Download HPCH 203: Health Communication - American University of Beirut

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HPCH 203 Fall 2013
Health Communication (interpersonal communication) - 3 credits
Course Instructor
Mayada Kanj
Room 306, Van Dyke
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: students are welcome anytime; email instructor if a specific time is required
Class schedule: Tuesday/ Thursday: 11-12:15
Room 332
Some sessions will be held online (outside class); check course outline on Moodle for
schedule and dates of these sessions.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to human communication theory and practice. It
emphasizes both interpersonal and group communication skills. The course introduces
students to assumptions we make about communication and key elements of the
communication process. The course attempts to highlight the connection between
communication concepts and everyday life by using interactive methods that allow
students to explore concepts in relation to their own personal experiences.
This is offered in a blended format in which 2/3 of course time is in-class face-toface (F2F) meetings and 1/3 of course time is online.
A blended format will enable you to
 participate actively in the learning process
 Practice and apply technology (wiki, forums, etc.)
 proactive/ independent learner
 work in teams on projects
 manage your own time
Resources
Adler R; Proctor R; Looking out looking in, 14th edition; Thomson Learning Inc.
USA, 2014
Rothwell J; In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams, 8th
edition; Wadsworth 2013; selected readings will be available at bookstore
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Assessment
All assigned chapters must be read prior to class. Online assignments will include online
quizzes, forums, individual and group projects. All online activities will have clear
instructions and grading rubrics posted on Moodle. There is no midterm or final in this
course.
Grade Distribution
Attendance:
*Participation (online& F2F)
Online quizzes (10 quizzes):
Online assignments (8-10 assignments):
5%
20%
35%
40%
*Class participation means:
 Engaging in class discussions and activities (role plays, games, exercises…)
 Participating in online discussions and forums (contributing your feedback and
commenting on others’ feedback)
 Reading and commenting on additional articles ,news items, movies posted on
MOODLE
Statement of integrity
“Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Review the Student Code of Conduct in
your handbook and familiarize yourself with definitions and penalties. If you’re in doubt
about what constitutes plagiarism, ask your instructor because it is your responsibility to
know. The American University of Beirut has a strict anti-cheating policy. Penalties
include failing marks on the assignment in question, suspension or expulsion from
University and a permanent mention of the disciplinary action in the student’s records.”
Requirements and expected conduct

Moodle: as this is a blended course you are required to log in on regular basis and
stay up to date on reading announcements and assignments. All assignments must
be submitted on Moodle. Do not send assignments by email.

Readings: you are expected to read the assigned material and prepare the
assignments as indicated on your class schedule prior to class. You are expected to
be ready to participate in class discussions and activities. Class and online
participation will affect your grade.

Attendance: attendance will be taken and the AUB attendance policy applies.
Students are expected to attend all classes. In case of absence it’s the student
responsibility to make up course work. Students who miss 1/5 of the sessions in the
first 10 weeks will be dropped from the course
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Technical support: MOODLE support contact:
[email protected] / ext. 3589
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Course material is divided in two modules:


Module one: Interpersonal Communication
Module Two: Communication in Small Groups
Below are the learning outcomes and objectives for each module
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Learning outcomes: module 1
Objectives
Analyze interpersonal
communication process
Interpersonal communication
Chapter 1
1.Identify the needs ( physical, identity, social, ) that communicators attempt to satisfy in a relationship
2.Describe how communication principles and common misconceptions are evident in specific situations
3.Describe the transactional model of communication
4. Define communication competence and identify characteristics of competent communicators in
Identity:
Chapter 2
1.Describe the relationship between self concept ( SC), self esteem and communication
2. Explain how self- fulfilling prophecies shape SC and thus communication
3. Demonstrate techniques that can be used to change SC and hence communication
4.Describe the role that identity management plays in F2F and mediated relationships
Perceptions
Chapter 3:
1.Describe how the perception process can shape communication
2.Identify factors which influence perception and affect the communication process
3.Apply the pillow method in a given situation
Emotions
Chapter 4
1.Identify and describe 6 influences that affect emotions and hence communication
2.Apply guide lines for effectively communicating emotions in an important situation
3. Identify the fallacies that create debilitative emotions in an important situation.
Language:
Chapter 5
1. Analyze a misunderstanding in terms of semantic or pragmatic rules
2. Describe how identity, affiliation, power, disruptive language and language of responsibility operate in your life
3. Practice using “ I “ statements
4. Analyze how gender and culture differences may affect quality of interaction
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Non verbal (NV) communication:
Chapter 6
Listening skills
Chapter 7
Communication and relational
dynamics
Chapter 8
Communication climate
Chapter 10
1.Explain characteristics of NV communication and give examples on each
2.Recognize and manage your own NV in a given situation
1.Identify elements of the listening process and types of ineffective listening
2.Identify personal response styles commonly used when listening
3.Demonstrate effective listening styles that you could use to respond in a given situation
1.Identify factors that influenced your choice of relational partners
2.Describe nature of communication at various stages of a relationship
3.Describe dialectical tensions in a relationship, how they influence a relationship and strategies to manage them
4.Identify content and relational dimensions of communication in a give transaction
1.Determine types of communication that can create a positive climate
2.Use Gibb categories and assertive message format to create supportive ( non defensive) climate
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Interpersonal conflict
Chapter 11
1.Identify relational conflicts styles & patterns of behavior in a relationship
2.Demonstrate how you can use win-win approach in a situation
3.Describe personal conflict style , evaluate its effectiveness and suggest alternatives
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Learning outcomes: module 2
objectives
-Explain how systems theory can be applied in groups
-Explore the interconnectedness of task and social dimensions
-Discuss group roles
-Explore the process of effective decision making /problem solving
-Discuss the role of power as an underlying theme in small group
dynamics
Groups as systems:
Chapter 2 (Rothwell )
1.Describe characteristics of groups as systems
2.Discuss how groups must adapt to a changing environment
3.Explain the influence of size on groups
Group development :
Chapter 3 (Rothwell)
1.Identify and describe stages for group development
2.Discuss task and social dimension within the different phases of group development
3. Describe strategies that new comers can adopt to improve chances of gaining
acceptance in a group
Roles and leadership in groups:
Chapter 5 (Rothwell)
1.Explain the significance of roles in groups
2.Identify different types of roles in a group
3.Discuss the role emergence process
4.Explain how members gain and retain group leadership
5.Discuss how to be an effective leader in a group
Decision making ( DM) and problem solving (PS);
Chapter 7 and 8 (Rothwell)
1.Analyze adverse effects of excessive or insufficient information quantity on group
decision making and problem solving
2.Explain the role of mindsets in defective DM/ PS
3.Discuss the troublesome decision making problem of group polarization
4.Describe and analyze groupthink as an ineffective group decision making process
5.Apply steps for effective group decision making
Power in Groups
Chapter 9 ( Rothwell)
1.Define and distinguish the three types of power
2.Identify various indicators of power and power resources
3. Address negative consequences of power imbalance in a group
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