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-1318-005 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

\ Textbook: Messages, custom edition, Joseph Devito, available only in the AC bookstore. Packet from bookstore: Mrs. Jacob IPC Packet.

Supplies

\ Course Materials:

\ Note-taking materials
\ Three one-hundred question scantron forms.
\ Packet from bookstore: Mrs. Jacob's IPC packet

Student Performance

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\ 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.

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\ IPC - Course Objectives

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

\ 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

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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

\ Class Policies:

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• \ 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. 
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• \ No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.  It is each student’s responsibility to drop a class or withdraw from school in the event he/she decides to quit attending class.
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• \ Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”
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\ 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.  

Grading Criteria

\ 90-100 =A
\ 80-89   =B
\ 70-79   =C
\ 60-69   =D

\ All grades are added together and divided by the number of grades. If your grade average is a 59,69,79, or 89, I will check to see if you have done extra credit work. If you have extra credit, I will bump your grade one point. If not, I will let the grade stand.

\ 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. Specific instructions for these papers will be discussed during the appropriate class period.

\ All late work will be given a 30 point deduction! If you have a true emergency and you contact me in advance, I will work something out for you.

Attendance

\ In-Class Activities/Attendance

\ 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.

\ 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 to an absence.

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

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Calendar

Additional Information

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