The primary objective of this class is to engage students in and educate them about
theories and concepts designed to improve our understanding of various aspects of our
close, intimate relationships. Specifically, this semester will involve an advanced
understanding of communication concepts, theories, and skills and how they
individually and collectively contribute to (in)effective communication within those
relationships. Students will achieve the following as a result of enrolling in this
course: (1) An advanced understanding of  various contexts (friendship, family, etc.)
in which interpersonal communication occurs; (2) Increased knowledge of concepts,
theories, and research findings in interpersonal communication and how to apply them
to real world situations; (3) An advanced knowledge of how to think critically about
and understand interpersonal communication practices; (4) A sophisticated ability to
move newfound knowledge of interpersonal communication from theory into practice; and
(5) Development and practical application of communication skills in a supportive
learning environment.Written assignments and exams help students to apply their learning.

Week 1	Interpersonal and Relational Communication
Week 2 	Identity Management
Week 3	Forces of Social Attraction	
Week 4	Uncertainty and Expectancy Violations	
Week 5	Relationship Development
Week 6	Triangular Theory of Love (#5)	
Week 7	Communicating Sexually
Week 8	Attachment and Courtship 
Week 9	Relational Maintenance	 
Week 10	Interdependence and Equity 
Week 11	Power and Influence; Exam Review
Week 12 Privacy and Secrets
Week 13	Film and Relationships
Week 14	Stages of Interracial Romantic Relationships 
Week 15	Relational Transgressions
Week 16	Conflict and Relationship Endings

“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.