CMST 101: Interpersonal Communication

Course Description: 

CMST 101 is designed to increase your understanding and implementation of effective interpersonal communication behaviors and skills. Throughout the semester we will examine basic verbal and nonverbal elements affecting communication between individuals in family, peer groups and work contexts. This course requires you to participate in activities designed to develop interpersonal skills and will improve the quality of your life if you keep an open mind.

 Interpersonal communication introduces students to the complex interaction of social and psychological forces operating in human communication. This course is designed with a dual approach consisting of both theory and application that allows students opportunities to critically evaluate the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and the communication issues surrounding various contexts.

Textbook Information:  Adler & Proctor: Looking Out Looking In, 14th Ed.

Additional Course Information:  Through coordinated effort with Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Distance Education Department, The Communication Studies Department at Santa Ana College offers a variety of online courses. Speech Communication courses are hybrids. This means that there are required face-to-face meetings; classes cannot be completed entirely online. Students enrolling in CMST 101web must be prepared to attend the required face-to-face meetings.

Course Learning Objectives: CMST 101 will provide you with both a theoretical understanding of and practical experience with interpersonal communication. The main objectives of this course include:

1. Students will learn the basic theories of the interpersonal communication
2. Students will learn theories of building and maintaining
3. Students will develop competencies in perception checking, listening, and conflict

Meet Your Instructor: Hi, I'm Cara Pierce. I have been a faculty member at Santa Ana College since 2010, becoming full time in 2014.  I earned her Master of Arts in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York University in 2007 and my undergraduate degree from Cal State Long Beach in 2004. I am currently earning my Doctorate of Education from Northeastern University with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction. I teach public speaking, interpersonal communication, and argumentation, currently. I am also working on growing the distance education class offerings in the department, currently teaching interpersonal communication online.   



I feel grateful to have a career that is both rewarding and challenging. I view the classroom as an opportunity to experiment, ask questions, make mistakes and learn to continue to grow personally and professionally. As an educator my passion is to encourage my students to explore their potential inside and outside of the classroom, and in both their personal and professional lives. I am honored to work with the students at Santa Ana College.

Course Syllabus: 8week_101_Online.docx