Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

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-1318-022 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

There are three texts required for successful completion of this course:

1. This course uses a Pearson digital product which contains important assignments and resources used throughout the semester. The required link below is unique to this course. Here is how to register:

   1. Visit this link:https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/bppyja

   2. Sign in with your Pearson Account. You can either: sign in with an existing Pearson username and password OR create a new Pearson account if this is your first Pearson digital product.

   3. Choose your course under 'My Courses' and choose an access option: redeem an access code that you got from your school's bookstore or purchase access online. There is a free trial if you are waiting for financial aid.

   What you should know:

   - Bookmark https://console.pearson.com to easily access your materials.

   - Pearson recommends using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari with this digital product.

   - Contact your instructor if you lose the invite link.

2. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford ISBN: 978-0-345-51250-5

3. Japan, the West, and the Road to World War by John E. Moser, version 2.1 (This text will be provided within the Blackboard course shell free of charge as a Word document.  Students who wish to print it should know the book is 180 pages in length.)

Supplies

You will need:

• computer with reliable internet access 
• Chrome, Firefox or Safari as browsers.  Both Blackboard and Revel recommend Chrome as the primary browser.
• Note-taking tools (pen, pencil, binder, paper, spiral, laptop)
• Access to Google Drive and Google Documents (available through your AC Connect account)
  • If you don’t know, your ___@amarillocollege.com is actually a Gmail account

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.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

1.  Students are expected to behave as adults within both the physical and online class spaces.  Adult behavior includes:
   1. Respect – of opinions, space, ideas
   2. Come to class prepared for learning
2. When problems arise with classmates, please use the following procedure:
   1. Take appropriate time to understand if the problem is your opinion, or if it is truly an issue that needs to be addressed.
   2. Approach the individual – sooner rather than later – and ask if they can visit with you sometime soon.
      1. When you do meet, phrase your questions as curiosity and what you have noticed, rather than blame.  Seek to clarify the situation.  Make sure you have all of the information.
      2. Seek to resolve the situation in a mutually beneficial agreement.
   3. If this scenario does not create a solution, please contact me and I will assist.
3. Taking someone else’s work and passing it off as your own is plagiarism.  Plagiarism is a serious offense, possibly resulting in removal from class or Amarillo College.  The Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities deals with plagiarism; however for this course we will use this handout to determine types of plagiarism.
   1. Sources Cited – will result in a 10-20 point final grade reduction.
   2. Sources Not Cited – will result in a failing grade for the assignment.
4. Know your classmates, but respect their privacy.  In this course, we discuss many issues where personal experiences may be discussed.  A modicum of privacy is expected for all individuals involved, meaning, your classmates should not be fodder for your outside of class conversations. 
5. Cell phones are welcome in this course; however, they are not for communication with the outside world.  Since we are using Revel and its associated apps, you will need your phone.  But that is it – your focus is on the course work at hand.  Occasions will arise where you may need to have your phone as a communication tool.  Please visit with me prior to class and let me know you may need to use your phone as a communication tool during our class time.  

Grading Criteria

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F = 0-59%

Grade Distribution/Breakdown:
In this course, your overall grade will be created as a percentage of points.

To determine your current grade, add up the number of points you have (x) then divide by 1,000.

If you have 800 points (x=800) then you would have an 80% in the course, or a B.
 

Assignment	Points
Quizzes (6) 50 points each (drop lowest)	250 (25%)
Journal - # of entries assigned determines points	100 (10%)
Papers (2)	200 (20%)
Assignments – # of assignments determines points	100 (10%)
Attendance/Japan Game	100 (10%)
Service Learning Project and Presentation	150 (15%)
Final Exam	100 (10%)

 

Attendance

Attendance for this course will be collected via the room scanning system.  Students should bring their AC ID to class every day.  Once you arrive in class, please scan you attendance.  

NOTE: You may scan in 15 minutes before class, but not before!  Any scans prior to the 15 minutes will not be recorded by the software.

Calendar

Additional Information

Japan: A Reacting to the Past Game

A significant portion of this class will be dedicated to playing a Reacting to the Past game called Japan, the West, and the Road to World War.  For short, I will call this game Japan or “the game.”  

Playing the game will require you to speak, write, think, lead, problem solve, and participate in teams.  It is important to note that there are no pre-determined outcomes for the games.  Each faction, a fancy word we’ll use for teams, is responsible for coming up with a winning solution that adheres to their characters beliefs and philosophies.  In essence, you and your faction can actually change history.  The idea behind Reacting games is this: life and ideas are not separate.  

You should know that the game has three portions.

1.  Set up – I will give you some background information to set the stage for your characters actions.  You are assigned readings to help supplement your knowledge.
2. Game – based on each characters role sheet, the games will proceed driven solely by students.  I will serve as Gamemaster (GM).  I will not intrude very often – it’s my role to coach players, and to let the game play out.
3. Post-mortem – winners are announced, players relinquish their character roles and freely discuss the game and any issues yet to be resolved.

Each student will be given:

1. a student game book
2. central philosophical or historical texts
3. a role description

Items 1 and 2 are available to everyone playing the game.  However, the most critical element is each individual’s role description also called a “character sheet”.  You should not show this character sheet to anyone.

Just as real life brings change, as the GM, I will also be able to affect change on the game.  Participants should never assume they have all of the knowledge or vision of the game.

When we a game playing, we will address each other by our game names.  When you are on campus and see a member of our class, you should assume that you are playing the game.  

When you – the student – has a question, please cover up your game name tag and address me as Mrs. Milleson, instead of Gamemaster.  You may also call for a “Point of Order.”

If you have more questions, please read this PDF produced by the Reacting to the Past faculty at Barnard College.

Administrative Drop Policy

Amarillo College has adopted an Administrative Drop Policy.  Faculty will report attendance through the official census roster.  The Registrar’s Office staff will capture those students who are reported as non-attending and will "Administratively Drop" the students from the class. This could potentially impact student’s Financial Aid or ACE status.

Please be aware of this sections important course dates:

Start Date: 8/22/16
Census Date: 9/7/16
End Date: 12/16/16

Refund Schedule
100% Date: 8/26/16
70% Date: 9/13/16
25% Date: 9/20/16

Withdrawal Deadline Date: 11/22/16

Final Grade Due Date: 12/16/16 by 12 noon