Counts for 10% of Final Course Grade

Throughout the semester, you are required to engage in critical thinking about what we discuss in class and
what you read about in the book.  The purpose of this assignment is to get you to think critically about your
interpersonal communication practices.

Requirements

        1.  Due Monday, September 22, 2008, at the beginning of the class session.  After class is called to order,
             I will take your reports as your name is called on the class roll.  No late assignments or excuses are
             accepted!  

        2.  Type or word-process and double-space the assignment.  For your paper, use 2-3 sheets of 8.5 by 11
             inch white paper only.  Use no more than three pages and no less than two pages.  Do not continue to
             a fourth page.  At least the first two pages must be full – not a one-and-a-half-pages, not one-and-a-quarter-pages,
             etc.  Use one-inch margins on the left and right sides and top/bottom.  Use Courier 10 CPI or Times Roman
             12 point font.  No title pages or folders are allowed on this assignment.  DO NOT fold or staple them together.
             Failure to follow the instructions will result in a letter grade penalty for each infraction.  

        3.   Put your full name, paper title, and date in upper left corner and number each page in the upper right corner.  

                For example:

                Jeff Koerber
                SPCM 1500
                Interpersonal Report I
                September 22, 2008

        4.   Poor grammar, spelling, appearance, etc. will result in a lowered grade.  

        5.   Directions for content:  In your introduction, please tell me your hometown, your year in college (counting
              here and elsewhere), prospective major, and any previous communication course(s) you have taken.  What
              are your hopes/expectations for the course?  

              We will discuss a significant amount of material prior to the date this paper is due.  Using some of the
              terminology you have learned so far in class, explain your own interaction in an interpersonal relationship
              you have with a friend.  (The friend CANNOT be a family member.)  Each paper should fully explain
              the interpersonal communication concept (terms) that you are discussing and what you think about the
              concept (term). 

              Please focus on the following:  

                      Identify examples of good communication practices you use with your friend.  

                      Identify some examples of poor communication you have employed with your friend.  
                      How can you improve?  

                      Identify examples of good communication practices your friend uses with you.  

                      Identify some examples of poor communication on the part of your friend. 
                      How can your friend improve?  

        5.   Oral Report:  You may be asked to tell the class briefly about your content.  Do not read the paper to the
              class.  The instructor will return the paper to you after each of them has been graded.