Mar 15, 2026  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)
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COM 135 - Interpersonal Communication


Description
This course focuses on the study and application of interpersonal communication concepts and techniques in all types of interpersonal relationships (family, friends, romantic, and workplace). Students learn and practice skills to improve their self-concept, self-disclosure, perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, empathy, conflict management, and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Architectural Technology, A.A.A.S (Ferris State University-Facility Management), Pre-Chemistry, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-CyberSecurity, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Pharmacy, A.A. (General Transfer)
General Education Requirement:
Communications
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
2. Communication: Demonstrate effective communication through listening, speaking, reading, or writing using relevant sources and research strategies, 6. Intellectual Curiosity: Seek and apply knowledge through discovery, experimentation, or research to advance academic, personal, and career growth
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Apply effective listening and empathy skills to enhance relationships.

2. Apply perspective-taking strategies in assessing relationships.

3. Be aware of how one’s self-concept develops and impacts relationships.

4. Choose and apply appropriate conflict management strategies.

5. Demonstrate an awareness of theories of interpersonal communication. (GELO2)

6. Demonstrate an awareness of how to create and maintain healthy relationships. (GELO6)

7. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse lifestyles and perspectives.

8. Recognize the impact of both verbal and nonverbal messages.

9. Observe and evaluate own verbal interpersonal communication practices and strategies.

10. Create a written summary of the main ideas extracted from information gathered.

11. Know and use active listening skills.

12. Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue.

13. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail.
Course Outline:
I. Introduction to interpersonal communication

II. Construction and perception of self

III. Social perception

IV. Verbal competence/communication

V. Nonverbal communication/understanding

VI. Listening and empathy

VII. Influence of emotion on communication

VIII. Creating and maintaining healthy communication climates

IX. Managing conflict

X. Friendships and intimate relationships

XI. Workplace communication and relationships

XII. Diversity and intercultural communication


Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 25-35%

Facilitated/mediated discussion: 40-50%

Media-assisted and video instruction: 5-20%

Group work: 20-30%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None


Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 97, IRW 98, IRW 99
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:

Course Type:
General Education- Offering designed to meet the specific criteria for a GRCC Distribution Requirement. The course should be designated by the requirement it fulfills.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 100755
Course CIP Code: 09.01
Maximum Course Enrollment: 25
General Room Request: Standard Lecture Room
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Language & Thought
Discipline: COM
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Preferred Master’s Degree in Communication
Major Course Revisions: General Education Review
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220213T17:41:24
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027



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