COM 2404 Interpersonal Communication

New York City College of Technology

Instructor’s Name: Oswald Barrios
Humanities Department
Contact Email: [email protected]
Course Title: Interpersonal Communication
Pre-requisite: ENG1101 OR COM1330 or higher
PATHWAYS: Individual and Society Writing Intensive
Office: L630; 718-260-5018
COM 2404; Section D004 TuTh 4:10PM - 5:25PM in N-419B
Office Hours: Tue-Thu 12:50-2:00PM & Thu 5:30- 6:20PM

Fall 2024 Syllabus

Course Description
A communication course providing students with broad and important knowledge of, and training in, communication
between individuals across varying sociocultural contexts and case scenarios. This course covers the following topics:
verbal and nonverbal communication, cross-cultural and familial communication, cyberspace communication, and
health communication. Course Credits: 3; Course Hours: 3

Recommended Text:
Trenholm, S., & Jensen, A. (2011). Interpersonal Communication (7th ed.). Oxford Univ. Press. ISBN: 9780199827503

Scope of Assignments:
This course requires a minimum of seventeen pages of formal writing, two major exams, and the satisfactory
completion of all assigned in-class activities.
1) Written assignments include three analytical papers that can demonstrate students’ critical engagements with the
assigned readings (2-3 pages long for each paper), one case analysis paper (5-6 pages long), and one final paper (6-7
pages long).
2) The two major exams include a mid-term test covering the first nine chapters of the textbook and assigned
journal articles, and a final test covering the remaining six chapters and assigned journal articles.
3) The in-class activities include group discussions, role-play situations, and impromptu presentations on issues
central to interpersonal communication.

Grading policy and procedures:

Students are required to complete the following major assignments for this class. These assignments include 1) two
exams, 2) three analytical papers, 3) one case analysis paper, and 4) one resolution proposal (final paper).

1. Mid-term and final exam (100 points total, 50 for each exam): these two exams cover the key concepts
that are emphasized in the assigned reading materials and my in-class instructions. To achieve a satisfactory
grade, students need to complete the reading, listen and understand the lectures, and actively participate in the
class discussions.

2. Three analytical papers (90 points total, 30 for each paper): For the analytical paper, students need to
offer their critical analysis of the assigned readings. Please refrain from repeating, quoting, or summarizing the
reading.

3. A case analysis paper (40 points): For the case analysis paper, students need to provide thorough analysis of
one particular case/issue that demonstrates a serious problem involving interpersonal communication.

4. A resolution proposal – final paper (50 points): For the resolution proposal, students need to first identify
a specific problem, conflict, or struggle in their prior or ongoing experiences with interpersonal communication,
and then focus on developing a plan aimed at resolving the problem.

5. Participation and Professionalism (20 points): A significant portion of your grade depends on your active
participation and how you conduct yourself in the class. Classroom participation applies to online behavior as
well as in-person classroom behavior. This requirement consists of the following components: (a) active and
timely participation during virtual or in-person class discussions (b) active and timely participation during virtual
or in-person group work or peer feedback (c) punctual submission of graded assignments, including those
assigned to an online platform or presented orally during a virtual lesson (d) the quality of your written and
spoken assignments (e) the quality of online self-presentation including appropriate attire, seating, lighting, and
background (f) overall classroom interactions and communication ethics.

METHOD OF GRADING – elements and weight of factors determining the students’ grade*
Written Assignments 60%
Midterm/Final Examination 30%
Participation 10%
Total 100%
_______________________________________________________________________________________
New York City College of Technology's official grading scale: 93-100%(A), 90-92.9%(A-), 87- 89.9%(B+),
83-86.9%(B), 80-82.9%(B-), 77-79.9%(C+), 70-76.9%(C), 60-69.9%(D), 59.9% and below(F).

Late work policy: Late work is not typically accepted. Each student is responsible for meeting deadlines for
assignments, exams, and quizzes. I will make every effort to communicate deadlines clearly and update students on any
changes. If a student experiences an issue meeting a deadline, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate and
discuss possible arrangements with the professor prior to the assignment deadline.

Course Structure:
The structure of this course is developed through a wide and in-depth survey of the interpersonal
communication courses offered by some of the leading research and teaching universities in the United States.
Written assignments and in-class activities support and reinforce the course content. Throughout the semester,
students will be taught to apply the theories to varying practices of interpersonal communication.

Sequence of Weekly Topics (Schedule is tentative and subject to change)

Week 1 (8/29 & 9/3): Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Week 2 (9/5 & 9/10): Verbal and non-verbal communication
Week 3 (9/12 & 9/17): Dynamics in a changing interpersonal communication – perception and listening
Week 4 (9/19 & 9/24): Initiating and sustaining relationships
Week 5 (9/26 & 10/1): The dark side in interpersonal relationships
*PLEASE NOTE* Oct 3rd Thursday College Closed
Week 6 (10/3 & 10/8): Terminating a relationship
Week 7 (10/10 & 10/15): Mid-Term Exam
*PLEASE NOTE* Oct 15th Tuesday classes follow a Mon schedule
Week 8 (10/17 & 10/22): Health Communication
Week 9 (10/24 & 10/29): Conducting proper and ethical research
Week 10 (10/31 & 11/5 & 11/7): Organizational communication and interpersonal relationships
Week 11 (11/12 & 11/14): Interpersonal communication in a cross-cultural and familial environment
Week 12 (11/19 & 11/21): Case Analysis paper workshop & presentation
Week 13 (11/26 & 11/28): Benefits and challenges: modern technology and interpersonal communication
*PLEASE NOTE* November 28th Thursday No classes scheduled
Week 14 (12/3 & 12/5): Final Paper review
Week 15 (12/10 & 12/12): Final exam workshop & paper presentation
Week 16 (12/16 & 12/17): Final Session/Exam

Humanities Department Attendance Policy:

It is the conviction of the Humanities department that a student who is not in a class for any reason is not receiving
the benefit of the education being provided. Missed class time includes not just absences but also latenesses, early
departures, and time outside the classroom taken by students during class meeting periods. Missed time impacts any
portion of the final grade overtly allocated to participation and/or any grades awarded for activities that relate to
presence in class.
Plagiarism and NYCCT Academic Integrity Policy:
“Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual
property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community
of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in
information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and
appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City
University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing
grades, suspension, and expulsion.” (See pp. 73-76 in the student handbook). The following are some examples of
plagiarism:

● Copying another person’s actual words without the use of quotation marks and footnotes attributing the words
to their source.
● Presenting another person’s ideas or theories in your own words without acknowledging the source.
● Using information that is not common knowledge without acknowledging the source.
● Failing to acknowledge collaborators on homework and laboratory assignments.
● Internet Plagiarism includes submitting downloaded term papers or parts of term papers, paraphrasing or
copying information from the internet without citing the source, and “cutting and pasting” from various
sources without proper attribution.
● Speech assignments must be paraphrased into your own language and properly cited. All major writing
speeches and exams will be run through Safe Assign.

Accessibility/Medical Accommodations Statement

City Tech is committed to supporting the educational goals of enrolled students with disabilities in the areas of
enrollment, academic advisement, tutoring, assistive technologies and testing accommodations. If you have or think
you may have a disability, you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments as provided
under applicable federal, state and city laws. You may also request services for temporary conditions or medical issues
under certain circumstances. If you have questions about your eligibility or would like to seek accommodation services
or academic adjustments, please contact the Center for Student Accessibility at 300 Jay Street room L-237, 718 260
5143, or http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/accessibility/

Students who miss a scheduled presentation or exam due to illness or medically-related emergencies will be referred to
the Center for Student Accessibility. The CSA will review any documentation requested and give the student a letter to
share with the relevant instructor if accommodations need to be made.

Humanities Department Commitment to Student Diversity:

The Humanities Department complies with the college wide nondiscrimination policy and seeks to foster a safe and
inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity in its many forms and enhances our students’ ability to be
informed, global citizens. Through our example, we demonstrate an appreciation of the rich diversity of world
cultures and the unique forms of expression that make us human.

COURSE INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES/ASSESSMENT METHODS

LEARNING OUTCOMES: ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Develop an accurate and in-depth understanding The three analytical papers require students to show their
of various forms of interpersonal communication critical interpretation and assessment of the assigned
and relationships. reading materials, which cover a variety of topics on
interpersonal communication. Both the midterm and final
exams test students’ level of comprehension about
different types and forms of interpersonal
communication
Provide thorough analysis of scenarios central to For the case analysis paper, students need to provide
the practice of interpersonal communication. thorough analysis of one particular case/issue that
demonstrates a serious problem involving
interpersonal communication.
Offer effective solutions to the real problems, For the resolution proposal, students need to first identify
conflicts, or struggles that are commonly seen a specific problem, conflict, or struggle in their prior or
or experienced in interpersonal ongoing experiences with interpersonal communication,
communication. and then focus on developing a plan aimed at resolving
the problem.
Provide well-organized and formal in-class Students are required to develop and provide clear,
presentations on completed research engaging, well-organized, and formal in class
projects presentations on their case analysis papers and final
resolution proposals, with visual aids.

GENERAL EDUCATION INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES/ASSESSMENT METHODS

PATHWAYS LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT METHODS:

(INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY):

Gather, interpret, and assess information The three analytical papers require students to show
from a variety of sources and points of view. their critical interpretation and assessment of the
assigned reading materials; the final individual research
project requires extensive library research
Evaluate evidence and arguments critically For both the analytical papers and final individual
or analytically. research papers, students are required to assess evidence
and arguments made by other sources, and develop their
own critical understanding of these information through
writing and oral presentations.
Produce well-reasoned written or oral Analytical papers, case analysis papers, final research
arguments using evidence to support papers, and oral presentations require students to
conclusions. produce and present strong arguments supported with
evidence from 1) extensive review of literature central to
their chosen topics in interpersonal communication, 2)
observation of, or personal experiences with real life
interpersonal communication practices, and 3) making
logical explanations based on the evidence/data collected
through research.
Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and Interpersonal Communication is a broad field covering a
methods of a discipline or interdisciplinary field variety of topics both in Communication Studies and
exploring the relationship between the individual fields outside of Communication. Through studying
and society, including, but not limited to, different topics in interpersonal communication, such as
anthropology, communications, cultural studies, verbal and nonverbal communication, cross -cultural
history, journalism, philosophy, political science, communication, familial communication, organizational
psychology, public affairs, religion, and sociology. communication, and health communication, students will
lean interpersonal communication as an interdisciplinary
field that incorporate the fields of history, anthropology,
cultural studies, psychology, and public affairs.
 Examine how an individual's place in society The class lectures, activities, and assignments provide
affects experiences, values, or choices. students with rich opportunities and knowledge on
understanding how individuals’ voices, behaviors,
sociocultural backgrounds, past experiences, and
identities affect their views and practices of
interpersonal communication across different social,
cultural, political, and temporal contexts.
Articulate and assess ethical views and Throughout this semester, there will be discussions
their underlying premises. centering around the ethical issues, concerns, and their
underlying premises in different forms of interpersonal
communication. For example, in week 8, the lecture and
discussion on cross-cultural communication will unpack
how different cultures have different understanding of
ethics and how these different understandings create
misunderstandings or even conflicts between people
from different cultural groups. In week 12, the lecture
and discussion on cyberspace will examine the ethical and
unethical virtual communication practices. The
interpersonal communication in cyberspace is a
controversial topic because it involves the sensitive issues
of privacy, anonymity, and freedom of speech. The
discussion focused on ethical consideration of these
sensitive issues will be a major of the class.
Articulate ethical uses of data and other In week 8, a specific lecture will be offered to students on
information resources to respond to problems how to conduct proper data collection and cite credible
and questions sources. Ethical guidelines involving the protection of
intellectual property, proper data collection, correct ways
of doing oral and written citations will be specified in the
lecture. Critical issues related to academic plagiarism will
be emphasized in the lecture as well.

Identify and engage with local, national, or For week 8, 11, and 12, the lectures and discussions on
global trends or ideologies, and analyze their cross-cultural, health, and virtual communications will
impact on individual or collective unpack how larger sociocultural system, hierarchy,
decision-making. norms, and ideological assumptions affect individuals’
interactions with others and guide us to communicate
with others.

GUIDELINES CRITICAL TO SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE:

DO WHAT’S ASKED OF YOU: Keep up with the readings in the text. Budget your time wisely so that you find the
time to read and prepare for class.

ASK FOR HELP: Do not be afraid to ask for clarification on a concept and/or an assignment.

MAKE THE DEADLINE: Please do NOT try and turn in any assignment late. I have ZERO tolerance for late
assignments and will not accept them. Keep a calendar of due dates. Your course syllabus will give you a schedule with
guidelines of what readings, activities, and/or assignments you should complete. Spend 5-10 minutes each week listing
your priorities for the week so you don’t fall behind. Remember to start each assignment early. Doing so gives you time
to email your professor with questions (and get answers) so you can perform well and get higher grades!
HAVE A BLAST: This course can be a blast if you put in the effort. Have fun as we learn to communicate in the
workplace, in our personal lives, and out in the world!