Course
Description

Study and practice of developing healthy and mutually satisfying interpersonal relationships. Lecture and discussion groups focus on dynamics of human relationships, factors fostering effective interaction, and significance of self concepts in human communication. Topical headings include value clarification, games people play, self disclosure and trust, conflict resolution, sexuality, prejudice, death and dying, multicultural education, sexism, constructive use of anger, etc.

Methods of Course Instruction

• Blackboard course content

• On-line discussion board

• Practice exercises with instructor feedback

• Lecture notes available on-line

• Email submission of answers to theory questions

In this course, we will:

1. Develop an understanding of the qualities necessary for establishing and maintaining strong and healthy interpersonal relationships.  (Week 1, Chapter 1)

2. Achieve an increased awareness of the “self” and one’s personal self-image, along with an appreciation of our own individual uniqueness.  (Week 2, Chapter 2)

3. Gain a better understanding of learning theory as it relates to relationships with others, and be able to recognize the key qualities essential in changing behavior patterns.  (Week 3, Chapter 3)

4. Understand how to achieve a balance between emotional expression and emotional control.  (Week 4, Chapter 4)

5. Be able to identify constructive communication procedures and use them properly in order to function more effectively in our interpersonal relationships.  (Week 5, Chapter 5)

6. Gain an increased awareness of the key elements involved in establishing and maintaining special friendships and love relationships.  (Week 6, Chapter 6)

7. Understand the essential elements for dealing with interpersonal conflict in a constructive manner.  (Week 7, Chapter 7)

8. Gain an increased awareness of how to effectively recognize and manage stress to enhance wellness.  (Week 8, Chapter 8)

9. Understand some of the processes for identifying and prioritizing those values that are essential for establishing a lifestyle that has meaning and purpose.  (Week 9, Chapter 9)

10. Achieve an increased awareness of goal-setting skills in order to plan and direct our lives in a desired direction.   (Week 10, Chapter 10)

This course involves three levels of involvement

1. The first is related to the theory of human relations.  Participation at this level will involve three types of activities. 

   • Reading the text and taking three examinations. 

   • Written responses to a series of “reflective questions” (theory) that are posted at the end of each unit. 

   • Optional additional readings.    

2. The second level of involvement is practical and experiential.  This will require an active participation on the Discussion Board, along with engagement in and responses to the exercises and experiences that are listed within the section on ASSIGNMENTS, under the title of “practice.”  This is probably the most important part of the class. 
   
   
3. The third is at the level of response and assessment.  Comments from me as well as from other students will provide you with feedback on how you are developing in your understanding of the subject and in your personal and professional growth. 

Materials

Required

Text(s)
Becoming Aware:  A Text/Workbook for Human Relations and  Personal Adjustment, by Velma Walker (Tenth Edition).

Additional or Optional Materials
Will be posted during the term.

Alternative source where materials should be obtained
On-line from web-based suppliers

Note: The books for the course are in stock at College Bookstore, (740) 594-3505. Click here for online ordering.

Exams
Requirements

3 exams - Proctoring required

How are exams to be taken: On-Line, proctored, no references

Dates of Exams
After Unit 4, after Unit 7, and at the conclusion of the class.