This course is designed to introduce you to the field of Interpersonal Communication.
By emphasizing the goals that exist when communicating with and to others, we will
explore underlying assumptions that we have about interpersonal interaction; develop
an understanding of concepts, theories, and research findings in interpersonal
communication; and learn how to bridge theory and practice by applying these concepts
to everyday experiences. In addition, this course is designed to help you improve
your own interpersonal communication skills as you become more aware of your own
communication in interpersonal relationships.

1. You will learn about relevant concepts, theories, and research in interpersonal
   communication.
2. You will learn about interpersonal communication competence.
3. You will learn about your own interpersonal communication competence and how to
   improve your interpersonal communication skills.
4. You will develop and practice your interpersonal communication skills in a
   supportive environment.
5. You will learn about the positive as well as the negative aspects of interpersonal
   communication.
6. You will learn about the various contexts (family, friendships, workplace) in
   which interpersonal communication occurs.
7. You will complete research assignments which will involve computer-based research
   and paper preparation. 
8. You will consider the moral and ethical implications of a variety of communication
   situations.

Introduction of the Course:

What is Interpersonal Communication?
Goals in Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication Perspectives
Interpersonal Communication Functions
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Self-Presentation
Self-Disclosure
Defending the Self
Relational Escalation
Love in Interpersonal Relationships
Relational Maintenance
Deception and Interpersonal Relationships
Relational Transgressions
Conflict
Power & Obsession in Interpersonal Relationships
Relational Reconciliation
Relational De-Escalation
Post-Dissolutional Relationships
Personality Factors
Communication Competence

“Academic honesty is – defined broadly and simply – the 
performance of all academic work without cheating, lying, 
stealing, or receiving assistance from any other person or 
using any source of information not appropriately authorized or 
attributed” (From the Preamble to “A Culture of Honesty”). The 
University, the Department of Communication Studies, and I 
personally take academic honesty very seriously. Every student 
at the University of Georgia should be familiar with the 
booklet, “A Culture of Honesty: Policies and Procedures on 
Academic Dishonesty.” If you are not, please obtain one of 
these booklets and read it carefully. This document has a 
thorough presentation of four types of academic dishonesty, 
including plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, lying/tampering, 
and theft, as well as the procedures that are in place to 
adjudicate alleged incidents of academic dishonesty. The 
policies and procedures described in “A Culture of Honesty” 
will be strictly followed. University Mandated Statement 
Concerning the University Honor Code & Academic Honesty All 
academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture 
of Honesty.” Students are responsible for informing themselves 
about those standards before performing any academic work. More 
detailed information about academic honesty can be found at
http://www.uga.edu/ovpi/honesty/acadhon.htm.