Course

Interpersonal Communications

Faculty
Health Sciences
Department
Mental Health and Personal Support Work
Course code
MHPS 1130
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15
Max class size
32
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course focuses on the development of self-awareness, deeper understanding of others, and effective interpersonal communication skills for a variety of caregiving contexts. Students will build awareness of the impact of their communication choices and patterns. Opportunities will be provided to develop and apply communication techniques that demonstrate respect, personal awareness, and active listening. The course also explores culture and diversity in relation to health and healing.
Course content
  1. Introduction to Interpersonal Communications
  2. Knowledge of Self
  3. Non-verbal Communication
  4. Responding to Others
  5. Conflict Management and Resolution
  6. Electronic Communication
  7. Diversity
Learning activities

In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, group work, case studies, and team-based exercises.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.

This is a graded course.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the characteristics and qualities of effective interpersonal communications;
  2. Discuss the interrelationship between self-awareness, self-esteem, and perception as these relate to communication choices and patterns;
  3. Demonstrate effective, caring interpersonal communications with clients, colleagues, and others;
  4. Apply self-reflection and self-appraisal processes in order to increase own effectiveness in interpersonal contexts;
  5. Discuss the role of diversity and inclusion in health and healing.
Textbook materials

Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Students in the HCA program are required to maintain a passing grade of 65% (C+) in all courses in order to progress in the program.

Corequisites

MHPS 1110 and MHPS 1120 and MHPS 1140 and MHPS 1150

Equivalencies

HCSW 1103

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for MHPS 1130
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Fall 2026

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
32
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
32
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. C
Room
C2009
Times:
Start Time
8:30
-
End Time
16:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2270
Times:
Start Time
12:00
-
End Time
16:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. D
Room
D1022
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
16:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. D
Room
D1022
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section notes

MHPS 1130 001 is restricted to Health Care Assisting Certificate students.