Question Description
Purpose
An effective introduction to interpersonal communication course requires you to self-reflect on your own communication as a way to make tangible improvements. Journal entries are a great opportunity to stop and contemplate interpersonal communication concepts and reflect on and evaluate how you currently use them. This in turn allows you to begin to shine a light on areas of your own communication that can be improved. Through the act of self-reflection, you can become a better communicator.
Task
You are required to complete journal entries over the course of the semester. See syllabus and Canvas for due dates.
Content
While these are often self-reflective and casual, you should be writing in complete sentences and using appropriate grammar and spelling. You also are expected to use specific interpersonal communication terminology from class (e.g., “self-disclosure” vs. “we talked about really personal stuff,” “nonverbal communication” vs. “body language”). Each journal entry will correspond to specific course concepts (see journal prompts), so be sure you are using them correctly; don’t just sprinkle in terms. Bold those terms every time you use them in your journals.
Each entry has specific content and page requirements. Some ask you to perform an out of class task, some ask you to read an article or watch a video and then respond, some ask you to take a self-quiz and reflect, and others ask you to reflect on an in-class activity. You can always journal more pages beyond the requirement, but note that your instructor will only read the required limit (usually 1-2 pages). Any private thoughts can be delineated with italics and will not be read.
Format
Each entry should be a .doc or .pdf document titled with the journal number. Single space and include the following in the upper left corner: Your name, date, class and section number, and instructor’s name. Use 1” margins, double-space the body of your paper, and type using times new roman, 12 font, and include page numbers on the bottom right hand corners. Number your responses. Entries will be submitted online when they are due.
See example journal formatting below.
Jenny Perez
August 31, 2018
COM 102.1001 Online
Ms. Farrell
Journal 3
1. Example example example example example example example example example example example
example example example example example example example example example example example example
2. Example example example example example example example example example example example example.
Criteria
See rubric below.
If you are unsure about what is required for a journal, please reach out to your instructor before submitting.
Journal #3 Entry Prompt
One important function of verbal communication is naming people, places, and things. Think about your name. Journal 1 page answering the following questions. You are not required to disclose anything that makes you uncomfortable. Please use italics if you don’t want you instructor to read specific portions.
- What is your full name?
- How did you get this name? Has it ever legally changed? How/why?
- Discuss any opinions, feelings, and experiences about your name. This can include if you like/dislike it, if people typically mispronounce it, other peoples’ impressions of you regarding your name (this might include stereotypes, assumptions, or connotations), any cultural connections to your name, and/or any nicknames you have had in your life.
- If you could change anything about your name, what would it be and why?
