CAS 203Interpersonal Communication

3 credits · Communication Arts and Sciences · Penn State

The phenomenon called interpersonal communication encompasses the complexities of interaction between people in any of a variety of situations. The expectations people form prior to a conversation, the messages that they produce using language and nonverbal cues, the ways in which they attach meaning to the behaviors of others, and the systemic qualities of the dyad are all part of interpersonal communication. And interpersonal communication occurs in contexts as varied as strangers sharing a seat on a bus, neighbors passing each other in the street, college roommates or married couples coordinating their lives, and co-workers negotiating office politics. In the home, at school, at work, and in public, interpersonal communication is an intricate process that weaves the fabric of our lives as social beings. This class is designed as an opportunity to explore the complexities of interpersonal communication and to develop a repertoire of interpersonal communication skills.