| 12/4/2025 10:28:42 PM |
| Changed Course |
| CATALOG INFORMATION
|
| Discipline and Nbr:
COMM C1004 | Title:
INTERPERSONAL COMM |
|
| Full Title:
Interpersonal Communication |
| Last Reviewed:11/24/2025 |
| Units | Course Hours per Week | | Nbr of Weeks | Course Hours Total |
| Maximum | 3.00 | Lecture Scheduled | 3.00 | 17.5 max. | Lecture Scheduled | 52.50 |
| Minimum | 3.00 | Lab Scheduled | 0 | 4 min. | Lab Scheduled | 0 |
| | Contact DHR | 0 | | Contact DHR | 0 |
| | Contact Total | 3.00 | | Contact Total | 52.50 |
| |
| | Non-contact DHR | 0 | | Non-contact DHR Total | 0 |
| | Total Out of Class Hours: 105.00 | Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 | |
Title 5 Category:
AA Degree Applicable
Grading:
Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:
00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As:
Formerly:
COMM 6
Catalog Description:
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This course covers theory, research, and application of ethical one-to-one communication practices in various and diverse interpersonal relationships including in personal, professional, and social situations.
Additionally at SRJC, students will study factors influencing communication, such as perception, development of self-concept, self-disclosure, listening, relationships, language and conflict. Students will explore how verbal and nonverbal communication can impact the socially-constructed dynamics of one-on-one relationships.
Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or EMLS 10 or equivalent or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates
Limits on Enrollment:
Schedule of Classes Information
Description:
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This course covers theory, research, and application of ethical one-to-one communication practices in various and diverse interpersonal relationships including in personal, professional, and social situations.
Additionally at SRJC, students will study factors influencing communication, such as perception, development of self-concept, self-disclosure, listening, relationships, language and conflict. Students will explore how verbal and nonverbal communication can impact the socially-constructed dynamics of one-on-one relationships.
(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or EMLS 10 or equivalent or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Associate Degree: | Effective: | Fall 2025
| Inactive: | |
| Area: | B
L1B
L4
L8
| Communication and Analytical Thinking
Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Student Success and Wellness
|
| |
| CSU GE: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| | E | Lifelong Learning and Self Development | Fall 1993 | |
| |
| IGETC: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| |
| CSU Transfer: | | Effective: | | Inactive: | |
| |
| UC Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Fall 2009 | Inactive: | |
| |
| C-ID: |
| CID Descriptor: COMM 130 | Interpersonal Communication | SRJC Equivalent Course(s): COMMC1004 |
Certificate/Major Applicable:
Both Certificate and Major Applicable
COURSE CONTENT
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary and historical theories in the interpersonal communication discipline.
2. Describe the elements of verbal and nonverbal communication as they relate to interpersonal communication using current research and applicable theories.
3. Identify communication skills deployed for successful management of interpersonal conflicts.
Objectives:
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Statewide Required Objectives/Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to (Identical and Required):
1. Evaluate and apply research methods and theories of interpersonal communication.
2. Analyze the ways that communication can create, develop and shape perceptions of personal and social identities including variables such as but not limited to culture, gender, ethnicity, race, age, and orientation.
3. Evaluate the influences of culture, gender, ethnicity, race, age, accessibility, and orientation on the development, maintenance, and dissolution of interpersonal relationships.
4. Critically assess and utilize ethical communication practices within interpersonal relationships as part of interpersonal communication competency.
5. Critically assess sources of conflict in interpersonal relationships and implement appropriate conflict management strategies.
Expanded and Additional Local Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of how interpersonal communication can influence relationships by looking at the foundational theories of the discipline and comparing to current scholarship and research.
2. Demonstrate appropriate listening skills in a variety of interpersonal contexts.
3. Evaluate and adapt their verbal and nonverbal cues in various interpersonal settings.
4. Discuss how language choice and social-identity can significantly impact interpersonal interactions.
5. Explore and analyze social and social-identity roles as they apply to relational communication using social scientific research methodologies and theories.
6. Identify the difference between passive, assertive, and aggressive behavior.
7. Explain ways that communication creates, develops, and changes personal identities.
8. Analyze the role of technology in interpersonal communication.
9. Analyze interpersonal communication in various contexts, including personal and professional, using various studies in the discipline and citing both contemporary and foundational theories.
Topics and Scope
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Statewide Required Topics:
1. Foundational theories, models, and research in interpersonal communication.
2. Influences on identity development, and the impact of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, etc. on interpersonal communication.
3. The role of perception in interpersonal communication; including theories such as Attribution Theory and Uncertainty Reduction Theory.
4. Symbolic and linguistic attributes with respect to language in interpersonal communication.
5. The role of emotions in communicating effectively; may include physiological, cognitive, and neurological theories.
6. Nonverbal communication; may include principles and theories such as Expectancy Violation Theory.
7. Listening; processes, styles, types, challenges, and responses.
8. Interpersonal climate (social tone of relationships) such as confirming/disconfirming messages, self-disclosure, and relational trust.
9. Ethics in interpersonal communication; may include concepts such as navigating power, influence, bias, stereotyping, bullying, and the dark side of communication.
10. Interpersonal conflict theories; may include Face-Negotiation Theory and Accommodation Theory.
11. Development, maintenance, and dissolution of various types of relationships; may include Social Penetration Theory, Attachment Theory, and Knapp's Relational Model.
Expanded and Additional Local Topics
I. Interpersonal Communication in Social and Behavioral Sciences
A. Communication process
1. Definition and basic terms
2. Communication model
3. Barriers to understanding communication
B. Discipline research methodologies
1. Qualitative
2. Quantitative
II. Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
A. Influences of outside sources (media, family/friends, societal norms, etc.)
1. Looking glass self
2. Attachment style theory
B. Maslow's Theories
1. Hierarchy of values
2. Model of self-awareness
C. Effects of low self-esteem
D. Face and facework
E. Self-fulfilling prophecy
F. Schutz's Interpersonal Needs Theory
G. Influences on identity development
1. Sociological (race; social class; gender)
2. Physiological (body shape and size; ability)
3. Psychological (gender)
III. Perception
A. Variables that affect perception, including behavioral, sociological, and cultural factors
1. Attribution theory
2. Standpoint theory
B. Differences in perception
C. Sociological and behavioral influences on impression formation
1. Impression formation theory
2. Implicit personality theory
D. Perception errors
IV. Intercultural Communication
A. Influence of culture on relationships
1. Identity traits
2. Group membership
B. Enculturation and acculturation
C. Low and high context
D. Hofstede's cultural dimensions
E. Behavioral and sociological barriers to effective intercultural communication
V. Emotions
A. Components
1. Physiological reactions
2. Cognitive responses
3. Behavioral reactions
4. Subjective affective responses
B. General principles and sociological theories
VI. Nonverbal Communication
A. Functions and characteristics
B. Types of cues (e.g., kinesics, proxemics, paralanguage, etc.)
C. Socially-constructed differences
VII. Relational Communication
A. Friendships
B. Romantic relationships
C. Intimacy
D. Self-disclosure
1. Johari Window
2. Social penetration theory
E. Relationship stages
F. Relationship repair and dissolution
G. Theories of relational development
1. Social exchange theory
2. Dialectical Theory
VIII. Conflict Resolution
A. Types of conflict
B. Sources of conflict
C. Progression of conflict
D. Behavioral styles (aggressive, assertive, passive)
E. Conflict management styles
F. Defensive versus supportive communication
Assignments:
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1. Written Assignments, such as,
a. Topic related assignments that apply theories to examples of interpersonal communication (10-20 pages total per semester)
b. Analytical papers, 2-5 pages each, that use theories to predict and/or explain interpersonal communication in various contexts (3 to 5 papers)
c. Term papers, 4-10 pages, that use theories to predict and/or explain interpersonal communication in various contexts (2 papers)
2. Reading Assignments (30 pages/week)
3. Observational assignment(s) (2-8)
4. Discussions about theories and research in interpersonal communication
5. In-class Assignments, such as,
a. Experiential activities
b. Group projects
c. Class participation
6. Oral presentation(s) involving application or explanation of theories and/or current research in the field
a. Individual presentation(s) (1-2)
b. Group presentation(s) (1-2)
7. Exam(s) (1-3)
Statewide Require Methods of Evaluation:
Examples of potential methods of evaluation used to observe or measure students' achievement of course outcomes and objectives could include but are not limited to quizzes, exams, written assignments, journals, projects, research, oral presentations, etc.
Methods of evaluation are at the discretion of local faculty.
Expanded and Additional Local Methods of Evaluation: See table below.
Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
| Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing
40 - 70% |
| Written Assignments | |
| Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations
10 - 25% |
| In-class assignments; observational assignments; oral presentation(s) | |
| Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams
5 - 30% |
| Exam(s) | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
10 - 25% |
| Class participation; discussions | |
Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Statewide Representative Textbooks:
Texts and course materials will be in accessible format. Priority will be given to OER or low-cost materials where possible. Examples of texts include, but are not limited to:
Department of Communication Studies, Austin Community College. (2021). Communication to Connect: Interpersonal Communication for Today. OER: Department of Communication Studies, Austin Community College.
Leonard. (2019). Interpersonal Communication Textbook. OER: College of the Canyons.
Adler, R., & Proctor II, R. (2022). Looking Out, Looking In. 16th ed.: Wadsworth Publishing.
Wood, J. (2020). Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters. 9th ed.: Wadsworth Publishing.
Guerrero, Anderson & Afifi. (2020). Close Encounters: Communication in Relationships. 6th ed.: Sage Publications, Inc.
Wrench, Punyanunt-Carter, & Thweatt. (2023). Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach to Relationships. OER: State University of New York.
Adler, R., & Proctor II, R. (2023). Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication. 16th ed.: Oxford University Press.
Additional Local Representative Textbooks:
Communicate! A Workbook for Interpersonal Communication. 7th ed. Long Beach City College Foundation. Kendall-Hunt. 2004. (classic).
The Interpersonal Communication Book. 16th ed. DeVito, Joseph. Pearson. 2022.
Looking Out, Looking In . 16th ed. Adler, Ronald and Proctor II, Russell. Cengage L. 2023.
Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others. 9th ed. Beebe, Steven and Beebe, Susan and Redmond, Mark. Pearson. 2020. (classic).
Open Educational Resource(s) (OER):
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