CMNS 2171: Interpersonal Communication
Students learn a range of theories and perspectives related to interpersonal communication. Emphasis will be on understanding the importance of effective interpersonal communication to establishing and maintaining relationships as well as achieving goals in social and workplace environments. Students assess the use of interpersonal communication in given scenarios and are encouraged to reflect on and improve their own interpersonal communication skills. This study of interpersonal communication includes several contexts, including the workplace, social and family environments.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the basic assumptions and characteristics of key theories and perspectives related to interpersonal communication.
- Explain the importance of interpersonal communication as a key factor in social, cultural, and workplace communication contexts.
- Describe the role of communication in defining the nature and quality of interpersonal relationships.
- Analyze based on theory the effectiveness and appropriateness of particular interpersonal communication strategies in a given situation or scenario.
- Apply principles and approaches to interpersonal communication effectively to particular communication scenarios based on context, goals, and needs.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your own interpersonal communication skills.
Course topics
Module 1: The Interpersonal Process
Module 2: Communication and the Self
Module 3: Perceiving Others
Module 4: Emotions
Module 5: Listening
Module 6: Language
Module 7: Non-Verbal Communication
Module 8: Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships
Module 9: Communication Climate
Module 10: Managing Conflict
Module 11: Communicating with Family
Module 12: Work, Group, and Team Communication
Required text and materials
The following material is required for this course:
- Adler, R. B., Rosenfeld, L. B., Proctor, R. F., & Winder, C. (2020). Interplay: The process of interpersonal communication (5th Canadian ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-19-903347-8
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To complete this course successfully, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the mandatory Final Exam.
| Assignment 1: Journal A (6 entries) | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Research Essay Thesis Statement | 5% |
| Assignment 3: Journal B (6 entries) | 10% |
| Assignment 4: Research Essay | 20% |
| Quiz 1: Modules 1 to 4 | 10% |
| Quiz 2: Modules 5 to 7 | 10% |
| Quiz 3: Modules 8 to 10 | 10% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
