Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2016-2017
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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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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withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education.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.

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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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Interpersonal Messages, 4^th edition by Joseph Devito. You need the bundle package that includes Revel (this is the online book access code you will need to complete some online activities. This is a brand new book, so an older version will not work.

 

Supplies

You will also need a journal. This can be something fancy, and leather bound, or a simple one subject notebook from Wal-Mart. Your choice. Be sure and bring it to class each time we meet.

Student Performance

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

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

 

Assignments/Grading Points Quizzes (6) 50 points each 300 (30%) Journal - # of entries assigned determines points 100 (10%) Papers (2) 200 (20%) In class activities/group assignments 100 (10%) Service Learning Project and Presentation 200 (20%) Attendance 100 (10%)

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.

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 - regardless of the reason for the absence.

Late Work Policy:

I do not accept late work. Papers are due at the beginning of the class period. If you cannot make it to class, you need to get the paper turned in before class meets, by dropping it off in my office or emailing it to me before class. Quizzes cannot be made up. Do not put us both in an uncomfortable position by asking me to turn in something late. The answer will always be no.

 

In-class assignments

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 absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence. Perfect Attendance = Final Exam Exemption. This means you must have attended all classes.

The following criteria will determine the attendance grade:

No absence 1 absence	- -	100 %   90%
2 absences	-	70%
3 absences	-	60%
4 or more absences	-	0%
Two tardies (or early exits) will equal an absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

There is a service learning project that will require you to spend a minimum of three hours volunteering over the course of the 8 week semester. More details given in class.