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-1318-004 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: 2025 Release by Kory Floyd with Connect. This is a custom package created for this class. Access includes the eBook with Connect. This can only be purchased from the campus bookstore or when you register for Connect. Purchasing directly from Connect is typically the cheapest option.

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: Log into your campus Blackboard Ultra account using your personal login and password.
• Step 2: 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 Amarillo College 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. Please use your Amarillo College 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:
  • 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.

Make the Most of Connect

• Stay Organized: The Digital Course Planner has all your upcoming Connect assignments in one place, and you can customize calendar alerts.
• Focus On What Matters: Use Reports to track your performance and your understanding of key concepts.
• Learn On-the-Go: Download the free ReadAnywhere App to take your eBook and SmartBook® 2.0 with you – online and offline. (Note: ReadAnywhere supports newer eBooks and SmartBook 2.0, which may not be available in your specific Connect course.)

Technical Support for Connect

Please contact McGraw Hill’s Higher Ed Technical Support using the information below.

• Phone: 1-800-331-5094
  • Sunday: 11 AM to Midnight
  • Monday - Thursday: 7 AM to Midnight
  • Friday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 7 PM
• Live Chat or Email: https://mhedu.force.com/CXG/s/ContactUs
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Monday - Thursday: 24 hours
  • Friday: 11 PM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 7 PM

Free Study App (Sharpen): Thousands of short videos, quizzes, and flashcards designed for your courses: https://mhss-links.mheducation.com/G1f2/JB1243

Supplies

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students 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.

Identify types of and barriers to effective listening

Amarillo College AI & Collusion 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 strictly at the discretion of the instructor.

Student Performance

McGraw Hill “Connect” Smartbook Assignments

Each week we will study a new Interpersonal Communication topic. All of the readings are located in Connect, linked under the course content as "McGraw Hill Connect". It is vital that you complete these assignments. As you read the material, you will answer questions to assess what you have learned. Your journal entries and “Coffee Talks” will reflect what you read in the textbook, so please read the chapters first before completing other weekly tasks.

Papers / Major Assignments

Two 2–3-page papers will be assigned during the semester. These are each worth 10% of your final grade. Assignments must be submitted to the Assignment Drop Box by 11:59 PM on the designated due date.

Journal Entries

There will be periodic journaling assignments during the semester. These are private and will only be seen by your instructor. This assignment is designed to allow you to go deeper into the IPC topics, reflect on how they apply to your life, and aid in building your essays.

• Must be written using formal language (no slang or text speak).
• Must be no less than 100 words (or roughly 3 paragraphs). You are welcome to write as much as you want.

“Coffee Talk” Discussions

We will have numerous online discussions during the semester. Your participation is crucial to creating a lively, successful learning environment. Your postings and replies to classmates make up a significant portion of your grade.

• Requirements: You must submit at least one initial posting and at least two substantive replies to peers.
• Quality: Posts must demonstrate you completed the readings and gave significant thought to the questions. They should reflect specific examples from your life rather than general information.
• Length: Initial postings should be approximately one to three paragraphs long (with each paragraph being about 4–5 sentences or approximately 150–250 words). Proofread and spell-check your work.
• Netiquette & Citations: Use proper netiquette. Failing to properly cite sources within discussions or emails is a form of plagiarism and is grounds for receiving a 0 on the assignment. Violating forum rules will result in being asked to leave the discussion via private email and receiving a zero.

Grading Policy for "Coffee Talks" and Journal Entries

I utilize a "pass/fail" grading policy for discussion posts and journal entries. This means you must complete the assignment correctly and thoroughly following all instructions entirely. I do not give partial credit. If you post an initial response but fail to reply to your classmates, or if you leave out specific information/questions from the prompt, you will receive a “0” for the entire assignment.

Final Project

You will answer questions analyzing your IPC skills before and after this course as they relate to family, friends, the workplace, and romantic relationships. Detailed instructions are available in Blackboard.

Mid-term and Final Exams

These exams are comprehensive. The mid-term will cover the first 4 weeks, and the final exam will cover the last 4 weeks. They are worth 100 points each. Check the course calendar for specific availability windows.

Policies and Student Support

Late Work Policy

This is an eight-week summer class, so there is very little time to catch up if you fall behind.

• Smartbook Assignments: Late submissions are accepted up to one day late with penalties applied. No credit is given after one day.
• Coffee Talks (Discussions): These represent your active class participation; therefore, no late posts or replies are accepted.
• Other Assignments / Papers: 20 points will be deducted if turned in one day late. After that, the assignment will be graded and averaged with a zero (maximum half credit). No assignment will be accepted beyond two weeks after the original due date.

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 behavior expectations available

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale

• A = 90–100
• B = 80–89
• C = 70–79
• D = 60–69
• F = 59 or below

Extra Credit

An extra credit opportunity is available that can replace a missing test or major assignment. The Service Learning Video Project: IPC Skills in Action requires you to complete volunteer service hours and create a video reflection. Instructions are found in Blackboard.

Attendance

Withdrawals

No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor for non-attendance after the census date. It is each student’s responsibility to drop a class or officially withdraw from school. Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped.

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available