Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2016-2017
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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-1318-008 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

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

Supplies

Recommended Course Materials:

Note-taking Materials

Student Performance

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.

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

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

Class Policies:

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.

Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

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 confidentiality, 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 1 point. If not, I will let the grade stand.

Exams:

There will be 3 unit quizzes of 50-100 objective questions each. Questions will come primarily from the readings in the text and class notes.

Papers:

There will be 3 short papers assigned. They will be 2 pages, typed, double spaced, with 1” margins and Times New Roman 12 point 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.

Calendar

Additional Information