Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-1318-025 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

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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook: Interpersonal Communication (2024 release) by Kory Floyd with Connect.

• This is a custom package for this class.
• Includes eBook + Connect access.
• May be purchased through the bookstore or directly when registering for Connect (often the cheapest option).

Registering for Connect via Blackboard Ultra

Video Guide

1. Log in to Blackboard Ultra with your AC credentials.
2. Select SPCH 1318.
3. Open the folder containing assignments.
4. Click any Connect assignment to begin registration.
5. Enter your AC email address. If prompted about an existing account/password, click Forgot Password and continue.
6. Create a McGraw-Hill account (use your AC email). Add your mobile number for text alerts if desired.
7. Choose one of three registration options:
   • Redeem an access code (from bookstore)
   • Buy access online
   • Use 14-day courtesy access
8. Click Confirm. You are registered.

Connect Resources

• Stay Organized: Use the Digital Course Planner with customizable calendar alerts.
• Focus: Use Reports to track performance and understanding.
• On-the-Go: Download the free ReadAnywhere App for your eBook and SmartBook® 2.0 (availability varies).
• Support: Connect Student Support
• Study App: Sharpen – free videos, quizzes, and flashcards.

Tech Support (McGraw Hill)

• Phone: 1-800-331-5094
  • Sun: 11 AM – Midnight
  • Mon–Thu: 7 AM – Midnight
  • Fri: 7 AM – 8 PM
  • Sat: 9 AM – 7 PM

Supplies

Supplies: Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials (pen/pencil and paper) for in-class assignments, group activities, and quizzes.

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will:

1. Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles.
2. Analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal interactions in mediated and face-to-face contexts.
3. Identify perceptual processes related to self and others.
4. Apply critical thinking to research, evaluate, and apply communication theories in oral and/or written work.
5. Demonstrate understanding of cross-cultural, co-cultural, gender, and age influences on communication.
6. Identify, evaluate, and apply conflict styles and management techniques in dyads and groups.
7. Recognize types of and barriers to effective listening.

Policies & Support

AI Use Policy (Amarillo College):
Collusion includes “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” AI-generated work is only allowed when explicitly permitted by the instructor.

Withdrawals: No administrative withdrawals initiated by instructor. Students are responsible for withdrawing if needed.

Disability Services: Student Services Center, Room 119 | 806-371-5436 | Website

Mental Health & Social Services:

• Counseling Center: 806-371-5900 | Website
• Advocacy & Resource Center: 806-371-5450 | Website

Handbook Compliance: All students must comply with the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

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

Grading Criteria

Course Requirements & Grading Breakdown

• SmartBook Assignments – 20%
• Essays (2 total) – 20% (10% each)
• Journal Entries – 15%
• Discussions (“Coffee Talks”) – 15%
• Midterm Exam – 10%
• Final Project – 10%
• Final Exam – 10%
  Total: 100%

Assignment Details

SmartBook Assignments: Weekly readings with embedded questions. Must be completed before journals/discussions.

Essays: Two 2–3 page papers (Word or PDF), submitted by 11:59 PM on due dates.

Journal Entries: Private reflections (min. 100 words, 3 paragraphs) connecting course concepts to personal experiences. Formal writing required.

Discussions (“Coffee Talks”):

• One initial post + two replies required.
• Quality and depth matter (150–250 words each).
• Graded Pass/Fail: missing any requirement = 0.

Final Project: Summative assignment (see Blackboard instructions).

Exams:

• Midterm: covers Weeks 1–4.
• Final Exam: covers Weeks 5–8.
• Both worth 100 points each.

Late Work Policy

• Coffee Talks: No late posts accepted.
• SmartBook Assignments: 1-day grace period allowed. After that, assignments close.
• Other Assignments: -20 points if 1 day late. After 2 weeks, no credit given.

Grading Scale

• A = 90–100
• B = 80–89
• C = 70–79
• D = 60–69
• F = below 60

Extra Credit

• Up to 4 extra papers (2 pages each) allowed.
• Worth +5 points each on a test or essay.
• Must be turned in by the week of the final project.

Attendance

Attendance & Census Date: Students who do not attend by census date will be dropped (per AC policy, Fall 2016).

Calendar

Additional Information