• Course Introduction

        • Time: 14 hours
        • Free Certificate
        You engage in interpersonal communication every day: with strangers at the grocery store, with friends and family at home, or with peers at work. This course will define interpersonal communication and apply its basic elements to everyday situations. You will investigate interpersonal communication in formal and informal settings and discuss conflict management. Conflicts arise in all relationships, with family and friends and with colleagues in the workplace. Understanding and applying human communication principles to these situations can often help to diffuse conflicts and even prevent conflict.

        • Course Syllabus

          First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

        • Unit 1: Interpersonal Communication

          Communicating clearly and effectively requires important skills. In unit one you will learn about essential communication competencies and how to use them to build and manage relationships.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.

        • Unit 2: Listening in Human Communication

          Listening is a fundamental component of effective communication. In unit two you will learn how to be a good listener and understand the role active listening plays in various communication settings.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

        • Unit 3: Practicing Interpersonal Communication Skills

          Actively improving your communication skills plays an important role in personal and professional development. In unit three you will practice how to use language accurately and appropriately.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

        • Unit 4: Interpersonal Communication Applications in Context

          When we communicate, we can say a lot without speaking. In unit four you will learn how nonverbal signals can give additional information and meaning over and above verbal communication.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

        • Unit 5: Interpersonal Communication Theories

          Recognizing cultural differences is an aspect of effective communication. In unit five you will learn how particular perceptions shape how we understand communication.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 30 minutes.  

        • Course Feedback Survey

          Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

          If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

        • Certificate Final Exam

          Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

          To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

          Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.