COMM101 Central Connecticut Interpersonal Communication & Conflict Management in Crash Film Essay
PURPOSE: Apply interpersonal communication theories and concepts of conflict
management, disconfirming and confirming messages, and communication
climates (Chapter 8). In your paper, you will analyze how interpersonal
communication theory can be applied in a variety of conflict scenarios and
climates observed in the film. To support your analysis, incorporate quotes and
examples from the film, key concepts from your textbook, and other credible
communication sources.
REQUIREMENT: This paper should be approximately three to five pages in
length, 12- point font size, 1 inch margins, double spaced, proofread, and your
own work. Make sure to include traditional essay components such as an
introduction paragraph and a conclusion paragraph.
TOPIC: Your paper should address the following three subjects: A, B, & C.
A. We have already studied how intercultural differences can be a cause for
conflict. Connect concepts from Chapter 4 Interpersonal Communication and
Diversity: Adapting to Others and vividly bring out the personalities of atleast 2
characters based on their cultural orientation. Identify instances of interpersonal
conflict within intercultural communication situations.
1. Identify a specific scene in the film “Crash” in which a character is using one
of the conflict management styles explained in Chapter 8 Conflict Management
skills. After you identify a scene in which a particular,conflict management style is
used by a character, provide evidence and explain how their communication
matches the communication associated with that particular style. Also, elaborate
on the effects that the character’s conflict management style had on the
situations they were involved in. Make sure to cite your textbook,
quotes/examples from the movie, and/or other credible communication source to
support your argument.
Please note, as you watch the film, you will be able to identify each of the five
styles of conflict (None are left out of the film).
i. The styles are: Competing, Avoiding, Compromising, Collaborating,
and Accommodating
2. Choose one particular,conflict scenario from the movie, summarize the
scenario, and analyze how the characters could change their communication and
conflict management styles to improve how the conflict was resolved. Apply key
communication concepts from our class to help improve interpersonal conflict.
Again, make sure to provide quotes or examples from the movie and your
textbook that support your observations.
B. How does the communication climate impact how interpersonal
conflict is resolved?
1. Analyze a communication situation from the film in which a supportive
climate was developed. Emphasize how confirming messages were used. What
impact did using confirming messages (Chapter 5 Listening and responding
skills) have on the way that the interpersonal conflict was resolved? Make sure to
provide quotes or examples from the movie and your textbook that support your
observations.
2. Analyze a communication situation from the film in which a defensive climate
was developed. Emphasize how disconfirming messages (Chapter 5 Listening
and responding skills) were used. What impact did using disconfirming messages
have on the way that the interpersonal conflict was resolved? Make sure to
provide quotes or examples from the movie and your textbook that support your
observations.
C. Why is it valuable to study communication between strangers, friends, lifepartners or family matter?
The film “Crash” talks about the need to shorten the distance between strangers
and lessen interpersonal conflict. Identify, explain, and synthesize how
interpersonal communication skills and theory can help people lesson
interpersonal conflict. Include key concepts from Chp 1 to Chp 8 “Interpersonal
relationships family and workplace,” as well as communication skills we have
learned in previous units including but not limited to: perception, nonverbal
communication, language, listening, etc.
FORMAT
1. With the final draft of the paper, you will need to turn in a typed bibliography
(reference list) of your sources written in APA format.
2. Your paper should be well organized and easy for your readers to follow.
3. You must research your topic well. It is important to be ethical in your
writing. Part of this will involve using accurate and current information
that is well researched.
4. For this paper you will need at least 3 credible sources, and they must be cited
in-text with attributive tags, and cited in your bibliography. You may not
receive credit for questionable sources (Wikipedia, .com websites, blogs,
etc.), so be sure to check their credibility; when in doubt, email me & ask.
5. Your paper is due in a traditional, college-level essay structure. Please
include:
a) an introduction with a thesis statement,
b) body paragraphs that elaborate on your main ideas,
c) a conclusion with a thoughtful reflection on your main points as well as
any insights you gained, as a result of your analysis