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-1318-013 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

Interpersonal Communication, 2024 Release, Kory Floyd, Copyright 2024 Publisher McGraw Hill

We are using the Connect version of this textbook, which is a digital version from McGraw Hill that will be used for assignments and tests in Blackboad Ultra. Please read below for instructions on how to purchase and access our textbook.

How to Register for Connect through Blackboard Ultra:

Video link: https://www.mheducation.com/highered/support/connect/first-day-of-class/blackboard-ultra.html

Step 1:  Login into your campus Blackboard Ultra account using your personal login and password.

Step 2:  Then select SPCH-1318.

Step 3:  Select the folder that contains your course assignments.

Step 4:  Select any McGraw-Hill Connect assignment link to start the registration process.

Step 5:  Enter your email address and click Begin. If you receive the message, you have a Connect Account but have forgotten your password, click Forgot Password. *Depending on your school, you might skip this step. That’s ok! Just continue the process from that step to the end. 

Step 6:  Create your McGraw-Hill Education account. It is recommended to use your school email address when creating an account. To receive text alerts, enter your mobile number. Agree to the Terms and Conditions and then click Continue.

Step 7:  You’ll see 3 registration options. Choose what works best for you, but at the very least get 14-Day Courtesy Access now - you need it to get started on Week One assignments. By the end of Week Three you'll need to have full access in order to keep up with the midterm and final exams as well as weekly SmartBook Assignments. Due dates will not be extended and that's for your benefit as it's difficult enough to keep up in an eight-week course without having to try to catch up.

• Enter your access code from the bookstore and click Redeem.

• Buy Online to purchase access

• Get 14-day Courtesy Access

Step 8:  Click Confirm. You are now registered.

Supplies

Access to the internet, note taking materials.

Student Performance

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

 No substance or equipment in violation of the AC Student Code of Life will be permitted in communications courses.

· Turn off cell phones or put them on silent ring during class. No text messaging during class.

· Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct.  All written assignments presented in this class must be original work by the student.  Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade.  No form of scholastic dishonesty will be tolerated.  Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

“Cheating on a test” shall include:

* Copying from another student’s test paper.

* Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test. -------Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.

* Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a test that has yet to be administered.

* The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of a test that has yet to be administered.

* Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.

* Bribing another person to obtain or obtain information about a test that has yet to be administered.

“Plagiarism” shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work. The use of Artificial Intelligence-generated knowledge is permissible as long as the AI source is cited along with any other sources used by the student in an assignment.

"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 Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. 

Additional Information

A complete statement regarding scholastic dishonesty can be found in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

·  Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (SSC 119, 371-5436) as soon as possible.

·  No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.  It is each student’s responsibility to drop a class or withdraw from school in the event he/she decides to quit attending class.

· Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

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 www.amarillocollege.net/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Grading Criteria

 15% - Final Paper - Skills Analysis                          

20% - 2 Essays (10% Each) – The Way I See Me and Relationship Analysis                      

20% - 2 Exams (10% Each) - Midterm and Final

15% - Coffee Talk

20% - McGraw Hill SmartBook Exercises

10% - Attendance and Participation                                                           

Attendance

1.  Regular attendance is essential.  This class is interaction oriented. 3 absences will result in a loss of one letter from your final grade(if you have an A and are absent 3 times, you will end up with a B).  An additional 3 absences will lower grade another letter. And so on, and on.

2.  Like lapses in attendance, tardiness will have a negative effect on your grade. If you are late more than 6 times, you will lose one letter grade from your final grade. You are considered late if class has already started when you arrive.   See #1 for example.

3. In this online course, attendance is measured by frequent logins and timely participation in Coffee Talk discussions. In order to engage with one another in a meaningful way in an online course it is critical that you participate as much as possible.

Calendar

Additional Information

The use of proper grammar and punctuation is required in essays as is submitting through Safe Assign when turning in your final assignment. Correct APA citation of sources is required. Purdue Owl website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_the_basics.html is helpful, as is a visit to the AC Writer's Corner.

3. I understand that life happens.  If you find yourself falling behind or have any questions as the course proceeds, reach out as soon as possible. 

4.  Any makeup or late work will NOT BE ACCEPTED unless student makes arrangements with the instructor. This means all due dates pertaining to the class, for the classroom or online.

5. Anyone using an electronic device for anything other than in class exercises will be asked to leave the class.

6.  Discussions in this class may contain adult (18 years of age and older), mature  content, including but not inclusive to questionable language, subject matter of sex and violence, and difference of opinion.  If you are not of age or do not wish to hear this content, then you may need to excuse yourself or withdraw from the class.

7. The last day to drop this class on AC's master calendar is Tuesday, March 10.