FINAL VERSION - last updated 12/5/08

DYNAMICS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION
-- F'08 --  

  THIS IS A RANDOM (& incomplete) LIST OF ITEMS YOU SHOULD KNOW FOR

              >>> TEST #2 <<< [Beebe, et al., 5e] --on   Friday 12/12/08 @ 8:45am in FH:58A  - PROCTORED BY PROFESSOR HADODO

See below for three required advance test questions  

NOTE --- Remember, this course attempts to examine various factors which are in  operation when people interact. Think about the various units in the course content as interrelated, conceptual, and cumulative.

     This means that, in addition to knowing specific terms and their definitions, you should also be aware of what that item "looks like" in action and in coordination with other dynamics of human communication.   Also, you should be prepared to synthesize various concepts and apply them to your  explanations of human communication behaviors & encounters. As you may remember from my feedback to Test #1, I give the most points to answers that are not just superficially descriptive , but instead analyze human communication by explicitly applying concepts from the course & text.

SOME FAQ's:

  re: TYPES OF QUESTIONS:
  • Questions will probably be of the  Terminology Definitions,  Short Answer,  & Essay types. Be prepared to analyze, compare and explain. 
  • Also, I will NOT use the same exact wording as in the books  & I expect you to use your own words in your answers. 
  • LOOK BELOW FOR THREE  ADVANCE QUESTIONS TO BE COMPLETED AT HOME & SUBMITTED ON TEST DAY (+ ONE BONUS QUES)
   re: PRIMARY CHAPTERS  For the in-class portion of the test, emphasis will be on Chapters  4 [Diversity] , 5 [Listening terms] , 7[NV], 8[Conflict Mgmt], 9,10,11,12[Family & Relational Interaction] --as well as the notes/activities relating to these areas.

Also see the grid below of  the basic topic areas that have been covered.

 Also take note of the diagrams/figures on pp.  54, 56 & 353 5e    ( pp.55, 58 &  354.    4e)
 
re: LENGTH OF IN-CLASS TEST/EXAM ● The "pen & pencil" portion of the test should be approx 60 - 75 minutes
 re: ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
  • On Test 1,  some  people lost points  because on writing in generalities-- rather than citing specific terms/concepts from the  text & notes.
  • Review the handouts that have been used for class activities.  They  also indicate important concepts/terms from the text.
  • Review previous study sheet for sample questions
  • As you review your readings, make use of the chapter preview information as well as the post-chapter glossaries. 
  • Also, be familiar with such terms/concepts including,  [BUT NOT LIMITED TO]  these listed below:

 

 re: AREAS OF EMPHASIS--

Your Interpersonal Toolbox    
[& all the competencies within it] 		 Relationships  (types, levels, dimensions [T/I/P],  principles, stages, roles)    Co-culture
Self Disclosure (models, techniques, risks, effects)  Johari Window & Social Penetration model( re: self disclosure; re: self concept)  Listening ( all types; key terms)
assertive/aggressive/passive symmetrical/complementary/parallel Cohesiveness/Adaptability
Linguistic Determinism (language = World View)   NA S08 Types/Sources of  Power  in Relationships  / P - ab 2 I  Conflict Management  
Nonverbal Communication (including the various "subchannels") Affinity Seeking / Immediacy Systems Theory (as-applied-to-human-communication)
Family (incl. types; as-a-system,etc.)   Culture (elements, values, contexts, barriers)  Other-Orientation & Empathy
Language: High/Low Context Word meaning is arbitrary  

   

 


 

    ADVANCE QUESTIONS :  

[ to be completed at home & handed in  along with your in-class test] [ will be worth 18-21 pts] 
  << Each answer should be - 1 page long  [typed/double-spaced] & should integrate specific material from the relevant chapters &/or notes.>>

 

  • 1. a -  Using specific references to current or past relationships in your life, Explain the difference among these different types of relationships:  complementary  /vs/  symmetrical  /vs/ parallel .   
  •     b - Then briefly discuss whether either the Dialectical  Theory  AND/OR the Social Exchange Theory [cost -reward]  was ever evident in one of the relationships .

 

  • 2. Read the scenario below.  Address items <a> & <b> below.  Within your answer, incorporate  specific, relevant insights from Chapters 9 & 10    (e.g.  attraction, liking, relationship-of-choice/ circumstance, affinity-seeking , self-disclosure, etc, etc),  

         <a> Explain WHY the driver of Car #2   felt compelled to say                         something to me.  
         <b>    Considering the clues in the scenario about the "cultural

                elements" of the setting and the level/type of relationship

                between me & the driver of Car#2,  and considering the "Dynamics

                of Human Communication that you have learned,  WHAT would

                have been an appropriate behavior response on my part? 

     

         

  The Scenario : (these events actually happened) 

       Not too long ago, I parked in a (relatively) small parking lot of a "Staples" store in northern New  Jersey.  While I was walking toward the store, a few feet away from me, another car (= Car #1) started to back out very quickly--but the driver either did not seem to notice or did not care about me or another car (= Car #2) that was already proceeding up the lane toward the exit.  When Car #2 blew its horn as a warning, Car #1 nevertheless continued to back out in front of it anyway.  
     When Car #2 came abreast of me, the driver leaned out & said to me: "How do you like that guy?  I beeped at him & he still didn't  want to stop!" ... 

 

 

  • 3. Of  the many video/movie clips that were shown this semester, select the one that gave you the biggest insight into the dynamics of human interaction. Then, complete a, b & c below.

        <a>  Explain the specific CONCEPT that was being demonstrated at

                 the time.

        <b>  Explain WHY it gave you such an impact.

        <c>  Explain (specifically) HOW it could  affect your future interpersonal

                communication technique (i.e. ...how will it add to your "Interpersonal

                    Toolbox")

 

**BONUS POINTS:

 4.

               Extra Credit Question:

[IF you opt to complete it, This question will be worth 0 - 5 points added to your test score. It is also to be completed at home & handed in along with your in-class test]  [typed/double-spaced]

 

   p. 188 question # 6 (Beebe, et al. 5e )   [div/ethics/conflict]

 
 

  

 

  last update: 12/12/08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

not used Spring 07

Meaning is arbitrary

Sympathy vs Empathy ( in Interpersonal Comm.)

Complete  p. 277 # 7 3e( via chapter 8 [Confl.Mngmnt]) )  You can tie in factors from other chapters, as well. 

p. 117 question # 6  [div/ethics/conflict] 4e

Analyze  the excerpt below via referring to at least 3 relevant LANGUAGE principles from Chapter 6.  Be sure to be concrete & analytical as you discuss how the church skillfully used language to communicate both explicit & implicit messages. 

"St Clement's enjoys the privilege of welcoming many  people through its doors. Please be attentive to your personal belongings while you are here." from an actual  sign in the hallway of a NYC church