20810206Difficult Conversations
Course Information
Description
In this course, you will develop the skills necessary to navigate conversations that are challenging, complicated, or downright unpleasant. We will discuss theories and practices of interpersonal communication, focusing on those that help us understand and manage these conversations. We will do this through readings and discussions as well as analysis and research.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze theories of interpersonal communication
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and oral communication presentation
    Criteria
    Differentiate theories of interpersonal communication (Attribution Theory, Communication Privacy Management Theory, Relational Dialectics Theory, Imagined Interactions Theory, and Uncertainty Management Theory)
    Demonstrate skills needed to analyze the effectiveness of communication in regards to interpersonal goals
    Evaluate communication strategies and processes in interpersonal communication settings

  2. Interpret empirical research
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, oral communication presentation, scenario
    Criteria
    Locate empirical research on a given topic
    Evaluate the relevance and credibility of empirical research
    Read, interpret, and analyze empirical research
    Consolidate the research you’ve found into a literature review
    Apply the results of empirical research to various communication scenarios

  3. Analyze the communication principles involved in difficult conversations
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and oral communication presentation
    Criteria
    Explain the process of perception
    Describe the role of perception in impression formation
    Distinguish between perceptual errors
    Distinguish between communication of sympathy and empathy
    Explain role of culture in difficult conversations

  4. Develop effective communication strategies for difficult conversations in interpersonal relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, oral communication presentation, role-play
    Criteria
    Articulate the role of relational maintenance in close relationships
    Articulate the role of conversations in relational maintenance
    Engage in the process of mediation, both as mediator and participant

  5. Develop effective communication strategies for difficult conversations at work
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and oral communication presentation
    Criteria
    Describe the role of power in difficult conversations
    Demonstrate strategies for difficult conversations with clients/customers/patients
    Develop competent superior-subordinate communication
    Apply the principles of negotiation

  6. Develop effective communication strategies for difficult conversations with providers and professionals
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and oral communication presentation
    Criteria
    Develop strategies for difficult conversation with medical providers
    Develop strategies for difficult conversations with service providers

  7. Analyze the role of self-disclosure in interpersonal communication
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and oral communication presentation
    Criteria
    Define the components of the self
    Articulate the role of the relational self in interpersonal communication

  8. Analyze the role of listening in interpersonal communication
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and oral communication presentation
    Criteria
    Distinguish between the four listening styles
    Illustrate the role of the four listening styles in interpersonal communication
    Distinguish between types of incompetent listening
    Articulate the impact of listening on difficult conversations

  9. Analyze the role of emotion in interpersonal communication
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and oral communication presentation
    Criteria
    Explain the principles of emotional intelligence
    Describe the various methods of managing emotional expression
    Illustrate the role of affect displays and other nonverbal displays of emotion in interpersonal communication