Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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

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Course

SPCH-1318-009 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

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

Supplies

Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials.

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

 

2. 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.

 

3.  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.

 

4.  I do not accept assignments that are handwritten. Please note, that some in-class assignments are an exception.

 

5. I accept assignments via email only if they are submitted before the scheduled due date and class time. If you are late to class the day an assignment is due, you will receive an automatic 30 point deduction.

 

6.  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. 

Grading Criteria

90 – 100 = A             80 – 89   = B                70 – 79   = C               60 – 69   = D                59 – 0     = F

 

There will be a total of 1000 points possible in this course.  They are distributed as follows:

 

                Intro Assignment                                                            Total of 100 points, or 10%

                Brown Bag Assignment                                                        100 points

               

                Written Assignments                                                    Total of 400 points, or 40%

                Scavenger Hunt                                                                 100 points

                Meme Analysis                                                                 100 points

                Relationship Analysis                                                         100 points

                Relationship Maintenance or Repair                                     100 points

 

                Examinations                                                                   Total of 200 points, or 20%

                Midterm                                                                             100 points

                Final Exam                                                                         100 points

 

                Participation                                                                     Total of 300 points, or 30 %

                Attendance                                                                          100 points                                                        

Class Participation/Group Work                                                             100 points

                Toasts                                                                                100 points

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

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 achievement. Note that participation composes an overwhelming majority of the final grade. 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, it is your responsibility to call me AFTER the missed class to discussed the missed material and/or assignments. **Students who maintain perfect attendance will be exempt from the final exam**

 

Exams: There will be a midterm and a final exam. Questions will come primarily from the reading the textbook and class notes.

 

Papers: Four short papers will be assigned. They will be 2 pages minimum, 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.