Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2016-2017
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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.

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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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

DeVito, J. A. Messages: Building Interpersonal Communication Skills  – 4^th Edition

Supplies

Access to the internet

The ability to upload or attach documents in Microsoft Word

Student Performance

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.

 

Learning Outcomes:

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 

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

• No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw before the deadline.

Grading Criteria

                                                  Grading Policy

                                                                                    25% - 2 mini papers

                                                                                   25% - 3 Exams

                                                                                   25% -  Discussion Forums

                                                                                   25% - Semester project

Grading Schema:

89.5-      100-      A

79.5-      89.5-     B

69.5-      79.5-     C

59.5-      69.5-     D

0-          59.5-     F

Any papers turned in late will not be accepted.

Discussions after the due date can not be made up.

All exams have a lengthy time that they can be taken.  There will be no make up exams.

Attendance

Because this is an online course, attendance is not necessary.  However it is recommended, since this is an eight week course, that each student spend one to two hours per day on the course, whether it be online or reading the book or writing a paper.

It is also recommended that each student check their email through ACconnect every day, if not several times a day.

  Discussion Forums are a large part of this class.  It is necessary to check and read all discussion postings during the course.  You must reply to at least one student in the discussion forums.

Calendar

Additional Information

Please read these myths and facts about online learning

MYTH: I don't have to read the book, and I can just periodically log on to the course and catch-up with what is going on.
FACT: You will be required to log on to the course to read online lectures, turn in assignments, post answers to discussion questions and respond to your classmates' postings. As your instructor, I have the ability to see how often you log on to the course, and this will determine part of your participation grade.
MYTH: Online courses are self-paced so I can complete my assignments whenever I feel like it.
FACT: Although this online class offers greater flexibility than its on-campus version, it is not self-paced. There are numerous assignments in this class and they all have due dates. Late assignments will not be accepted. You must complete your work according to the homework schedule.
MYTH: Online courses are easier.
FACT: Online courses often require more work, and more time than traditional classes. Keeping up with your reading, your discussion postings and your papers on a daily basis is essential for your success. The fact is, online courses are not for everyone. You must be highly-motivated and self-disciplined.

If the facts don’t quite sit right with you, you may want to re-think the online and take a look at the traditional style.  However, at the same time, don’t forget that I am here to help you through, help you find your way, and hopefully teach you something at the same time.  Don’t be nervous, just do the work, and ask me if you are unsure about anything.

What you need to succeed in this course: 1. Access to a reliable computer with Internet connection 2. Basic computer skills including Navigating the web using an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Chrome Keyboarding Managing files (saving, uploading, downloading) 3. Strong time management skills 4. Willingness to express thoughts and ideas in writing 5. Willingness to ask questions about assignments if uncertain about procedure 6. Ability to read large amounts of material per week 7. Ability to devote at least two hours a day to this class.   In Case of Emergency Only:  My Cell – (806) -282-7998;  Text Only! – No Phone calls And Before 9:00 p.m.