Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

SPCH-1318-003 Interpersonal Communication

Prerequisites

Course Description

Theory and practice in one-to-one and small group communication with emphasis on the development and improvement of verbal and non-verbal skills.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

: DeVito,  Messages, AC Edition                                        

Supplies

None 

Student Performance

1. Define and explain basic communication terms and principles which undergird competent communication in personal, social, and professional settings.

2. Analyze various communication contexts.

3. Understand the process of perception and the part perception plays in communicating with others.

4. Improve listening skills.

5. Understand the process of intercultural communication.

6. Apply communication principles and theory in diverse circumstances and demonstrate effective communication, distinguishing effective from less effective responses.

7. Become aware of the stages of relational development and deterioration.

8. Describe the influence of both verbal and nonverbal messages in communication.

9. Demonstrate use of appropriate citations for all reference work used in papers and presentations.

10. Participate in class and group processes.

11. Demonstrate courtesy and respect for classmates.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

     Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct. All presentations and written assignments submitted in this class must be original work by the student.  Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade in the course.

Confidentiality:

Many communication courses ask students to engage in a level of self-disclosure not characteristic of other courses, and different people will feel comfortable with varying levels of self-disclosure. You should draw from your personal experience and you may choose to talk about yourself or someone you know. If it is the latter they should remain nameless in the interest of confidentiality.

You may find some areas in this course therapeutic, but the class is not intended to be therapy. Therefore I reserve the right to limit self-disclosure if it is not in keeping with the objectives of the course. Additionally, because some individuals will be sharing personal stories, I expect there to be a high level of confidentiality among the members of the class and respect for the privacy of others. What’s said in the classroom stays in the classroom.  

Grading Criteria

I use traditional grading. I do not curve. You get what you earn. Traditional means

 A = 90 - 100; B = 80 - 89; C = 70 - 79; D = 60 - 69 F = 59 and under.

            Quizzes =                       80% of the final grade

            Final Presentation=        15% of the final grade

            Attendance =                    5% of the final grade

At the end of the semester, when quiz grades are averaged, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

 Make up quizzes will be given ONLY in case of an EXCUSED absence, and must be taken the following class day.

Attendance

 Five percent of your final grade is based on class attendance. I allow 3 unexcused absences. After three, I deduct 5-percent from your final grade for each additional absence. An unexcused absence is when you don’t show up, and haven‘t informed me that you won‘t be in class.  An excused absence means I know you won’t be in class because you’ve called or emailed me and told me. Excused absences do not count against you. In other words: Be in class or let me know you’ll be absent. It’ll pay off.

Calendar

Additional Information

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