Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Parcells Hall 204F</p>

Office Hours

Office Hours:

M/W: Noon-2:00

F: 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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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-1318-016 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

Tech Supported

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 20% of your grade)

 

Supplies

  • Personal Computer with reliable internet access. Contact the AC bookstore for information on renting a laptop 371-5000   
  •   Recommended browsers (Firefox or Chrome (to check your browser compatibility, click here)
  • Access to microsoft word to type and submit papers.  Google docs will also work, and it is free to all AC students though the AC Google account. 

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.

Netiquette

Online etiquette, often referred to as "netiquette," is essential for life lived in the Internet.  As a society, it's oftentimes too easy to use keystrokes as missile attacks against others, and it's oftentimes too easy to mistake someone's keystrokes as personal attacks.

Because of those two elements, we will follow these guidelines:

We Honor Our Differences

  • Behind every keystroke is a living breathing soul.  They have people who count on them, love them, and trust them.  They may have a life story different from ours, but it is our duty to the integrity of the classroom environment to keep our classmates safe.  Safe from harassment, safe from bullying, safe.
  • When differences arise, use the tools we are learning in this course to ask for clarification.  Differences can be anything from personal beliefs to questions about truth of assertions.  
  • When differences do arise, take the time to understand the other point of view.  In the process, you may change your viewpoint, or may strengthen your own argument.  Either way, the only way to achieve this wisdom and knowledge is to put forth the effort to listen and understand your classmates. 
  • Find your voice.  Speak with clarity and kindness.  Always seek the truth.  Question everything.  Never make enemies, instead, build allies.  If you would not say it to their face, do not type it.
  • Your voice is not without a name.  A server records your every keystroke.  Participate with integrity.
  • Even if it is housed on a server, this is a college classroom.  Please respect the educational setting just as you would a traditional classroom.

We Honor the Craft of Communication

  • In this class, we are learning how to communicate.  We will practice that skill in every dimension during our time together.
  • TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS AKIN TO SHOUTING.  Do not shout, please.
  • Speaking fluent sarcasm is a gift many have; however, as of yet, there is no sarcasm font.  Be cautious when using humor and sarcasm in an online environment.  Insulting your audience will dilute your effectiveness as a communicator. 
  • When possible, check previous postings for content redundancy.  
  • Edit and review your online writing before submitting it.
  • LOL, OMG, SMH are perfectly fine when texting; however, this is a college classroom.  Write as a college-level student.  The same thing with emojis.  Use your words.
  • Know when to use email versus a discussion board.  Things to keep in mind:
  • Personal matters = email (i.e., asking instructor a question, finding out information about a campus event, etc.)
  • Class matters = discussion boards (i.e., if will benefit at least three other people in the class)

Grading Criteria

 

Assignments/Grading

Points

Revel Book Work (I drop the lowest book work grade)

20%

Journals

10%

Papers

 20%

End-of-Semester Project

 10%

Coffee Talk Discussions 

Participation- Zoom sessions, logging in, etc.                                     

20%

20%

Participation Activities:
This class relies upon two major things 1) your active participation in online 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:

Almost all assignments in this course are due on Sunday evenings at 11:59 PM.  It is your responsibility to manage your time and meet the deadlines. Generally, I do not accept late work; however, if you feel you have a valid reason that I should accept work after its due date, please contact me and we will discuss your circumstances.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Attendance for this course means logging in several times per week and engaging in discussions, journals, Revel bookwork, and Zoom sessions.

The course will require you to actively attend and participate in class Zoom sessions. Actively attending class means being vocal in the class and being active in the class activities. Passive learning (ie., sitting quietly at your desk taking notes, texting your friend) will not work in this course. If for some reason, you are unable to complete this requirement and the coursework associated, please contact me immediately. If you are ill, please understand I require documentation of your illness from a physician.

Tech-supported courses require all students to come to class prepared to participate in discussions, activities, and lectures.  It's critical that our time together is spent as economically as possible.  Please note, students who do not actively participate will not receive attendance credit for the day.

As this is a communication class, students are expected to have their cameras turned on during video conference class time unless they have extenuating circumstances that they have discussed with the professor in advance. If you do not have home access to a computer with a microphone or camera, please take advantage of the open computer labs on campus, including those in The Underground.

Calendar

*Please note that Zoom sessions will be held every Monday morning during class time.  They might be held during additional mornings if needed, so please check your AC email regularly.  Also note that assignments are due on SUNDAY EVENINGS AT 11:59 PM.

Week 1

Oct. 26-Nov. 1

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Purchase your textbook (will be bundled with online Revel code and text).
  • Click the "Start Here" tab on your course menu and read it.
  • Read Chapter One: Foundations of Interpersonal Communication.
  • Complete: "Contact Information".
  • Coffee Talk: Getting Acquainted.
  • Journal Entry: Strengths, Weaknesses and Goals.
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter One. (Weekly assignments always due Sunday)

Week 2

Nov. 2-8

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Read Chapter Two: Culture
  • Read Chapter Three: Perception of Self and Others.
  • Coffee Talk.
  • Journal Entry: Figure 3.1.
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter Two
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter Three.
  • Read the Paper #1 Assignment that will be due next week by Sunday night at midnight. It requires that you have two other people complete worksheets about you before you type the paper, so leave yourself plenty of time to give them the worksheets, and get them back in time to analyze them for the paper.

Week 3

Nov. 9-15

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Read Chapter Nine: Interpersonal Relationships.
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter 9
  • Self-Test: Is Violence a part of Your Relationship? page 209 (Do not turn this in, it is for you to analyze your own relationships).
  • Coffee Talk.
  • Due: Paper #1:  Upload your paper in the dropbox by midnight on Sunday. No late papers will be accepted. 
  • Paper Two: Love Lyrics Project will be due at the end of next week.  

Week 4

Nov. 16-22

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Read Chapter Ten: Interpersonal Relationship Types and Theories.
  • Self-Test: What is Attractive to You?  page 231 (Do not turn anything in, this is for your own personal benefit).
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter Ten.

Week 5

Nov. 23-29

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Read Chapter Eleven: Interpersonal Conflict Management.
  • Self-Test: Conflict Management Strategies  page 252 (Do not turn anything in. This is for your own benefit in dealing with conflict).
  • Journal Entry: Violence and Verbal Abuse.
  • Due: Paper -  Love Lyrics.
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter Eleven.

Week 6

Nov. 30-Dec. 6

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Read Chapter Five: Verbal Messages
  • Read Chapter Six: Nonverbal Messages.
  • Self-Test: Psychological Time page 138 (Do not turn anything in. This is for your own personal benefit in learning your personal time orientation).
  • Coffee Talk
  • Journal Entry: Credibility page 143
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter Five.
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter Six

Week 7

Dec. 7-13

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Read Chapter Seven: Emotional Messages.
  • Due: Paper #2: Relationship Analysis
  • (Revel) Book Work: Chapter Seven.
  • Work on end-of-semester paper, due next week.

Week 8

Dec. 14-17

  • Zoom meeting during class time on MONDAYS.  The code will be sent that morning via AC email, close to class time. Attendance is taken.
  • Submit: End of semester paper.
  • Coffee Talk.

Additional Information

I would love to meet with you via Zoom or visit with you on the phone or in person. My office hours are set aside for me to help students, but I am also available at other times so just let me know. 

If you have questions about the course content, assignments, due dates etc., contact me.  I am here to be your advocate, coach and accountability partner.  Please, let me do my job!

Technical Assistance/Technology Access:  If you have questions about the course material, assignments, due dates etc. please contact me.  If you need technical support contact the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) student help center located in the Ware Student Commons in The Underground (basement) 806-371-5992, ctlstudenthelp@actx.edu. You can also access computers, printers, internet, study rooms, etc. in The Underground.

Hours of operation for CTL:

August 24 – December 18

Monday – Thursday: 7:00am - 8:30pm

Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm

Sunday: 2:00pm – 6:00pm

All About Revel

At the end of each Revel chapter, students will be able to take the Chapter Quiz.  This quiz is not graded and it does not count in the Blackboard grade book.  Students should use this as a study tool.  Additionally, Pearson Revel has several Study Tools for students under the "STUDY" header (found at the top of the Revel course).

Pearson does have an app (AndroidApple) you can download to your phone where you can complete your reading and homework.

The Revel course grades are manually imported by me each week.  I usually refresh the grades on Monday and Wednesday; however, as time allows, I may refresh the grades more often.  Please note: sometimes when I refresh the grades I may catch you in an attempt and your final grade my not be recorded.  If I catch a partial grade, know that the next time I refresh grades it will be updated with your most up to date attempt.  

In Revel you may work 2 weeks ahead of schedule in the etext.  I appreciate those of you who are wanting to work ahead.

PLEASE NOTE: Pearson Revel offers all students two free weeks of access to the e-textbook.  This is to help students who are waiting for financial aid or pay day to purchase the access code.  Please make sure you've signed into the course e-text book as soon as possible.  Do not wait until you can afford to purchase the access.  Staying on top of your coursework is critical to your long-term success in the course.

To Access REVEL from your Blackboard Course:

Start from your Blackboard course.

Select the link called Revel Bookwork or the Open Revel link inside each week's folder.

Select Open REVEL.

  • If you have a Pearson account, enter your username and password. Otherwise, create a new account. Note: If you are also registering for a Pearson MyLab (like MyMathLab or MyVirtualChild) this term, you must register for the
  • MyLab first, in order to use the same username and password for REVEL.

When your accounts are linked, select an access option:

  • Redeem an access code purchased from the bookstore.
  • Buy access using a credit card or PayPal.
  • If available, get temporary access.

Your REVEL content appears.

To go back to Blackboard, look for the Blackboard tab or window in your browser.

That’s it. Throughout the semester, please access your REVEL content through Blackboard.

To upgrade your access to full access before your temporary access expires, select the link in your confirmation email.

Once your temporary access expires, when you open REVEL from Blackboard, you’re prompted to upgrade your access. Redeem a pre-purchased access code, or buy access using a credit card or PayPal.

Need help?

If you have trouble getting access, make sure your laptop or other device is set up to work with REVEL.

Visit Pearson Support at https://support.pearson.com/getsupport.

Dedicated REVEL support line for students: (855) 875-1801

Syllabus Created on:

10/23/20 2:12 PM

Last Edited on:

10/23/20 2:17 PM