Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1318-004 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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 some online activities, worth 10% of your grade).

Supplies

Recommended Course Materials:

Note-taking materials

Access to a reliable computer with internet access for Revel bookwork (Firefox and Chrome are recommended browsers)

Amarillo College email account

Access to Microsoft Word to type and submit papers

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 the 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

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. 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. 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. 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

 

Assignments/Grading	Points
Speeches	200 (20%)
Exams	300 (30%)
Papers	200 (20%)
Revel Bookwork	100 (10%)
Participation/Attendance	100 (10%)
Group Work	100 (10%)
Total	1000 (100%)

Speeches:

There will be 2 speeches in this class, worth 100 points each. An introductory speech in the beginning of the semester, and a speech at the end of the semester.

Exams:

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

Papers:

There will be 2 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.

Participation Activities:

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. 

Late Work Policy:

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

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade. Daily attendance will be recorded. Five 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. If you refuse to participate in class, choose to do homework for other classes during this class, or otherwise disrupt the learning process for any of your classmates, you will be marked as absent for that day.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE IS REWARDED BY FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION. IF YOU HAVE NO ABSENCES - AND NO MISSED ASSIGNMENTS - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM!

Calendar

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