theories discussed in the text and personal experience should only used as examples of course-related material. You are also required to read other students' postings.  Please consult the Guide for Discussion Participation found in the Getting Started Learning Module.
 

FINAL PAPER

The final paper is a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to apply interpersonal communication concepts and theories to your daily communication.  This discussion could explore work, family, friend, or romantic relationships.  This assignment is given in place of a final exam.  Papers should be 8 pages, (approximately 2500 words) double-spaced with extensive application of information explored during the course.  A paper guide will be posted on the web site and you are encouraged to share a draft with me before turning this important assignment in for a grade.

APPLICATION EXERCISES

This portion of the class is designed to help you apply a variety of topics discussed in the text and the added materials to daily interaction

POLICIES

1. Late work or exams will not be accepted unless arrangements are made with me before the due date.
2. Students caught cheating on an exam or plagiarizing an assignment will not receive any credit for that portion of the class.  Repeat offenses will be reported to the Dean of Student Programs. 
3. If you have a documented disability and need to have some type of accommodation, please contact me as soon as possible.
4. Students are expected to model the behavior discussed in the content of this course.  During online discussions you may certainly disagree and debate, but you are required to demonstrate tolerance and respect at all times in your postings.