HSCO 508 Studies in Interpersonal Communication

An interactive learning experience designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of self and the “listening-to-understanding” skills which facilitate improved interpersonal communications in establishing and maintaining relationships with God and others.

Effective communication skills are critical in the Human Services Counseling field. This course will facilitate self-discovery and personal and professional growth. Students will examine how their identity and behavioral blend influences their interactions and develop skills that will allow them to address barriers to effective interpersonal, family, and professional communication. By engaging in online assessments, reading assignments, self-reflection, and group interactions, students will enhance their active listening, empathetic, attending, and reflecting skills with the goal of maintaining healthy, healing, and helping relationships with others.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

(CLO: A, D)

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the Course Requirement Checklist in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (4)

The student will complete four Discussions in this course. The student will post one discussion thread that is between 300 and 350 words addressing a specific topic. The student will then post two discussion replies of between 200 and 250 words. Discussion threads and discussion replies must demonstrate course-related knowledge and be supported by references to the course literature. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Reflection Paper Assignments (4)

The student will write four 3-page reflection papers on specific topics. The student will reflect on emerging insights about his/her interpersonal communication, describe application of new strategies and skills in personal and professional contexts, and integrate a variety of course materials. The papers must be submitted as Word documents in current APA format and must be well written and organized. (CLO: A, B, D)

Interpersonal Communication Plan Assignment

The student will develop a strategic interpersonal communication plan that demonstrates course-related knowledge; commitment to establish and maintain healthy, healing, and helping relationships; and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally. The student will produce a 9–10-minute video of himself/herself presenting the plan using a digital camera or recording device. The video must be uploaded to YouTube and be accompanied by a 15–20-slide Power Point presentation that is submitted along with the link to the video. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Quizzes (2)

The student will complete two quizzes consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the France & Weikel, Petersen, and Schultze & Badzinski texts. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and have a time limit of two hours. (CLO: A, D)