PSY205 - Interpersonal Communication

Subject Title
Interpersonal Communication

Subject Description
Interpersonal Communication introduces the student to the complex and essential job of communicating with others. Healthy interpersonal relationships are central to our happiness and well being, and effective communication is critical to good relationships. Thus, this course pertains directly and immediately to our lives. Class participation in the form of various kinds of interactive work, discussion and exercises may be done. In addition, written exercises with regards to knowing ourselves, understanding others and dealing with people in family, personal and work situations are required. Gender and cultural differences in both verbal and non-verbal communication are examined. As a result, we gain perspective on ourselves and others and become sensitive to effective interaction.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

We cannot not communicate. Most of us communicate poorly much of the time. We have been led to believe that since we speak and write, we can communicate effectively, but our stormy personal relationships and frequently difficult work relationships clearly show this belief to be false. Our objective is to improve our understanding of the principles of communication and to learn something of the difficult art of real communication with others. Specifically we will work to:

· Understand basic communication principles
· Understand the crucial importance of self-knowledge
· Send clear, complete messages
· Recogonize and change harmful communication patters
· Listen attentively
· Use different styles of communication
· Become aware of non-verbal clues
· Become aware of the importance of language in all its forms
· Give/receive negative and positive feedback

Working on these aspects of communication will result in benefits such as the reduction of stress, the ability to build rapport and instil trust, transform resistance, deal with anger, initiate and manage change, resolve two-person conflicts, recognize potential conflicts, develop collaborative communication strategies and build self esteem and esteem in others. These benefits will be found upon mastery of the principles through understanding and practice.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.