This document provides instructions for an outline and final paper assignment for an interpersonal communications course. Students are asked to write a 8-10 page letter offering advice to a newly engaged couple on effectively communicating in their relationship. The letter must address at least 5 of the 12 learning outcomes from the course and be backed by research from course readings and other sources. An outline is due in Week 3 and will receive feedback for the final paper due in Week 5. The final paper must follow APA style guidelines and include references both in-text and on a separate reference page.

1. FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT YOU ARE ONLY CREATING THE
OUTLINE NOT THE ACTUAL FINAL PAPER YET.IVE
ATTACHED A SAMPLE OUT FROM THE AWC CENTER
TAB
Final Paper Outline
Review the Final Paper instructions in Week Five of the online
course or in the “Components of Course Evaluation” section of
this guide. Then, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the
Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar, and
review the Outline Form page. Format your outline for the Final
Paper according to the Outline Form page. The outline must
contain:
Introduction with thesis statement
At least five body paragraphs
Conclusion
Reference page containing at least three academic resources,
two of which are found in the Ashford Online Library
HERE IS FINAL PAPER INFORMATION BELOW:
Imagine that a newly engaged couple hears that you are taking a
course in interpersonal communication, and wants advice for
their relationship. Based on what you have learned in this
course, what advice would you give them regarding how to
effectively use interpersonal communication in their
relationship? Write your paper in the form of a letter.
Instructions
Choose at least five (5) of the twelve (12) course learning
outcomes below to help guide your letter: For each of the five

2. learning outcomes that you use, create a separate section with a
heading that reflects the learning outcome that you are using.
Explain the principles and misconceptions in effective
interpersonal communications.
Identify the barriers to effective interpersonal interactions.
Describe the process by which self-concept is developed and
maintained.
Assess their personal communications and improve their
communication competencies.
Develop strategies for active, critical, and empathic listening.
Recognize how words have the power to create and affect
attitudes, behavior, and perception.
Understand how perceptions, emotions, and nonverbal
expression affect interpersonal relationships.
Define emotional intelligence and its role in effective
interpersonal relationships.
Evaluate appropriate levels of self-disclosure in relationships.
Describe strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts.
Recognize how self-concept and defensive and supportive
messages and behaviors create positive and negative
communication climates.
Understand the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal
communications.
Write an eight to ten page paper (excluding title and reference
pages) in the form of a letter. In this paper, address at least five
concepts (choose the concepts that you feel are most important
to successful communication within interpersonal
relationships). Your advice
cannot
be based on your own opinions; you
must
back up your advice with research, which may include readings
from this course or from outside sources.
In total, your paper must include at least five (5) sources,
including at least two (2) from the Ashford University Library
. This is a formal paper and should utilize proper grammar,

3. complete sentences, appropriate paragraphs, and correct
citations/references in proper APA (6th edition) style. However,
you will write this paper in the format of a letter to the newly-
engaged couple, and may address the couple throughout the
paper. For example: “Dear Sara and Tim, my advice to you for a
successful relationship is…” Along with explaining concepts
and including research, you may also use your personal
experiences as examples of the research and advice that you are
offering.
The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your
resources in text and on the reference page. For information
regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing
Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation
toolbar.
Please Note
: An outline of this assignment will be submitted for credit
during Week Three, on Day 7. You will receive feedback on this
draft so that you can make the necessary improvements for your
Final Paper submission during Week Five.
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and
formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford
Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct
thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least five (5) sources, including at least two (2)
from the Ashford University Library.

4. Must document all sources (both within the text and on a
separate reference page) in APA style, as outlined in the
Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to
APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.