Des Moines Area Community College
Course Information – EFFECTIVE SM 2013-03
Acronym/Number SPC 126
Title
Historical Ref. SPC 126
Interpersonal And Small Group Communication
Credit breakout 3
(credit
3
0
0
0
lecture
lab
practicum
work experience)
PREREQUISITE(S):
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to interpersonal and group communication theories and their application in
relationship development, conflict resolution, group problem solving and group presentations. The
primary focus of this course is on interpersonal communication.
COURSE COMPETENCIES:
During this course, the student will be expected to:
1.
Acquire a basic vocabulary for describing interpersonal communication.
1.1
Identify the components of the communication process.
1.2
Describe how components interrelate to create communication in face-to-face
interactions.
1.3
Describe the qualities of a competent interpersonal communicator.
2.
Explain influences of the self-concept and person perceptions on interpersonal
communication.
2.1
Describe the principles of selection, organization, and interpretation in relation to
perceptions in communication.
2.2
Define self-concept.
2.3
Explain how images of the self and others interact to influence meaning in
communication.
2.4
List several methods of increasing perceptual accuracy.
3.
Analyze characteristics of communication in various levels of interpersonal relationship.
3.1
Describe aspects of message content and structure in stages of relationships.
3.2
Discuss the role of self-disclosure and feedback in relationships.
3.3
Use self-disclosure to enhance and maintain relationships with classmates.
3.4
List guidelines for appropriate self-disclosure.
4.
Relate interpersonal needs theories to communication.
SPC 126
5.
Follow guidelines for appropriate sharing of feelings in interpersonal encounters and
relationships.
5.1
Distinguish between displaying and describing feelings.
5.2
Use descriptive, owned language to communicate feelings.
6.
Explain methods of creating supportive communication climates.
6.1
Define openness, descriptiveness, equality, and provisionality in the context of
communication.
6.2
Distinguish between the content and relational dimensions of messages.
7.
Explain approaches to managing interpersonal conflicts.
7.1
List kinds and causes of interpersonal conflicts.
7.2
Recall guidelines for discussing and resolving conflicts.
8.
Demonstrate active listening and response skills.
8.1
Describe stages, from hearing to remembering, of the act of listening.
8.2
Distinguish between informational, empathic, and evaluative listening skills.
8.3
List skills of active listening.
8.4
List common barriers to effective listening.
8.5
Apply methods of improving listening effectiveness.
8.6
Provide feedback in the classroom suitable to speaker, message and context.
9.
Analyze how language influences culture and affects interpersonal relationships.
9.1
Understand the difference between connotative and denotative meaning.
9.2
Identify how factors such as culture, gender, and context affect language.
9.3
Comprehend negative and ineffective uses of language.
9.4
Recognize how language expresses thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
9.5
Use appropriate and effective language to manage interpersonal relationships in
various stages and settings to achieve relationship goals (i.e., supportive climates,
conflict resolution, disclosure, initiating and ending relationships)
10.
Describe characteristics and functions of nonverbal communication.
10.1
Describe major classifications of nonverbal communication.
10.2
List functions of nonverbal communication.
10.3
Employ nonverbal behaviors congruent with verbal messages.
11.
Communicate effectively in interpersonal and small group settings with members of other
cultures and co-cultures.
11.1
Identify elements of culture.
11.2
Identify barriers to effective intercultural communication.
11.3
Demonstrate an awareness of cultural differences in the interpretation of verbal and
nonverbal messages.
11.4
Use other-oriented behavior to facilitate communication and develop relationships.
12.
Explain the basic vocabulary and recognize the characteristics of effective group
communication types and processes.
SPC 126
13.
Explain communication behaviors characteristic of participant roles in group discussion.
13.1
Classify communication behaviors according to categories of task, social, and
negative roles.
13.2
Describe types, styles, and responsibilities of group leaders.
14.
Participate effectively in problem-solving and/or decision-making groups.
15.
Demonstrate the ability to report outcomes of a group discussion.
SPC 126
COMPETENCIES REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Julie Simanski
DATE: January 2013
FACULTY:
1. Barb Schmidt
2. Judy Vogel
3. Kay Mueller
4. Yvonne Fielder
5. Anna Conway
6. Karen Pitcher
7. John Pea
COMPETENCIES REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Judith Vogel
DATE: January 2009
FACULTY:
1. Kay Mueller
2. Mary B Wilk
3. Robert Galligan
4. Anne Juneau
5. Karen Marshall
COMPETENCIES REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Judith Vogel
DATE: August, 2006
FACULTY:
1. Kay Mueller
2. Mary B Wilk
3. Robert Galligan
4. Anne Juneau
5. Karen Marshall
SPC 126
Effective date:
May 2013
Originated by:
J. Vogel
Campus:
Revision(s):
A B C U N W OC
7/96; 1/03; 8/03; 1/09; 1/13;