Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Parcells Hall - 200H</p>

Office Hours

Virtual meetings available by appointment.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1318-030 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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Interpersonal Messages, 4th edition by Joseph Devito.

You need the bundle package that includes Revel (this is the online book access code you will need to complete online activities. The online bookwork will count as 10% of your grade, so yes….you do need to purchase the book for the class.

 

Supplies

Additional readings will be provided in BlackBoard.

Student Performance

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

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

Attendance

100 (10%)

Revel 

200 (20%)

Quizzes 

200 (20%)

Journals

200 (20%)

Application Paper

100 (10%)

Exams 

200 (20%)

 

Attendance:
This class relies on 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 to others and succeed in this course. Attendance will be tracked daily and the percentage of course meetings you attend will be the grade you earn for this assignment.

Revel Activities:
Revel activities are provided by the textbook publisher and facilitated via the publisher's online learning management system. Access to the Revel is found on the course menu in BlackBoard. 

Application Paper:
You will write one application paper that incorporates IPC theory as applied to the personal and professional domains of your life. Instructions and requirements for the application paper are found in BlackBoard.

Exams: 
You will be required to take two exams in this course. All exams will be facilitated via BlackBoard.

Presentation:
You will be required to make one formal presentation in this course. Assignment instructions are found in BlackBoard. 

Late Work Policy: Late work is not accepted. 

Attendance

Attendance will be tracked daily and the percentage of course meetings you attend will be the grade you earn for the "Attendance" assignment.
 

Calendar

COURSE SCHEDULE
SPCH 1318 - Interpersonal Communication

M/W from 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. with Ryan Loyd, MA  

Week 

Day

Topic

Assignment

1

Wednesday
1/17

Course Introduction

 

2

Monday
1/22

Foundations of IPC
(Chapter 1)

Position Discussion Prompt: 
Social norms play an important part in our society.

Ch. 1 Quiz
Journal Entry
Due 1/28

 

Wednesday
1/24

Culture
(Chapter 2)

Position Discussion Prompt:
Stereotypes have no place in our society.

Ch. 2 Quiz
Due 1/28

3

Monday
1/29

Perception
(Chapter 3)

Position Discussion Prompt:
Perception is reality. 

Ch. 3 Quiz
Journal Entry
Due 2/4

 

Wednesday
1/31

Listening
(Chapter 4)

Position Discussion Prompt:
Women are better listeners than men.

Ch. 4 Quiz
Due 2/4

4

Monday
2/5

Verbal Messages
(Chapter 5)

Position Discussion Prompt:
The communication sender is responsible for meaning.

Ch. 5 Quiz
Journal Entry
Due 2/11

 

Wednesday
2/7

Nonverbal Messages
(Chapter 6)

Position Discussion Prompt:
Nonverbal communication is more powerful than verbal communication.

Ch. 6 Quiz
Exam 1
Due 2/11

5

Monday
2/12

Emotional Messages
(Chapter 7)

Position Discussion Prompt:
Emotions should have no consequences. 

Ch. 7 Quiz
Due 2/18

 

Wednesday
2/14

Conversational Messages
(Chapter 8)

Position Discussion Prompt:
It is acceptable to use conversation to get what you want.

Ch. 8 Quiz
Due 2/18

6

Monday
2/19

Relationships
(Chapter 9)

Position Discussion Prompt:
Relationships are vital to success in life. 

Ch. 9 Quiz
Journal Entry
Due 2/25

 

Wednesday
2/21

Relationship Types and Theories 
(Chapter 10)

Position Discussion Prompt:
TBD

Ch. 10 Quiz
Due 2/25

7

Monday
2/26

Conflict
(Chapter 11)

Position Discussion Prompt:
TBD

Ch. 11 Quiz
Due 3/4

 

Wednesday
2/28

Dark Communication Comm Competence Assessment
(Click Here) (No Additional Reading)

Position Discussion Prompt:
TBD

Exam 2 
Journal Entry
Due 3/4

Application Paper
Paper Due 3/6

8

Monday
3/5


Course Recap No Formal Class Meeting. 

Use this time to finalize your application paper.

Exam 3
3/8

 

Wednesday
3/8

Final Exam 
Exam Facilitated via BlackBoard (online).
No class mtg.

 

Please note that all assignments are due at 11:30 p.m. of the week they are assigned unless indicated otherwise. Assignments are to be submitted via BlackBoard. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.

Additional Information

Late work is not accepted without prior approval. 

Syllabus Created on:

01/17/18 4:16 PM

Last Edited on:

02/26/18 5:22 PM