Interpersonal communication

Medosebno komuniciranje

Course credits:

6.00 ECTS / 60 (30 hours of lectures, 0 hours of exercises, 30 hours of seminars, 0 hours other forms of work)

Course holder:

prof. dr. Metka Kuhar

Type:

Elective expert

Language:

English

Semester:

Second semester

Study degree

1. level

Course execution:

• Undergraduate Programme of Communication studies - Marketing Communication and Public Relations
• Undergraduate Programme of Cultural studies - Studies of Culture and Creativity
• Undergraduate Programme of Defence Studies
• Undergraduate Programme of International Relations
• Undergraduate Programme of Journalism
• Undergraduate Programme of Media and Communication Studies
• Undergraduate Programme of Political Science - Public Policies and Sdministration
• Undergraduate Programme of Political Science - Studies of Politics and the State
• Undergraduate Programme of Social Informatics
• Undergraduate Programme of Sociology
• Undergraduate Programme of Sociology - Human Resources Management

Prerequisits:

Students are allowed to participate in the course provided that they have completed the enrolment procedure.

Objectives and competences

The course approaches interpersonal communication as a relational, situated, and socially organized process through which meanings, relationships, identities, and power relations are continuously produced. Communication is understood not merely as the transmission of information or a set of individual skills, but as a fundamental process through which social reality is co-constructed. The course develops students’ ability to analyse communication processes across everyday, institutional, media, and digital contexts, while fostering critical reflection on both their own and others’ communicative practices. Competencies: 1. Understanding Interpersonal Communication Knowledge of key theories, concepts, and approaches in the field of interpersonal communication. Understanding communication as a relational process embedded in specific social and contextual conditions. Insight into the role of communication in the construction of identities, relationships, and social reality. 2. Analysis of Communication Processes Identification of interactional norms, expectations, and communicative positions in concrete situations. Analysis of communication across social, institutional, and digital contexts. Understanding the mechanisms of inclusion, exclusion, legitimacy, and epistemic authority in interaction. 3. Critical Thinking Critical reflection on communication theories and practices. Recognition of the role of power, social structures, and institutional frameworks in communication processes. Sensitivity to diverse perspectives and social positions. 4. Application of Theoretical Concepts Use of conceptual tools for analysing concrete communicative situations. Connecting the micro-level of interaction with broader social and cultural processes. 5. Analytical Writing and Argumentation Independent search, evaluation, and use of relevant academic literature. Development of analytical writing and structured academic argumentation. 6. Dialogue and Deliberation Understanding dialogue and deliberation as distinct communicative practices. Critical reflection on the conditions that enable or constrain participation in public and interpersonal communication. 7. Group Work Collaboration in the analysis of communication cases. Development of skills for reasoned discussion and the collective construction of interpretations.

Content (Syllabus outline)

The course is based on the understanding that meanings, relationships, identities, and various forms of social order are constituted through interaction. Particular attention is given to the interaction order, the definition of the situation, positioning processes, identity positions, power relations, epistemic hierarchies, the role of language and nonverbal communication, and the conditions that enable dialogue and deliberation. Cognitive and emotional aspects of communication are approached as components of broader interactional processes rather than as isolated individual phenomena. Thematic Units: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Communication as Interaction Order Social Cognition and the Definition of the Situation Emotions and Regulation in Interaction Verbal Communication, Language, and the Framing of Meaning Nonverbal Communication Identity, Self-Presentation, and Positioning Power, Legitimacy, and Epistemic Hierarchies Conflict, Misunderstandings, and Metacommunication Dialogue and Deliberation Interpersonal Relationships Interpersonal Communication in Digital and Mediatized Environments

Intended learning outcomes:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theories and concepts of interpersonal communication. Analyse communication processes across diverse social and media contexts. Identify interactional norms, communicative positions, and power relations. Critically reflect on the role of communication in the construction of social reality. Relate the micro-level of interaction to broader social processes. Apply academic literature and conceptual tools in the analysis of communication phenomena.

Learning and teaching methods:

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, analysis of communication cases, group discussions, individual and group work, and independent study of academic literature. Particular emphasis is placed on linking theoretical concepts to the analysis of concrete communicative situations. One quarter of the course will be delivered through e-learning.

Assessment

30% continuous assessment and written assignments 70% final examination

Obligatory literature

Additional literature