Academic Catalogs

CMST G100: Interpersonal Communication

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 03/16/2021
Top Code 150600 - Speech Communication
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)
  • GWC Oral Communication (GA1)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
  • IGETC 1C Oral Communications (1C)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)
  • CSU A1 Oral Communications (A1)

Course Description

Formerly: COMM G100. This course is a survey of the process, analysis and theory of one-to-one oral communication, rhetorical theory (ethos, pathos and logos), presentation development and theoretical analysis. Content areas include self-concept, perception, rhetorical sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility, approaches to research and argument development, critical listening, verbal messages, nonverbal messages, conversation, relational development and conflict management. Students will learn theories that explain human communication behavior and best practices in oral communication and, in addition, will be required to practice effective interpersonal communication skills, rhetorical analysis and oral presentation skills in various contexts. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: COMM 130.C-ID: COMM 130.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Course Outcomes
  2. Use effective verbal and nonverbal practices personally, professionally and in the context of oral presentations.
  3. Analyze interpersonal communication theories, theoretical foundations (including ethos, pathos and logos) and rhetorical theory.
  4. Employ constructive criticism skills in the context of speech analysis and peer evaluation.
  5. Apply concepts of ethical communication and rhetorical sensitivity pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Describe communication situations using discipline specific terms.
  • 2. Identify and describe various cultural influences on interpersonal communication.
  • 3. Use various verbal and nonverbal messages to adapt to different social situations.
  • 4. Discuss the role of a healthy self-concept in the interpersonal communication process.
  • 5. Recognize the role defensive and supportive behaviors play in creating a communication climate and resolving conflict.

Lecture Content

Elements of Interpersonal Communication (IC) Vocabulary  Characteristics of IC  Cultural Issues  Relevance of Culture in IC  Cultural Perspectives  Cultural Differences  Intercultural Communication  Self-Perception  Dimensions of Self  Self Disclosure  Influences on Self Concept and Self Esteem  Perception of Others  Stages of Perception  Perceptual Processes Listening  Stages of Listening  Styles of Listening  Verbal Messages  Linguistic Symbols  Denotation and Connotation  Problems with Language  Effective use of Language  Inclusion and Exclusion  Racist Language  Hate Speech  Sexist Language  Nonverbal Messages  Body  Facial  Eyes  Touch  Paralanguage  Use of Space  Artifacts  Temporal communication  Emotions Defining nature of emotions Social and cultural patterns of expression Skills for improving Relationship Development and Maintenance Characteristics of Interpersonal relationships Stages in relationships  Cultural similarities and differences  Computer mediated communication  Types of Relationships  Friendship  Love  Family  Workplace  Conflict Management  Nature of Conflict  Conflict resolution  C onflict management  Compliance gaining strategies

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Reading Assignments

Textbook, open educational resources, supplemental materials.

Writing Assignments

Essays, journals, communication analysis, written and oral demonstration of skills such as pcerception checking, converstaion, listening techniques, and conflict strategies.

Out-of-class Assignments

Interpersonal journal, interviewing, personality assessment, and other assignments determined by the instructor.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will be able to analyze communication situations to identify components, explain influences on the situation, as well as choose appropriate communication strategies and skills.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will participate in a minimum of two oral presentations, made either in front of faculty or other listeners, or in online environments, including: One minor presentation such as a speech of introduction and one major presentation on issues pertaining to interpersonal theories and/or content.

Eligible Disciplines

Speech communication: See communication studies Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Adler, Rosenfeld and Proctor. Interplay--The Process of Interpersonal Communication, 14th ed. Oxford Publishing, 2017 2. Required Devito, Joseph A.. The Interpersonal Communication Book, 15th ed. Pearson Allyn and Bacon Publishing, 2018

Other Resources

1. Comparable open educational resource (OER) materials