Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

SPCH-1318-003 Interpersonal Communication

Prerequisites

Course Description

Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance and termination in relationship contexts including friendships, romantic partners, families and relationships with co-workers and supervisors.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Messages, custom edition, Joseph Devito, available only in the AC bookstore.

Supplies

Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials and three one-hundred question scantron forms.

Student Performance

Course Objectives:  Through reading the current literature, researching recent communication findings, and participating in group and individual oral assignments, the student will:

1. Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles.
2. Demonstrate ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal interactions in mediated and face-to-face contexts.
3. Identify perceptual processes as they relate to self and others.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating and applying communication theories in oral and/or written assignments.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of cross-cultural, co-cultural, gender and age influences on human communication.
6. Demonstrate ability to identify, evaluate and apply conflict styles and conflict management techniques in dyads and/or groups.
7. Identify types of and barriers to effective listening.

This class relies upon two major things 1) your active participation in discussions and class exercises and 2) a close, meaningful analysis of your own communication tendencies with family, friends, co-workers and people you meet. If these things occur along with attention to assignments and class readings you will find tools to better understand your own communication skills, relate better with others and succeed in this course.

Exams:

There will be three unit quizzes of 50 to100 objective questions each. Questions will come primarily from the readings in the text and class notes.

Papers:

Three short papers will be assigned. They will be 2 pages, typed, double spaced, with 1" margins and Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Please include a coversheet.  Specific instructions for these papers will be discussed during the appropriate class period.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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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

1.  Note that speaking and participation compose an overwhelming majority of the final grade.  Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement.  Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade.  Daily attendance will be recorded. Ten points will be deducted for each absence after the first regardless of the reason for the absence. Three tardies or early exits will count as an absence. It is the responsibility of the student to remain after class and ask the teacher to adjust a tardy or an absence.  Additionally, should you miss a class period, it is your responsible to CALL me AFTER the missed class to discussed the material and/or assignments that were missed. 

**Students who maintain perfect attendance/participation will be exempt from the final exam**

2.  No substance or equipment in violation of the AC Student Handbook will be permitted in speech communication courses.

3. Cell phones are expected to be turned off or put on silent ring during class and put away during class.  No one should be using their phone during class.  Should you decide to use your cell phone, you will be asked to leave the class and not return.

4.  Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct.  All speeches and written assignments presented in this class are expected to be original work by the student.  A student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade.

5.  I do not accept assignments that are handwritten.  Please note, that some in-class assignments are an exception.  If you are late to class the day an assignment is due, you will NOT be allowed to turn in your assignment and will receive a zero.

6.  I do accept assignments via email only if they are submitted before the scheduled due date and/or class time.  Should you need to communicate with me regarding your grades, class attendance, assignments or any other matter, you will need to call me or speak with me before or after class.  Email is only used for turning in assignments.

7.  Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (Phone: 371.5436).

Grading Criteria

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement.  Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade.  Daily attendance will be recorded. Ten points will be deducted for each absence after the first regardless of the reason for the absence. Three tardies or early exits will count as an absence. It is the responsibility of the student to remain after class and ask the teacher to adjust a tardy or an absence.  Additionally, should you miss a class period, it is your responsible to call me AFTER the missed class to discussed the material and/or assignments that were missed. 

**Students who maintain perfect attendance will be exempt from the final exam**

Calendar

Additional Information

Course Description: A laboratory approach to the theory and practice of one-to-one and small group communication with emphasis on the development and improvement of verbal and non-verbal skills.

Course Overview:

Interpersonal communication invites students to examine their present communication style and to improve their competency in communicating with other people. Through reading and participating in practical class exercises, students will explore the basic elements of interpersonal communication, including critical thinking, self-concept, perception, listening, verbal and non-verbal expression, emotional expression, conversational skills, personal relationships, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, and personal power. That means we'll be looking at how well we get along with others and tips for all of us to improve our people skills.

Confidentiality

Many communication courses ask students to engage in a level of self-disclosure not usually characteristic of other courses (e.g. Calculus).  Different people will feel comfortable with varying levels of self-disclosure.  While I would like you to draw from your personal experience, you may choose to talk about yourself or someone you know.  If it is the latter, in the interest of confidentially they should remain nameless.  While some things in this course may be therapeutic, this class is not 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 level of confidentiality among the members of the class and respect for their classmates’ privacy.