Oct 23, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog
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CMST 2220 - Interpersonal Communication


Credits: 3

Catalog Description
This course is designed to help students recognize and understand their communication behaviors, as well as those of others, in an effort to learn effective communication skills for improving their interpersonal relationships and interactions. Primary areas of study include communication theory, language, perception, self-concept, emotions, the impact of culture on communication, listening, conflict, and nonverbal communication. An individual speech presentation is required.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area(s) fulfilled: Goal 01B: Communication, Goal 07A: Human Diversity, Race, Power, and Justice in the United States

Additional fee to student: No

Learner Outcomes
  1. Identify the purposes and process of basic communication theories and models.
  2. Describe the listening process and develop listening skills within diverse contexts.
  3. Understand the theories of self-concept development and the relationship of the self to group identities in the United States.
  4. Examine the relationship between culture and communication in contemporary United States society.
  5. Identify the symbolic nature of language and the impact of language usage in the United States, a society with great population diversity.
  6. Understand what emotions are and the role of emotions in communication.
  7. Evaluate assumptions and biases regarding verbal and nonverbal communication in various interpersonal interactions in the United States.
  8. Recognize the different types of nonverbal communication.
  9. Identify barriers that impede effective interpersonal communication.
  10. Articulate the role of interpersonal processes in the development and maintenance of relationships.
  11. Reflect on one¿s own interpersonal communication strengths and weaknesses as they are shaped by their attitudes and beliefs within the United States and beyond.
  12. Distinguish between functional and dysfunctional conflict, understand conflict styles, and implement appropriate conflict management formats.
  13. Demonstrate appropriate skills in topic choice, support, organization, and delivery for an individual presentation.

Major Areas of Course Content
  1. Communication Theory
  2. Perception
  3. Self-Concept
  4. Language
  5. Self-Disclosure
  6. Emotions
  7. Communication Climate
  8. Listening
  9. Relationships
  10. Nonverbal Communication
  11. Conflict
  12. Communication and Culture
  13. Individual Oral Presentation

Credit for Prior Learning Options
No credit for prior learning option is available for this course.

Course Notes
This course is also offered through Anoka-Ramsey’s Concurrent Enrollment Program.





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