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-1318-001 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

Student must purchase an access code to Floyd's Interpersonal Communication through McGraw-Hill Connect.

Where can students purchase access?

1. Amarillo College Bookstore
2. Directly through the Blackboard Ultra course links in Week One

Purchasing directly through the course links is a little cheaper but must be paid out of pocket (cannot use Financial Aid funds to purchase the text). Students have 14-days of complimentary access to the text, but must purchase access to be successful in the course.

Students should not purchase any other type of access to this book. Connect is a required tool for the course.

All daily work, quizzes and exams (bi-weekly and final) are completed through McGraw-Hill Connect (over 60% of the overall course grade).

More Information:

• Connect Access Code and Purchase FAQ
• Connect Where to Go for Help with Connect
• Connect Loose Leaf Option

Supplies

Supplies

• Reliable access to the Internet (all assignments for this course are completed/submitted online)
• Reliable computer/laptop (NOTE: This course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer to complete quizzes and exams. Please do not attempt to complete this course using your cell phone or tablet.)

Skills*

By attempting this course, you are acknowledge you have a basic understanding of all of the skills listed below or you are willing to learn them to be successful in the course. If needed, you may visit the Underground or one of AC's various tutoring centers for assistance with technology.

• knowledge of basic computer skills including, but not limited to
  • navigation of Blackboard
    • how to write journals
    • how to submit an assignment
    • how to participate in a discussion board
    • how to participate in a group discussion/assignment
  • navigation of Google Drive & associated apps
    • how to convert Google Doc to .pdf
    • creation of Google Slides
  • willingness to continue learning (aka: Growth Mindset)

*If you find you do not know how to do any of these skills, please reach out to me as quickly as possible so I can get you in contact with the correct tutoring center.

If you're on any Amarillo College campus, you may access the college's free WiFi.

WIFI PASSWORD: AmarilloCollege

Student Performance

Online Courses and Technology

Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, but they also require a strong level of comfort with technology and independent problem-solving. These courses move quickly, and success depends on students coming in with the ability to manage their devices, software, and online platforms confidently.

Student Technology Skills Expectations

While I am excited to engage with you this term, and support your learning in interpersonal communication, I am not able to coach students on basic computer or technology skills. For that reason, technology readiness is an expectation, not a learning outcome, of this course format.

If you are still developing confidence with your computer, or online platforms, that is completely okay. It simply means that a fully online course may not be the best fit for you right now, or that you may need to seek outside help from the Tutoring Center (located in the WARE).

Reliable technology

• You must have access to a laptop or desktop computer. Phones, tablets, and Chromebooks may not always be sufficient (testing in our course uses Proctorio which does not work with mobile devices or tablets).

Course Technology Platforms

McGraw-Hill Connect

• Connect houses your eBook, quizzes, exams, and assignments.
• Students who do not purchase Connect access cannot pass the course.
• Students are expected to reach out to McGraw-Hill Technical Support as soon as they encounter an issue. Students may use the telephone, email or live chat feature to resolve the issue. Please do not wait on the faculty member to resolve the issue. If, after speaking with Technical Support, you still have an issue, share your case number from McGraw-Hill Technical Support share that number with your faculty member.

Proctorio

• Used for quizzes and exams.
• Does not work on tablets, phones, or Chromebooks.
• A laptop or desktop is required.

Plan so that technology does not become an emergency.

• Complete/upload assignments at least one hour before the deadline. Two hours is safer.
• Never start an upload right before 11:59 p.m.
• Use a strong, stable internet connection.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots, and crowded networks.
• Close streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-heavy apps.

Technology hiccups happen. Planning prevents them from costing you a grade.

Grades and Expectations

Your academic performance and success in this course are important to me. While the final grade is certainly a significant milestone, I encourage you to maintain a consistent focus on your learning and understanding throughout the entire 6-week term. Grades are not just determined in the final hours before the deadline; they are a cumulative reflection of your effort, engagement, and mastery of the course material over time.

I strongly advise against leaving all your work until the last minute or solely concentrating on your grade in the days leading up to the final deadline. This approach often leads to unnecessary stress, rushed work, and a less-than-optimal learning experience. Instead, I recommend staying on top of the coursework and seeking guidance promptly when you encounter difficulties.

It is important to note that this course has due dates throughout the week to facilitate learning. Please do not assume all due dates are on Sunday's at 11:59 p.m.

Throughout the term, I will provide regular feedback on your assignments and assessments, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and adjust your approach as needed. If you find yourself struggling or have concerns about your progress, please do not hesitate to reach out to me during office hours or schedule an appointment. I am here to support your learning journey and help you achieve your academic goals. My goal is to reply to Blackboard Messages within 24-48 hours during the week. During the weekends, I do not respond to messages.

Please note that during the final week of the term, my ability to respond promptly to inquiries will be limited due to the significant grading demands. In the past, I have received an overwhelming number of last-minute emails regarding grades, due dates, and requests for grade changes. While I understand the importance of these concerns, addressing them all in a timely manner becomes challenging during this period. To ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the grading process, I kindly request that you plan ahead and address any grade-related queries or concerns well before the final week.

Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to earn a grade, but to acquire knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning. By maintaining a consistent and proactive approach, you will not only enhance your chances of academic success but also gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Final Grade Requests

I understand the desire to achieve the highest letter grade possible, as it can have implications for your overall GPA and future opportunities. However, my policy is to avoid rounding up final grades solely based on requests. The grades you earn throughout the term should accurately reflect your mastery of the course content and the quality of work you have produced.

Instead of relying on potential grade rounding at the end, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the extra credit opportunities provided during the term, taking each of the weekly quizzes/exams twice, and seeking tutoring early in the term. These opportunities are designed to allow you to improve your understanding of the material and demonstrate your knowledge, potentially boosting your overall grade.

Additionally, I recommend consulting with me prior to submitting assignments or visiting one of the college's tutoring centers if you need assistance or have questions about the material. Getting clarification and support early on can help ensure that your work meets the expected standards and requirements. Be sure to engage with and review the rubrics provided for many assignments, as they outline the specific criteria for assessment and can guide you in achieving the desired level of performance.

By taking a proactive approach, seeking assistance when needed, referring to the rubrics, and making the most of the extra credit options, you can work towards earning the grade you desire through your own efforts and understanding, rather than relying on potential rounding up at the end.

My goal is to ensure that your final grade is a fair and accurate representation of your comprehension and mastery of the course material. I believe this approach not only maintains academic integrity but also better prepares you for future endeavors where you will be evaluated based on the quality of your work and your ability to meet established standards.

Email and Messaging Etiquette: Be Specific and Clear

Effective communication is crucial to your success in this course and a component of what our course teaches. (Week Two has an assignment about this!) To ensure that I can quickly understand and respond to your inquiries, please follow these guidelines when emailing or messaging me:

1. Subject Line: Clearly state the purpose of your message.

   • Example: "Question about Interpersonal Communication Assignment 2"

2. Include Context: Be specific about what assignment, class, or project you are referring to. Include the following:

   • Course Name and Section (e.g., "Interpersonal Communication, Section 01")
   • Assignment Name or Number (e.g., "Assignment 3: Conflict Resolution Essay")
   • Relevant dates or deadlines if applicable.

3. Ask Clear Questions: If you are seeking clarification, ask specific questions rather than general ones.

   • Vague: "I don't understand this assignment."
   • Specific: "For Assignment 2 on Nonverbal Communication, could you clarify what is meant by 'contextual analysis'?"

4. Provide Necessary Details: If your question is about a grade or feedback, include relevant information such as the assignment's name, the grade received, and your concerns.

   • Example: "I received an 85 on Assignment 2. Can you explain how I can improve my analysis in the final section?"

5. Be Patient with Grading Inquiries: Understand that manually graded assignments take time to evaluate thoroughly. If you have a question about when grades will be posted, check the syllabus for the estimated grading timeline before reaching out. Requests for instant grading will not speed up the process.

   • Example: "I understand Assignment 2 is manually graded. Can you provide an update on when we might receive feedback?"

6. Review Before Sending: Take a moment to review your email for completeness, clarity, and tone. Be courteous and professional.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your questions are answered promptly and efficiently. I am happy to have these discussions with you, but I will need help understanding your point of view. Remember, perspective is everything!

Students who send vague or non-specific messages will be referred to this portion of the syllabus.

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.

After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

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

Weekly Work Requirements

Our course has due dates throughout the week. Please do not plan on submitting all assignments on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. The course due dates are listed below as well as within the course.

Course Navigation

This course is built to be navigated through the "Content" area section, not through the "Grade book." Students who never look at the weekly content folders will miss key details and information - especially in the first half of the course.

When you need help learning or navigating, please reach out to the following people at AC:

• Me

• Amarillo College Tutoring Centers

• Online Tutoring

• The Underground

So, how can you engage with me and your classmates?

Get ready to dive into a journey through the world of communication! This course is an adventure where you and your relationships are the stars.

• Call me Courtney! "Professor" sounds too stuffy for this crew. Remember that day you signed up for this class, picturing yourself conquering it with a flourish? That's the spirit! My mission is to guide you to victory, so buckle up and prepare to unleash your inner communicator!

Communication Channels: Let's Stay Connected!

Open communication is critical. Remember, all communication with each other should focus on being clear, and kind.

To ensure timely responses, I prefer these channels (in this order):

Preferred:

• Blackboard Ultra Messaging: This pathway is directly linked to your coursework, making it easy for me to understand your needs.

Alternatives:

• Watermark: I check this occasionally, but it's not as reliable.
• Email: If you must, use this method. Include your full name, course name + section number, and a clear subject line. Remember, without the section number, I may not be able to engage with your message quickly.

Tone Matters: Communicating with Kindness and Respect

In this communication course, your tone is powerful – it can charm and delight or cause confusion. As we practice our skills, remember kindness and respect are the secret ingredients to successful interactions with me and your fellow classmates.

While I understand that life's challenges can sometimes feel like battling a dragon, I want to ensure that our learning space remains a safe haven, free from hateful or inappropriate communication. If you're unsure about your tone in written messages, consider using Grammarly, a trusty companion (with a free access option) that helps you maintain an appropriate tone in various situations.

When speaking in person, remember that your tone matters. 

While I do not anticipate needing these steps, I want to outline what would happen if a student uses an inappropriate tone in their writing or verbal communication with a classmate or faculty member. If this happens, we'll embark on a three-step process to help the student find their way back to the path of respectful communication:

• First Occurrence: Coaching Session
  • I'll invite the student to a meeting to discuss the inappropriate behavior and provide guidance on proper communication etiquette. 
  • I'll clearly explain the expectations for respectful communication and the consequences of not adhering to these standards.
  • The student will have the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions during this coaching session. If a student doesn't attend, the matter will escalate to the final step.
• Second Occurrence: Formal Warning
  • If the student continues to engage in inappropriate communication after the coaching session, I'll issue a formal written warning.
  • The warning will outline the specific instances of inappropriate communication and reiterate the expectations for respectful interaction.
  • The student will be informed that further violations will result in escalation to the third step.
• Third Occurrence: Referral to the Campus Behavior Team
  • If the student persists in using inappropriate communication or fails to attend a required coaching session, the matter will be referred to the Campus Behavior Team.
  • The Campus Behavior Team will review the case and determine appropriate disciplinary action, which may include mandatory counseling, probation, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
  • The student will be notified in writing of the Campus Behavior Team's decision and any associated consequences.

Remember, we're all on this journey together, and by treating each other with kindness and respect, we can create a strong learning experience!

Remember: Clear communication is our goal! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, need clarification, or feel lost. I'm here to guide you.

Use of AI Tools in This Course

You may use AI to:

• Brainstorm ideas
• Check clarity or grammar
• Ask questions about course concepts

You may not use AI to do the thinking, writing, analysis, or speech content for you.

Misuse of AI

If I determine that AI has been used to complete the majority of the work on any assignment:

• The assignment will receive a zero.
• I will document the concern in your student record as suspected AI misuse.
• You will be required to complete tutoring specific to that assignment.
• After tutoring is verified, you may submit a replacement version of that assignment.

This is a one-time opportunity for the entire course.
If AI misuse happens again, the zero will stand and no re-submission will be allowed.

How do I determine if AI has done a majority of the work:
 

Special Rule for Essay

Your essay must reflect your original thinking and communication skills.

If an essay is reasonably determined to have been generated primarily by AI:

• The essay will receive a zero.
• The zero is final.
• There is no opportunity to rewrite.

This consequence applies even if your one-time tutoring re-submission has not yet been used.

PDF or Word documents

In this course I do not accept any links to assignments. The reason for this is I've had several experiences where I am unable to open the file or the student submitted a link because they were still working on the assignment.

Students must upload finished files in one of the following formats: .docx, or .pdf. For the essay only: JPEG or JPG (only for worksheets completed by volunteers and self)

If a student submits a link to an  assignment they will earn a zero (no re-submission attempts allowed). If you are unsure of how to download your Google Doc as a .pdf or .docx file, please reach out to me, the AC Tutoring Centers, or see if you can learn more by doing a Google search.

Grading Criteria

Unlocking the Secrets of Communication: Your Quest Guide

Attendance

I know this is an online course, so absences shouldn't be a thing, but there are times when you may be affected by life. 

• Short-Term: If you're only out for a day or two (examples: sick kids/family/self, job chaos, etc), fret not! Check the course policy on extensions and Oops token and then send a quick Blackboard message. Give me a quick timeline for getting re-engaged and ask for extensions on the work.
• Extended Gales: Please make an appointment to visit together. 

Remember, communication is key! The sooner you let me know about the challenges you're facing, the more tools I have to help you succeed.

Calendar

Additional Information

Accepted File Types

For all assignments in this class, I accept the following file types:

• .docx (Examples: The Way We See Me)
• .pdf (Examples: The Way We See Me)
• .jpg (Examples: The Way We See Me self and volunteers worksheets)

I do not grade any work/assignments submitted as links.  

Navigating the Information Oasis: Citing Sources and AI Tools

As we journey through this vast intellectual landscape, we inevitably encounter a wealth of information. It's crucial to remember that this knowledge isn't ours alone – we stand on the shoulders of giants, borrowing wisdom from those who came before us. That's where citing sources comes in, like a trusty compass guiding us through the information jungle.

In this course, we'll be utilizing the APA style for citations, ensuring clarity and academic integrity.

Late Work

This course has a no late work policy. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. 

Week One 

This is the only week with carte blanche or a "blank page." This means if you don't get a Week One assignment done by the due date, I will extend the due date for you. Here's the fine print:

• All missed Week One assignments must be requested for reopening by the Tuesday of Week Two.
• After this deadline, no further extensions will be offered.

Oops Tokens

Each student has one "oops" token to use on an assignment during the term. Here are the details on when and how to use this:

What's Eligible?

Any assignment in Week Two through Four that is not in the essay category is eligible. 

Fine Print

• To use your Oops token your request must include:
• The exact assignment name
• The date you plan to submit it

Example of an acceptable request: Hi Courtney, I would like to complete some Week One work I missed. Could you please reopen Proctoring Enabled: Quiz over Chapter 1? I can submit it by Wednesday, {Month} {Date}, {Year}. Thank you for the opportunity.

What I will not do:

(Please see above about referring students back to the syllabus.)

• I will not search for assignments on your behalf. 
• I will not guess which assignment you mean.
• I will not reopen Week One work after Tuesday of Week Two.
• I will not respond to vague requests.

Examples of what not to say...

• “Can you open that assignment for me?”
• “I missed something in Week One.”
• Asking about Week One assignments in Week Five.
• "Can you figure out which assignment will help my grade the most?"

... unless you're finishing the thoughts with more details. For example, 

Can you figure out which assignment will help my grade the most? I think, after looking at the due date calendar, that the Video & Quiz from last week (these are in the 40% Assignment category) probably has a lot of other assignments in it, but the bi-weekly exam (35%) doesn't. I'm thinking I should use my Oops token on the exam. Do you agree?

Extensions