Updated for Spring 2020

started 2/27/20- last updated 3/10/20 /\  additional updates possible through 3/9/20

 

DYNAMICS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION -  S'20

  STUDY PREVIEW SHEET FOR  -TEST #1 {Midterm}-

 (Test day = M 3/16/20 orig W 3/11/20:[2nd session after Spring Break].  See below for ONE required advance test question & ONE extra credit advance question

NOTE --- Remember, this course examines various factors which are in operation when people interact. Think about the various units in the course content as interrelated and conceptual. This means that knowing specific terms and their definitions is just the beginning.  In addition, you should also be aware of what that item "looks like" in action and how it coordinates with other dynamics of human communication.  Also, be prepared to synthesize various concepts and apply them to the explanation of human communication behaviors.  Be aware that these expectations may require more critical thinking skills & attention to detail than many of you are used to for other classes. 

IN OTHER WORDS, EVEN IF YOU HAVE BEEN FULLY ATTENTIVE DURING CLASS DISCUSSION & ACTIVITIES, YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL THAT  WE HAVE COVERED AS WELL,  OR AS COMPREHENSIVELY,  AS YOU THINK YOU DO.    STUDY CAREFULLY.

See below for a  general (& incomplete)  list of items you should know.

 

  CHAPTERS & AREAS OF FOCUS  FOR TEST

Emphasis will be on Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 7,  ( Beebe, et al.  8e/9e) --as well as the notes relating to these areas. Also remember that many of our discussions acknowledged the "cultural sensitivity" of virtually everything discussed in the listed chapters. As mentioned above,  everything  in this course actually overlaps.

As a "headstart" to the at home [ orig= in-class]  test, there are questions to complete in advance to be submitted in class on test day (3/16- [orig=3/11).   One is required  & one is optional *[see details  below*] 

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING A "BLUE BOOK" n.a. as of 3/10/20 University announcement

 

 

               REQUIRED ADVANCE QUESTION :

**[This question is to be completed at home & handed in along with your in-class test]  [printed / double-spaced] [ It will be worth:10-15 pts<tbd>]

 

►  Listen to the following audioclip: Anger Can Be Contagious — Here's How To Stop The Spread  { by Allison Aubrey } https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/02/25/697052006/anger-can-be-contagious-heres-how-to-stop-the-spread. [probably need to open in new window][ link works 3/5/20]

If this link doesn't work, try going to npr.org and searching for Morning Edition for Audio & Transcript  - published 2/25/19

As you listen to the news item, you will notice that it is full of references (either direct or implied) that represent terms and concepts within Human &/or Interpersonal Communication.  Before you attempt to write your answer, you should listen to &/or read the feature story a few times.

 Next, write an analysis in which you point out one(1) specific term &/or concept from this course that was related in some way to what was contained in the news feature--either explicitly or implicitly. For example, as I re-listened to the audio, I heard at least 10 possible alignments that could be taken from your readings and our discussions  Chapter 2, 3, 4, 7 and especially the PPTR's.  This part of your answer should be one-two (1)-2)  well-organized paragraphs.  After you complete your analysis, your last few sentences can express your own "opinion" on the topic of the news feature. You can even include commentary on whether or not the article might affect how you handle Social Media posts.  HOWEVER, the  majority of your  answer (i.e . at least 75% of it) must be an explicit tie-in to one(1), specific concept / term from the course material (including the applicable page citation).

 

 

 

               Extra Credit  Advance Question:

[IF you opt to complete this extra question, it will be worth 0 - 5 points added to your test score. It is to be completed at home & submitted in hard copy form along with your in-class test papers.]   [printed/double-spaced]

 ►Succinctly & explicitly -- apply "your" nonverbal channel  to the photo posted below:  SlayerFans [click to go to photo or scroll to end of this document] .

 You should applying one of the items that you & your partner recently presented to the class. Your answer should make SPECIFIC reference to details from the nonverbal chapter & unit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Questions likely will be a  mixture of  Fill-in  /  Terminology definitions /  Short answer / brief Essay.  Possibly some multiple choice questions will be included as well.  Be prepared to explain, to analyze, to compare-contrast. 

 

  HOW TO STUDY

I will NOT use the same exact wording as in the books & I expect you to use your own words in your answers. We have covered a great deal of material and it will be difficult to "cram" effectively.  I'd recommend starting now to review & outline the chapters.

 

LENGTH OF TEST

It is expected that most people will be able to complete the test in 45-60 minutes.

 

MORE TIPS FOR PREPARING

Review the handouts & online assignment pages that have been used for class activities.  They indicate important concepts/terms from the course that your professor wants to emphasize.  In addition, 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 as these listed below: (please note that this list is random, incomplete & off the top-of-my-head, but it will get you started.)

Communication:  process /  functions Defining  "Interpersonal" [incl. key characteristics]
Perceptual reality [incl. personal & cultural differences, the IPT<>Stereotyping connection] Self Concept & ALL related aspects [the layers:  A>B>V ]
Perceptual Attribution &/or    Accommodation  The Nature of Culture & co-culture
be prepared to answer at least one question pertaining to the findings from the Create-a-{co}Culture activity
Self Concept vs Self Esteem vs Self Confidence Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Believing-is-Seeing The  PPTR's
Nonverbal Communication (including the various "subchannels") Halo/Horn mentality in Apple's iphone ban for villains in  movies
Also, the material on the online quizzes is helpful for review purposes & they  MIGHT still be accessible after the closing date. See procedure linked in left column of Professor's webpage. Perception Barriers
Culture & Diversity & Communication Dynamics etc. , etc.
Language: coding, meaning, functions [primarily covered through readings] n.a this semester The Rashomon effect  n.a this semester
   

 

 

              some SAMPLE QUESTIONS  - from the past

Below are various samples of questions I have asked in the past. These may or may not pertain to your current textbook; I simply cut & pasted  items from previous tests, but at least they will give you an idea of how I tend to phrase my questions. You can also refer to your online quizzes for additional indications of my questioning technique. A protocol for acessing your past quizzes is linked in the left-side column on my main Webpage. It might or might not) still work.

Some Sample Objective-type Questions -----

  [F.I.]  1. According to your authors, a person needs to be skilled in several areas in order to considered "interpersonally competent. What are 4 of those competencies?______,______,______,______.

  [F.I.]  2. The idea behind Wilson's 4 Communication Styles is conceptually based on a matrix of a person's aggressiveness tendencies combined with a measure of _____________tendencies.

  [M.C.] 3. We all use our past experiences & frames of reference in order to help us make assessments about current people and situations. When we use such past information to GENERALIZE/PREDICT a stranger's behavior based on our observance of just one aspect, It is generally referred to as:    a) prototyping      b) personally constructing        c) stereotyping       d) scripting  

 [F.I.] 4. Define "Attribution Process" in reference to the study of human communication. Support your answer by applying it to a specific current event.

[M.C.] 5. We use our past experiences & frames of reference in order to help us make assessments about current people and situations. When we use such past information to DEFINE a behavior via a particular person's demonstration of it, we are:  a) prototyping   b) personally constructing   c) stereotyping          d) scripting

 

Some Sample Short Answer/Essay-type  Questions -----

[SA] 6. Take one of the competencies you listed in question 1. Explain the item by briefly describing the last time you exhibited such competency during an interpersonal encounter.

[SA] 7. Recently,  you had the opportunity to confer with the instructor concerning the upcoming independent projects. Was that conference an example of "INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION"? Explain.  

[SA] 8. Now, choose a particular Attitude you hold rather strongly. Trace back to ONE Belief that  served to shape that attitude. Then determine from what Values(s) did that belief stem?  

[SA] 9. "Mirroring" in terms of nonverbal behavior  is connected to the basic human pattern of seeking  similarity. Explain .

[ES]  10. Two students (who have an acquaintanceship) pass each other on a campus pathway  and say: "Hi! What's up?"-"Nothing much"   and then continue on their way. This interaction can be discussed in a variety of ways  (e.g. as pragmatic language act / as phatic communication   /   as situational vs. developmental relationship  /  as interpersonal communication,  etc.).    From at least 3 of these perspectives, explain what could have been going on in this brief dyadic encounter.

 

[SA] 11. If Chris BELIEVES that racism exists in the workplace, Chris is more likely to PERCEIVE co-worker Jaime's loud voice & aggressive behavior as being racially motivated.  Explain this phenomenon by applying the Believing-is-Seeing concept .

 

[ES]  12. Explain the four basic ways that nonverbal communication channels are used in relation to the words being said.

 

[ES] 13. This weekend, while working in a box office with a female co-worker, a third party approached each of us and asked if we had some ":Motrin", "Tylenol", aspirin. etc. When we both told him that we didn't, his response was "What kind of  woman doesn't carry Motrin in her purse?  My next  thought was that the guy was so ignorant.

ANALYZE this communication encounter by applying relevant concepts from  PERCEPTION and/or CULTURE.

 

[SA] 14. Recently you read Decoding Etiquette in China, Handshakes to Meals  an Interview with Eden Collinsworth in which she discussed insights from her latest book: “I Stand Corrected: How Teaching Western Manners in China Became Its Own Unforgettable Lesson.” Many of her examples show how Perception Barriers affect business people operating in cross cultural contexts. Take any one Barrier discussed in Chapter 3 & explain how it is in the background (or even in the foreground)  of one of the situations mentioned by Collinsworth.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

Slayer fans at Hammerstein Ballroom on Thursday night.   photo by Michael Falco for The New York Times-2/17/07

 

updated 3/5/20


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are leftover items probably  n.a. for this semester.Any items to be added this semester  at the last minute will be "flagged" above. 
 

 

Speech Acts
 
"Selected Insights on Culture / co-culture / Diversity / Intercultural Communication"  <<interesting but probably n.a. for this semester
BY CITING & DESCRIBING   SPECIFIC EXAMPLES FROM YOUR OWN LIFE, explain each of the 5 "Principles of Interpersonal Relationships" discussed in Chapter 1.