Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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-1318-001 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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Devito, Joseph A.  Messages; Building Interpersonal Communication Skills (SECOND custom edition for Amarillo College) 

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Supplies

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Student Performance

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

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

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\ 2.   Analyze various communication contexts.

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

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\ 4.   Improve listening skills.

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\ 5.   Understand the process of intercultural communication.

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

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

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

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

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\ 10.                Participate in class and group processes.

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\ 11.                Demonstrate courtesy and respect for classmates.

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

\   Confidentiality
\ Many communication courses ask students to engage in a level of self-disclosure not usually characteristic of other courses. 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. Interpersonal Communication is an interactive course, meaning you will be learning from each other’s personal experiences and examples. For this reason it is encouraged for you to be open to sharing with the class. 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.

Grading Criteria

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\ \ Grading Policy: \
\ \ 10% \ or 100 pts. \	\ \ In-Class Activities/Homework Assignments \
\ 10% or 100 pts	\ Attendance
\ \ 30% \ or 300 pts. \	\ \ Papers (3) \
\ \ 30% \ or 300 pts \	\ \ 2 exams @100 pts each and a final worth 100pts \
\ \ 20% \ or 200 pts. \	\ \ Final Project \
\ \ = 100% or 1000 pts \	\ \   \

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\ In-Class Activities (10%):
\ 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.

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\ Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade. Daily attendance will be recorded. Points will be deducted from your participation grade for more than two absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence.

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\ Late Work Policy:

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\ Exams cannot be made up. Papers are due when class starts. There will be no late papers accepted. I do not make exceptions. I will hand out paper assignments early enough so you will have 2-3 weeks to complete them. If you anticipate an absence on the day the paper is due, you may email it to me but I must receive it by the time class starts on the day it is due.

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\ In-class assignments

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\ There will be several homework assignments given throughout the semester. If you are not in class the day we do the activity, you will be unable to make it up. This is part of the participation grade, and the only way you can participate is if you are present. If I assign something that is due the next class, you are responsible for contacting me or another student to get the assignment. I will accept it the day it is due only, and not after that.

Attendance

\ Attendance (10%): Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade. Daily attendance will be recorded. Points will be deducted from your participation grade for more than two absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence. Perfect Attendance = Final Exam Exemption. This means you must have attended all classes.

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\ The following criteria will determine the attendance grade:

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\ \ No more than 2 absences \	\ \ - \	\ \ 100 % \
\ \ 3 absences \	\ \ - \	\ \   90 % \
\ \ 4 absences \	\ \ - \	\ \   80 % \
\ \ 5 absences \	\ \ - \	\ \   70 % \
\ \ 6 absences \	\ \ - \	\ \   50 % \
\ \ 7 absences \	\ \ - \	\ \   30 % \
\ \ 8 absences \	\ \ - \	\ \     0 \
\ \ Two tardies (or early exits) will equal an absence. \

Calendar

Additional Information

\ Final Project/Presentation:
\ The final project will require students to write a 2-3 page paper reviewing what they have learned about their own interpersonal skills and how those skills have changed during the semester. This paper should draw upon the specific skills, concepts, theories and principles discussed throughout the term. The paper will be typed, double spaced, with 1" margins and Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Papers will be accepted the day they are due. 

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\ Students will then present a brief (two-to-five minute) oral report to the class summarizing their interpersonal communication skills analysis. The schedule for oral reports will be announced in advance. Students must give their oral reports on the day they are assigned. No Exceptions will be given.