A. Course Title

COMM 1500
Interpersonal Communication
Section #38-907, Fall 2013 / Instructor: Lee Pierce
Office Hours: M 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. in Terrell 226
Email:
Class Meets:TR 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. in Journalism 502

a. course title

COMM 1500: Interpersonal Communication

b. course description

The role of speech communication in the constitution of human beings and their interrelationships. Explores individual differences in communication competence, and role of communication in formation, development, and maintenance of interrelationships.

c. pre-requisites, co-requisites, and cross-listings for the course

None

d. course objects and learning outcomes

This course provides a broad overview to the study of interpersonal communication from an academic and theory-rich perspective.

Students will examine the fundamental elements in the communication process.
Students will learn about the role of culture in communication.
Students will examine the dimensions of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Students will examine the role of perception and emotion in the communication process.
Students will learn about the dimensions of close relationships and how communication is defined in close relationships and how communicators develop, maintain, and terminate close relationships.
Students will complete research assignments, which will involve computer-based research and paper preparation.
Students will examine the moral and ethical implications of a variety of communication situations.
Students will examine research predictions and data derived from research studies to generate and assess conclusions about the predictors of, and influences on, a variety of communication processes.
Students will apply core concepts in written work and in exams that contribute to the course grade.

e. topical outline for the course

The Nature of Theory, Defining Communication & Intentions
Communication research: Predictions and Methods
Self-Related Influences on Communication
Perception
Cultural Influences
Listening
Language & Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Emotional Communication
Interpersonal Relationships
Intimacy and Disclosure in Interpersonal Relationships
The Special Case of Family Relationships
Relational Conflict

f. University Honor Code & Academic Honesty Policy

As a University of Georgia student, you have agreed to abide by the University’s academic honesty policy “A Culture of Honesty” and the Student Honor Code. All academic work must meet the standards described in “A Culture of Honesty” at Lack of knowledge of the academic honesty policy is not a reasonable explanation for a violation. Questions related to course assignments and the academic honesty policy should be directed to the instructor.

g. Syllabus Statement

The course syllabus is a general plan for the course. Deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary

h. principal course assignments

Interpersonal Communication Assessment Essay (20%) Students willanalyze their knowledge of interpersonal communication competence and their strengths and weaknesses as a communicator using the Spitzberg and Cupachscale. 4 – 6 DS pages.

Conflict Style Assessment Essay(20%): Students will identify and describe their primary conflict style in personal and public settings using data collected from 2 other people collected using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode scale. 4 – 6 DS pages.

Assessments(45%): 3 quantitative assessments, worth 15% each, consisting of matching, multiple choice, re-write and short answer questions. 10 – 20% of the second and third assessment will be cumulative.

TTS Discussions(15%): Thesis-theory-support (TTS) exercises are short writing assignments in which a single claim (thesis statement) is fleshed out using theoretical concepts and applied to practical examples. TTS exercises should be submitted to the Discussion section of eLC BEFORE theclass meeting for which they have been assigned. Of the ten TTS Discussions available, students may complete any FOUR in addition to the two marked “required” for a total of SIX posts, exactly HALF of which should be completed before midterm.

i. specific course requirements for grading purposes

As part of your participation in this class, you must satisfy a departmental research requirement in one of three ways: (a) participation in a communication studies LAB-BASED research study ( (b) acommunication article summary; (c) participation in a communication studies colloquium. Non-compliance will result in a grade of Incomplete (I). Note that aseparate research project should be completed for each Communication Studies class requiring research participation.

j. grading policy & appeals process

A 93 – 100 (4.0) / B+ 87 – 89.99 (3.3) / C+ 77 – 79.99 (2.3) / D 60 – 69.99 (1.0)
A- 90 – 92.99 (3.7) / B 83 – 86.99 (3.0) / C 73 – 76.99 (2.0) / F 0 – 59.99 (0.0)
B- 80 – 82.99 (2.7) / D- 70 – 72.99 (1.7)

Grade Appeal Process: Occasionally, students are unsatisfied with some dimension of the course. If you have a concern at any time during the course, please come speak with your instructor directly either during office hours, by appointment, or via email. If you want to appeal a grade, the department policy is that you must make the grade appeal in writing to your instructor. Prepare and submit a typed argument indicating what your specific appeal is and what grade you believe you deserved. You must have a legitimate argument for the grade change. If the appeal is on a paper, your instructor reserves the right to take more points off or maintain the same grade of the paper if the argument is not legitimate and more problems are detected. Turn in the appeal before or after class, during office hours, or at a scheduled appointment within one week but no less than (24) hours of the grade being returned. If you have employed these measures and are still dissatisfied, or feel that an appropriate resolution may not be reached by working with your instructor, then I encourage you to contact the undergraduate advisor, Dr. Edward Panetta, will also need a written grade appeal in order to help you.

k. attendance & participation policy

1.Attendance is directly applied to course papers and is non-cumulative meaning it “resets” after the first paper. Papers are graded in whole letters A – F with attendance affecting the +/- attribution of those papers as follows: 0 – 1 absence per paper receives “+” designation; 2 absences per paper does not affect the grade; 3 or more absences per paper receives “-“ designation.

2.Attendance & participation are treated interchangeably such that you might be present in class but may be considered “absent” because of various absent behaviors (excessive talking, routine or excessive tardiness, text messaging, browsing the web, completing other work, sleeping, etc.). I will notify you by email outside of class if I see such things becoming a problem.

3.With reasonable notice and a compelling reason, students with 2 or fewer absences may make up ONE assignment within (3) daysof the absence for 90% credit. Assignments beyond those limits are forfeit.

attendance & participation policy

4.Participation activities may not be made up or submitted electronically unless specifically instructed.

5.Exceptions (within reason and limit) may be made to the above policies forexcused absences, defined by the University as: a) University sanctioned activity where documentation has been provided in advance, b) Illness verified in writing from a doctor, or c) Emergency documented through your advisor or Student Support Services.If you have an excused absence contact me as soon as possible to schedule a make-up.

6.If you miss class for a legitimate medical emergency, you will need to provide UHC documentation upon return.You should notexpect the University Health Center (UHC) to routinely provide verification for class absences or of outpatient treatment. Absence from class for medical reasons may be verified in writing from the UHC only when the UHC suggests a student should be hospitalized. Routine checkups, wellness visits, and non-emergency medical treatment are not valid excuses.

7.Excused absences count against your unexcused absences in a one-to-one ratio.

8.If you have three final examinations scheduled on the same calendar day you may petition for rescheduling at

Religious Holidays Attendance Policy: Absences due to the observance of recognized religious holidays will be excused. Please consult a resource such as for a list of religious observances as well as for specific dates of each holiday. It is the student’s responsibility to contact meat least 2 weeksin advance to determine the conditions under which work will be made up.

l. required course materials

1. UGA Department of Communication Studies COMM 1500 Workbook available from the Campus Bookstore

2. McCornack, Reflect and Relate, 3rd Ed. Available in three forms:

PDF styleE-Book. ISBN 9781457633232(half the cost of the print book). Purchase from the publisher at
Loose-leaf Text. ISBN 9781457604683. Purchase from the campus bookstore or online from the publisher at

Traditional Paperback Text. Purchase from the campus bookstore or online from the link above. You may also purchase a used copy on your own.

m. policy for make up examinations

With reasonable notice and a compelling reason, students with 0 – 2 absences may make up ONE assignment within (3) days of the absence for 90% credit.
Assignments beyond those limits are forfeit.
Participation activities may not be made up or submitted electronically unless specifically instructed

Course Schedule

Date / Assignments due (please complete prior to class meeting)
T 8/13 / None
R 8/15 / Read Chapter 1: Introducing Interpersonal Communication
T 8/20 / Complete “Interpersonal Communication Competence Assessment” (Workbook)
TTS #1 (required)
R 8/22 / Read Chapter 2: Considering Self
T 8/27 / Complete Jung & Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment (Online) at
TTS #2
T 8/29 / Read Chapter 10: Relationships with Family Members
T 9/3 / Complete “Self Concept Poem” (Workbook)
R 9/5 / Read Chapter 3: Perceiving Others
T 9/10 / Complete the Empathy Self-Assessment (textbook pg. 100)
TTS #3
R 9/12 / ~Assessment 1 covers Chapters 1, 2, 10 & 3~
T 9/17 / ~Paper Workshop~
R 9/19 / ~Essay #1 Due~
T 9/24 / Read Chapter 4: Experiencing and Expressing Emotions
R 9/26 / Complete “Emotional Intelligence” Assessment (Workbook)
TTS #4
T 10/1 / Read Chapter 6: Verbal Communication
R 10/3 / Complete “Language” (Workbook)
TTS #5
T 10/8 / ~Easement~
R 10/10 / Read Chapter 7: Nonverbal Communication
T 10/15 / Complete the Nonverbal Dominance Knowledge Assessment (textbook pg. 235)
TTS #6
R 10/17 / Read Chapter 5: Listening (pp. 160 – 162)
Complete Discover Your Listening Styles (textbook pg. 162)
TTS #7
T 10/22 / ~Assessment 2 covers Chapters 4, 6, 7 & 5~
R 10/24 / Read Chapter 8: Managing Conflict and Power
T 10/29 / Complete “Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Questionnaire” (Workbook)
TTS #8 (required)
R 10/31 / Read Chapter 9: Relationships with Romantic Partners
T 11/5 / Complete “Love Attitudes Scale” (Workbook)
TTS #9
R 11/7 / ~Paper Workshop~
T 11/12 / ~Essay #2 Due~
R 11/14 / Read Chapter 12: Relationships in the Workplace
T 11/19 / Complete “Self Disclosure Risks Inventory” (Workbook)
TTS #10
R 11/21 / Final Exam Review
T 11/26 R 11/28 / No Class ~ Thanksgiving Break
T 12/3 / No Class ~ Friday Class Schedule in Effect
T 12/10 / ~Assessment 3 covers chapters 8, 9 & 12~ Class meets from 9:45 – 11:00 a.m.