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withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education.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-1318-005 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

Textbook: Messages, custom edition, Joseph Devito, available only in the AC bookstore. Packet will be printed off from class website. Instructions will be given the first day of class.

Supplies

Course Materials:

Note-taking materials
Information and Worksheets found under “Content” on the  class website

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.

IPC - 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

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

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. 
• No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.  It is each student’s responsibility to drop a class or withdraw from school in the event he/she decides to quit attending class.
• Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student 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 confidentially 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

89.5-100    =A
79.5-89.4   =B
69.5-79.4   =C
60-69.4      =D

Each grade will be worth an equal number of points.

Exams:

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

Papers:

Three short papers will be assigned. They will be 2 pages, typed, double spaced, with 1" margins and Arial 12 pt. font. Specific instructions for these papers will be discussed during the appropriate class period.

Reviews:

Each student will be a member of a “Review Team” and responsible for his/her part of one of the three exam reviews.

Speeches:

Each student will present two speeches (Brown Bag and Toast).  The rubric for each will be explained when the speech is assigned.

All late work will be given a 15 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 from your final grade for each absence after the first regardless of the reason for the absence. Three tardies or early exits will count as an absence.

Students who maintain perfect attendance will be exempt from the final exam.

 

Calendar

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