Ashford 2: - Week 1 - Discussion 1

Learning New Skills

Many people believe that communication skills are easy and should come naturally. As we have learned this week, learning effective interpersonal communication skills requires a lot of time and practice. Of all the skills listed in Chapter Two ofMaking Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication, which skill(s) are you most excited about improving in your interpersonal relationships? Why do you feel that you need to make improvements in this area? Based on the course material that you read this week, what are some ways that you plan on using these skills in your everyday life?

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 2: - Week 1 - Discussion 2

The “Self” and Communication

In Chapter Three ofMaking Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication, the author lays out many psychological concepts concerning the “self.” How do all these concepts relate to interpersonal communication? Also, give an example of how your “self-concept,” “self-image,” or “self-esteem” has affected your interpersonal communication.

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 2: - Week 1 - Assignment

Article Critique: Masking Poor Communication

Use the ProQuest online database (found in the Ashford Online Library) to locate the article entitled, “Close Relationships Sometimes Mask Poor Communication.” Write a two-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) about your thoughts on this article. In your paper, be sure also to address the following:

• Have you ever had a miscommunication with someone close to you simply because you assumed that they understood you? What happened?
• How can you make sure that this kind of miscommunication does not happen in the future? Or when it does happen, what could you do to make your communication more clear?

Be sure to reference the ProQuest article and at least one of the other course readings from this week in your paper. This can be your textbook or one of the recommended articles. The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Ashford 3: - Week 2 - Discussion 1

Improving Verbal Communication

In Chapter Four ofMaking Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication, the author discusses the power of language and how verbal communication can affect interpersonal relationships. The author also mentions ways in which you can improve your verbal communication. Explain how you will use these skills to make your interpersonal verbal communication more effective. Use a specific example of someone in your life (past or present) that is difficult to communicate with. Describe how using these skills could improve your communication with this person.

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 3: - Week 2 - Discussion 2

Nonverbal Miscommunication

Nonverbal communication is one of the most powerful ways that we communicate in our interpersonal relationships. Sometimes, however, we may find ourselves unintentionally communicating something that we do not mean to. This tends to happen quite often inintercultural communicationsituations (when we are communicating across different cultures). Provide an example of a time when you nonverbally communicated something other than what you meant. Or, use an example of when someone else nonverbally communicated something to you that was different than what they meant. What happened in this situation? Be specific in your example and also discuss what you will do in the future to avoid this.

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 3: - Week 2 - Assignment

Article Critique: Talking Styles

Use the ProQuest database to locate and read the article entitled, “Shared Talking Styles Herald New and Lasting Romance”. Then, visit theLanguage Style Matchingwebsite and, using sample written communication between you and another person, follow the directions on the website to retrieve your language style matching score. Write a two-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) about your thoughts on this articleandyour language style matching score. In your paper, be sure to address the following:

• Do you think the results provide by theLanguage Style Matchingwebsite are accurate? Why or why not?
• Do you believe that language style matching is a comprehensive way to predict the quality of interpersonal relationships?

Be sure to reference the ProQuest article and at least one of your other course readings from this week in your paper. This can be your textbook or one of the recommended articles.The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Ashford 4: - Week 3 - Discussion 1

Everyone Has a Culture

Some students think that they do not have much of a cultural background because they were not born outside of the United States or because they do not speak another language. The truth is thateveryonehas a culture! Your culture can be related to your race, ethnicity, gender, age, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, ability, etc. Take some time to write about your own culture and share with us what makes you who you are. Try to not focus on just one aspect of yourself, but try to utilize as many cultural elements as possible. Also, address why culture is important in communication. How does your culture affect your communication with others?

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 4: - Week 3 - Discussion 2

Willingness to Listen

Complete the “Willingness to Listen Measure” activity. Based on your results, do you have a high, moderate, or low willingness to listen to others? How do you think your willingness to listen score could impact your interpersonal relationships? Do you think that this measure was accurate for you? What about the measure do you think was or was not accurate?

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 4: - Week 3 - Assignment 1

Article Critique: Self-Disclosure, Gender, and Communication

Review the article entitled, “Can We Talk? Researcher Talks about the Role of Communication in Happy Marriages,” from the ProQuest database found in the Ashford Online Library. Write a one-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) about your thoughts on this article. In your paper, be sure to address the following:

• Can you relate to this article on self-disclosure in relationships? If so, explain what specifically you could relate to and provide examples of your own experiences. If not, what has your experience been regarding self-disclosure in your intimate relationships?
• Do you agree that self-disclosure is important and directly related to satisfaction in relationships? Why or why not?
• What about gender differences? Remember, although research has found differences in gender communication, it has also found similarities. What kind of similarities between genders have you experienced?
• Lastly, remember that although research is based on generalizations, not everyone fits into these generalizations regarding gender. Do you feel like you fit into the generalizations?

Be sure to reference the ProQuest article and at least one of your other course readings from this week in your paper. This can be your textbook or one of the recommended articles.The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

shford 4: - Week 3 - Assignment 2

Final Paper Outline

Review the Final Paper instructions in Week Five. Then, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar, and review the “Sample: Outline.” Format your outline for the Final Paper according to the “Sample: Outline.” (NOTE: In the “Sample: Outline,” it states that the thesis statement is the last one to three sentences of the introduction.)

The outline must contain:

• Introduction with thesis statement
• At least five body paragraphs
• Conclusion
• Reference page containing at least three academic resources, two of which are found in the Ashford Online Library

Empathy

In this week’s readings the author discussesemotional intelligence, a concept which measures people’s ability to understand emotions and express them appropriately. As you have learned, this ability is crucial to communicating effectively in interpersonal relationships. One of the major components of emotional intelligence is the ability to empathize with others. First, describein your own wordswhat it means to have empathy. Second, share an example of a time when you found it difficult to empathize with someone. How did you handle the situation? What could you have done differently to empathize with them?

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 5: - Week 4 - Discussion 2

Attraction in Interpersonal Relationships

Chapter Eight ofMaking Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication addresses the various elements that attract us to other people when we first enter a relationship. It might be just one thing that we like about another person or it could be several things. What do you look for in other people when you first meet them? This could be a potential romantic partner or even a platonic friend. Either way, we each look for or are attracted to certain things when we meet people. Share an example of a time when you developed a friendship/relationship with someone whom you did not get along with at first. What changed for you?

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 5: - Week 4 - Assignment

Interpersonal Conflict in Film

Chooseone (1)movie from a list provided below:

• Brooks, J. (Director). (2004).Spanglish[Film]. Los Angeles: Gracie Films.
• Cohen, B. (Producer), & Mendes, S. (Director). (1999).American beauty[Film]. Los Angeles: Dreamworks.
• Goldwyn, T. (Director). (2006).The last kiss[Film]. Los Angeles: Dreamworks.
• Haggis, P. (Director). (2004).Crash[Film]. Los Angeles: Bob Yari Productions.
• Mordaunt, W., Tadross, M. (Executive Producers), &Tennant, A. (Director). (2005).Hitch[Film]. Los Angeles: Sony Pictures.

Watch your selected film, identify an interpersonal conflict that was not handled effectively, and write a two-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) regarding why the conflict was not handled effectively and what could have been done differently.Be sure to focus on one particular interpersonal conflict and not the movie as a whole.Films can be viewed online via streaming media sites, such asNetflixorAmazon Instant Video. You may also rent DVDs from these sites, or from your local DVD rental outlet. Some films may be available for free at streaming sites, such asHuluorCrackle. You may also check them out at low or no cost from your local library.

Please Note:A synopsis of the film (e.g., which actors are in the film or what the movie is about) should not be included. Be sure to reference at least one of your course readings from this week in your paper.The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Ashford 6: - Week 5 - Discussion 1

Unprofessional Work Environments

One of the most frustrating situations in the professional world is to work with someone who is not professional. This often makes the work environment a disheartening one. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the work environment was unprofessional? How did you handle the situation? Share an example. If your work experience is limited, consider a time when you were working with others in a different context, such as school or a club. Also, address how you can combat this in the future with effective communication skills.

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 6: - Week 5 - Discussion 2

he Influence of Mediated Communication

Social media (e.g., email, blogs, Facebook, Skype, Twitter) has played a major role in changing the way that we engage in interpersonal communication. As we have learned this week, communicating through electronic media is referred to as mediated communication. There are pros and cons to using mediated communication in our interpersonal relationships. How has mediated communication improved your interpersonal relationships? How has it hurt them? Provide examples to illustrate your point.

Your initial response should be 150-200 words in length

Ashford 6: - Week 5 - Final Paper

Final Paper: Letter of Advice

Imagine that a newly engaged couple hears that you are taking a course in interpersonal communication, and wants advice for their relationship. Based on what you have learned in this course, what advice would you give them regarding how to effectively use interpersonal communication in their relationship? Write your paper in the form of a letter.

Instructions
Choose at least five (5) of the twelve (12) course learning outcomes below to help guide your letter: For each of the five learning outcomes that you use, create a separate section with a heading that reflects the learning outcome that you are using.

1. Explain the principles and misconceptions in effective interpersonal communications.
2. Identify the barriers to effective interpersonal interactions.
3. Describe the process by which self-concept is developed and maintained.
4. Assess their personal communications and improve their communication competencies.
5. Develop strategies for active, critical, and empathic listening.
6. Recognize how words have the power to create and affect attitudes, behavior, and perception.
7. Understand how perceptions, emotions, and nonverbal expression affect interpersonal relationships.
8. Define emotional intelligence and its role in effective interpersonal relationships.
9. Evaluate appropriate levels of self-disclosure in relationships.
10. Describe strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts.
11. Recognize how self-concept and defensive and supportive messages and behaviors create positive and negative communication climates.
12. Understand the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communications.

Write an eight to ten page paper (excluding title and reference pages) in the form of a letter. In this paper, address at least five concepts (choose the concepts that you feel are most important to successful communication within interpersonal relationships). Your advicecannotbe based on your own opinions; youmustback up your advice with research, which may include readings from this course or from outside sources.In total, your paper must include at least five (5) sources, including at least two (2) from ProQuest. This is a formal paper and should utilize proper grammar, complete sentences, appropriate paragraphs, and correct citations/references in proper APA (6th edition) style. However, you will write this paper in the format of a letter to the newly-engaged couple, and may address the couple throughout the paper. For example: “Dear Sara and Tim, my advice to you for a successful relationship is…” Along with explaining concepts and including research, you may also use your personal experiences as examples of the research and advice that you are offering.

The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Please Note: An outline of this assignment will be submitted for credit during Week Three, on Day 7. You will receive feedback on this draft so that you can make the necessary improvements for your Final Paper submission during Week Five.

Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:

1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Must include a title page with the following:
• Title of paper
• Student’s name
• Course name and number
• Instructor’s name
• Date submitted
3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
6. Must use at least five (5) scholarly sources, including a minimum of two (2) from ProQuest, found in the Ashford Online Library.
7. Must document all sources (both within the text and on a separate reference page) in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.