Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

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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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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.

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Course

SPCH-1318-018 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, 4^th 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

A reliable internet connection and a device that can connect to both Blackboard and your AC student email.

Student Performance

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

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

This is a points-based class, not a percentage-based class. A total of 1,000 points will be awarded for assignments, quizzes, bookwork, and attendance. If you have questions about the grading criteria please contact me.

Miscellaneous assignments within weekly units (100 points total):
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.

Final Project:
This semester, you will write a 3-4 page paper detailing what you have learned about your interpersonal skills and how they have evolved throughout the semester. You can view more details about this assignment and start on it at any time by accessing the "Common Assessment" tab within the Blackboard course. It is due no later than 11:59pm on December 17.

I do not accept late work. Assignments are due by the published due date with only 1 exception--extenuating circumstances. If you are faced with a situation that is out of your control and it is causing you to fall behind, please contact me directly immediately so we can create a plan for you to be successful. 

Attendance

Attendance (100 points): Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade. Attendance will be based on your successful submission of assignments each week by the published due date and the use of login reports if needed. Points will be deducted from your grade for absences.

The following criteria will determine the attendance grade:

Calendar

Additional Information

This course was initially scheduled to be in person and we were expected to meet twice per week. Because of the college's direction to go "tech supported" for the remainder of the academic year, we will NOT be meeting physically on campus at all this semester. In fact, because our lives have been completely changed by the global pandemic, I cannot expect all of you to log in to a Zoom meeting at our regularly scheduled time since many of you are faced with challenges that would keep you from doing that consistently. I will be pre-recording our lectures and sharing them within each week's folder in Blackboard for you to view when possible. I will also have a Zoom room available on Monday evenings from 5:30-6pm to answer any questions or talk through assignments.