This course facilitates understanding of the major theories and concepts in the study of communication phenomena in close, personal relationships. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of communication research into personal relationships. An important goal of this class is to foster students' insight into their own experience of close personal relationships and to enable students to apply course-related concepts to their relationships.

Lectures, discussion, classroom exercises, written assignments, oral presentations, and in-class and out-of-class observations will be used to aid the development of knowledge and skills relating to the study of communication.

The aim is to merge theory and practice throughout the classroom experience. To this end, we will maintain a stimulating, interactive, open, and friendly classroom environment that fosters self and other insight, critical thinking, intellectual growth and communicative competence. The following objectives are core to the course:

• To achieve a clear understanding of theories of communication in close, personal relationships,
• To extend understanding and appreciation of the discipline of communication, and
• To develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

Wood, J. T. (2000). Relational communication: Continuity and change in personal relationships (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Cheating, plagiarism and collusion will not be tolerated. All work submitted must be the original work of the student, for this course only (no submitting the same assignment in more than one class). The penalty for plagiarism, cheating or collusion may include failing the assignment, failing the course, or expulsion from the University depending on the severity of the infraction. Please see the University's Student Code of Conduct for information regarding this policy.

Course requirements must be fulfilled in order to successfully pass the course. Late assignments will not be accepted. Incompletes will be given only in very limited cases and only when they meet the Policy for Incompletes on file in the Department of Communication office, as well as the University requirements for Incompletes as specified in the Information Guide and the Handbook of Operating Procedures. Please see your Course Materials Handbook for further information on assignments, grading criteria and course schedule. All other University policies will be followed.

In order for this course to be a successful learning experience for you, active and committed participation on your part is crucial; therefore, as specified in the Information Guide, students are expected to attend class. All assignments are due according to the Schedule of Assignments listed in the Course Materials Handbook. Students are expected to take examinations and turn in assignments at the scheduled time. Students who may miss an examination or assignment deadline due to an authorized University activity should make arrangements to complete the assignment in advance, which includes approval from the student's Dean. Late assignments or examinations will not be accepted. Please also see the Handbook of Operating Procedures for policies regarding attendance.

The Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require special accommodations, please see a coordinator at Disability Services (MS 2.03.18) so that such accommodations may be arranged. After you receive your accommodation letters, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations as soon as possible.

Examinations: Students will be assessed on knowledge of course material through examination. A midterm exam will cover concepts and terms from the first half of the semester. The final exam will cover primarily material from the second half of the semester but will be semi-comprehensive. The two exams will consist of multiple choice and true-false questions.

Weekly Journal: Students will write their reflections on issues related to their experiences of personal relationships for weekly submission via WebCT.

Relational Context and Comparison: Students will answer a series of questions about their experience of relationship in three contexts: best childhood friend, best adulthood friend, and closest family-of-origin member.

Relational Termination Analysis: Students will answer a series of questions about a significant relational termination event in their own lives.

A full description of each of these assignments can be found in the Course Materials Handbook, which is located in WebCT, or through the Student Section at http://www.hpleblanc.com/.

Students may participate in ongoing research of the course instructor.

Due to the content of this senior-level course, students should be aware that subject matter of a very personal and mature nature may be discussed in the class. However, the course is not intended nor is it designed to serve the purpose of relational, marital, or family counseling.

Grades are earned and will be calculated on a cumulative scale. Grades can be calculated by dividing the raw score of the assignment by the total points possible for the assignment. Grades are calculated using a 400 point scale. For example, if the total number of points that can be achieved on the Weekly Journal is 120, then the assignment is worth 30% of the final grade. The Midterm Exam is worth 100 points. Therefore, a raw score of 78 on the Midterm is 19.5% of the final grade. Extra credit will not be assigned for any student due to poor performance or missed assignment. Grades are not rounded. You may use the Grade Monitoring Form located in the Course Materials Handbook to calculate your grade average in the course at any time. Furthermore, you may obtain your current grade for assignments in WebCT for this course.

A       Exceptionally well-prepared completion of assignment indicating effort, individualized style, and impact expected of effective communication.

B       Unusually well-prepared completion of assignment indicating original application of course materials and individual imagination distinctly superior to average effort.

C       Satisfactory completion of assignment indicating effort normally expected of the majority of students (basic preparation, correct procedure, and disciplined technique.)

D       Unsatisfactory completion of assignment indicating technical irregularity, misperceived objectives, and methods, and unorganized effort.

F       Failure to complete assignment during the scheduled time through lack of evident effort.

All students will be expected to follow the instructions as they are presented, meet the grading criteria, and turn in each assignment by the due date in order to earn a "B."

This course is a senior-level communication elective. Interpersonal Communication (COM 3383) is a prerequisite for this course. All course requirements are explicitly written in the Course Materials Handbook.