Ivy Tech Intro to Interpersonal Communication - COMM 102

Enrollment Message

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Course Description

Focuses on the process of interpersonal communication as a dynamic and complex system of interactions. Provides theory, actual practice, and criticism for examining and changing human interactions in work, family, and social contexts. Includes topics such as perception, self-concept, language, message encoding and decoding, feedback, listening skills, conflict management, and other elements affecting interpersonal communication in various world contexts.

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• understand principles and behaviors that contribute to effective interpersonal communication in various world contexts.
• examine ways in which the self grows and develops through interpersonal communication.
• describe the impact of diverse beliefs, attitudes, and values on perceptions.
• improve listening skills.
• increase the ability to give and receive effective feedback.
• comprehend the complexities and subtleties of both verbal and nonverbal messages.
• identify strengths and weaknesses as an interpersonal communicator.
• apply interpersonal communication theory and principles in a variety of evolving relational contexts.
• demonstrate an awareness of empathic, ethical, and emotional interpersonal communication.
• identify causes of and strategies to manage interpersonal conflict.
• increase understanding of how technology and media affects interpersonal communication.
• apply principles of composition, such as research and documentation, to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication.

Topical Areas of Study

• Perception
• Orientation to Interpersonal Communication
• Self-concept and self-esteem
• Communication models and elements
• Language
• Relational development and maintenance
• Effective listening
• Nonverbal communication
• Effective conversations
• Communication in intimate relationships, workplace
• Empathic responses and family relationships
• Persuasion and power
• Conflict management
• Self-disclosure and feedback
• Technology and communication
• Diversity and multi-culturalism

Grading/Evaluation

All grades will be maintained in IvyLearn’s online grade book. Students are responsible for tracking their progress by referring to the online grade book. Students can generally expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the assignment due date. If exceptions occur, the instructor may notify students of changes to this expectation.

** Please note, the high school grading scale may be different from the Ivy Tech grading scale. The Ivy Tech grade for the course will be assigned based on the percentages above. A different high school grade might be assigned on a student's high school transcript if the grading scale percentages are different.

Types of Assignments

Discussions

There are 7 Discussion Assignments that will be Student-to-Student focused. These discussions will take place in modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7. Students will be asked to complete exercises found within the chapters they are required to read for each module. Each chapter has several exercise options, and students will be asked to pick one per chapter and reflect on their learning by submitting a typed or video post. This will be done earlier in the module. Students will then be asked to respond to peers’ posts, typically by the end of the module.

Real World Case Studies_ 7 Assignments 

A “Real World Case Study” can be found at the end of each chapter. These will take place in modules 1,2,3,4, 5,6 & 7. Students will be asked to respond to these case studies based on the chapters they are to read for the module they are assigned. Each case study is worth 25 points total, and there will be two per module. Students will be asked to share their response in either a 200-300 word response per case, or a 2-3 minute video reflection. They must cite their work based on the readings.

Movie Analysis Project

There will be a comprehensive project presented in Module 8. The first step in this assignment is selecting a movie to analyze based on concepts in Interpersonal Communication. Once you have chosen a movie, you will answer specific questions about it, where you include details and examples from the movie, demonstrating that you understand the materials covered overall in the course and are able to relate it to the film. Much more specific details are provided about this in the course modules, as well as a preview in the Resources module.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the Indiana Online student handbook along with Ivy Tech's Class Policies & Grades to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Contact Disabilities Support Services (DSS)

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Ivy Tech Educational Technology Support.