Interpersonal Communication Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Parcells Hall 204L</p>

Office Hours

Message me within the course, and I will get back to you within 24-48 hours. If you prefer, we can set up a phone call or zoom meeting. We can discuss a time that works best for you.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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 Student Service Center office 112. 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:

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.

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 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Interpersonal Messages, 4th edition by Joseph Devito. You need the bundle package that includes Revel (this is the online book access code you will need to complete some online activities, worth 15% of your grade)

When you purchase the textbook code at the AC bookstore, the publisher will send a paper copy of the textbook to your home address.

Supplies

  • Personal Computer with reliable internet access. Contact the AC bookstore for information on renting a laptop 371-5000
  • Amarillo College email account (for more information click here)·        
  •   Recommended browsers (Firefox or Chrome (to check your browser compatibility, click here)
  • Access to microsoft word to type and submit papers

Student Performance

Through reading the current literature, researching recent communication findings, and participating in group and individual oral assignments, the student 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.
  7. Identify types of and barriers to effective listening.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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.

Netiquette

Online etiquette, often referred to as "netiquette," is essential for life lived in the Internet.  As a society, it's oftentimes too easy to use keystrokes as missile attacks against others, and it's oftentimes too easy to mistake someone's keystrokes as personal attacks.

Because of those two elements, we will follow these guidelines:

We Honor Our Differences

  • Behind every keystroke is a living breathing soul.  They have people who count on them, love them, and trust them.  They may have a life story different from ours, but it is our duty to the integrity of the classroom environment to keep our classmates safe.  Safe from harassment, safe from bullying, safe.
  • When differences arise, use the tools we are learning in this course to ask for clarification.  Differences can be anything from personal beliefs to questions about truth of assertions.  
  • When differences do arise, take the time to understand the other point of view.  In the process, you may change your viewpoint, or may strengthen your own argument.  Either way, the only way to achieve this wisdom and knowledge is to put forth the effort to listen and understand your classmates. 
  • Find your voice.  Speak with clarity and kindness.  Always seek the truth.  Question everything.  Never make enemies, instead, build allies.  If you would not say it to their face, do not type it.
  • Your voice is not without a name.  A server records your every keystroke.  Participate with integrity.
  • Even if it is housed on a server, this is a college classroom.  Please respect the educational setting just as you would a traditional classroom.

We Honor the Craft of Communication

  • In this class, we are learning how to communicate.  We will practice that skill in every dimension during our time together.
  • TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS AKIN TO SHOUTING.  Do not shout, please.
  • Speaking fluent sarcasm is a gift many have; however, as of yet, there is no sarcasm font.  Be cautious when using humor and sarcasm in an online environment.  Insulting your audience will dilute your effectiveness as a communicator. 
  • When possible, check previous postings for content redundancy.  
  • Edit and review your online writing before submitting it.
  • LOL, OMG, SMH are perfectly fine when texting; however, this is a college classroom.  Write as a college-level student.  The same thing with emojis.  Use your words.
  • Know when to use email versus a discussion board.  Things to keep in mind:
  • Personal matters = email (i.e., asking instructor a question, finding out information about a campus event, etc.)
  • Class matters = discussion boards (i.e., if will benefit at least three other people in the class)

Grading Criteria

 

Assignments/Grading

Points

Quizzes (I drop the two lowest quiz grades)

200 (20%)

Coffee Talk Discussions                                    

100 (10%)

Papers

400 (40%)

Love Lyrics Project

150 (15%)

Revel Bookwork

150 (15%)

Participation Activities:
This class relies upon two major things 1) your active participation in online 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.

Late Work Policy:

I do not accept late work. Assignments are due Sunday nights at midnight each week, except for the final week (see course schedule and make note of final project dates..the final week assignments are due early in the week). It is your responsibility to manage your time and meet the deadlines. I do not make exceptions to the late work policy. I do not reset quizzes. Two of the lowest quiz grades are dropped, and this is to help you out when there are technical difficulties, etc. and they will not count against you. 

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Attendance for this course means logging in several times per week and engaging in discussions, journals, and Revel bookwork.

Calendar

Week 1

  • Purchase your textbook (will be bundled with online Revel code and text). There is a 14 day free trial you can sign up for until your book arrives. Sign up through the Revel Bookwork tab in the course menu so you can start your bookwork assignments this week.
  • Click the "Start Here" tab on your course menu and read it.
  • Read Chapter One: Foundations of Interpersonal Communication and complete revel bookwork.
  • Complete: "Contact Information".
  • Coffee Talk: Getting Acquainted.
  • Quiz: Chapter One.

Week 2

  • Read Chapter Three: Perception of Self and Others and complete revel bookwork.
  • Coffee Talk.
  • Quiz: Chapter Three.
  • Read the Paper #1 Assignment that will be due next week by Sunday night at midnight. It requires that you have two other people complete worksheets about you before you type the paper, so leave yourself plenty of time to give them the worksheets, and get them back in time to analyze them for the paper.

Week 3

  • Read Chapter Nine: Interpersonal Relationships and complete revel bookwork.
  • Self-Test: Is Violence a part of Your Relationship? page 209 (Do not turn this in, it is for you to analyze your own relationships).
  • Coffee Talk.
  • Due: Paper #1:  Upload your paper and worksheets in the dropbox by midnight on Sunday. No late papers will be accepted. 

Week 4

  • Read Chapter Ten: Interpersonal Relationship Types and Theories, and complete the revel bookwork.
  • Self-Test: What is Attractive to You?  page 231 (Do not turn anything in, this is for your own personal benefit).
  • Love Lyrics Assignment -The project is due at the end of next week.
  • Quiz: Chapter Ten.

Week 5

  • Read Chapter Eleven: Interpersonal Conflict Management and complete revel bookwork.
  • Self-Test: Conflict Management Strategies  page 252 (Do not turn anything in. This is for your own benefit in dealing with conflict).
  • Quiz: Chapter Eleven.
  • Turn in Love Lyrics Presentation.
  • Read relationship paper assignment that will be due at the end of next week.

Week 6

  • Read Chapter Six: Nonverbal Messages and complete revel bookwork.
  • Self-Test: Psychological Time page 138 (Do not turn anything in. This is for your own personal benefit in learning your personal time orientation).
  • Coffee Talk: Ethical Messages and Ethical Choice Point page 138.
  • Paper Two: Relationship Paper due Sunday at midnight
  • Quiz: Chapter Six.

Week 7

  • Read Chapter Seven: Emotional Messages and complete revel bookwork.
  • Quiz: Chapter Seven.
  • Work on Skills Analysis Paper, due next week on Monday at midnight.
  • Final coffee talk due next Monday at midnight.

Week 8

  • Submit: Skills Analysis Paper by Monday night.
  • Coffee Talk due Monday night.

Additional Information

I will check emails several times a week, and will stay off my computer on the weekends (Fri-Sun) to take a break and get outside. I suggest you take a couple of days off from schoolwork as well, to refresh and recharge mentally and physically. if you want to set up an online video chat or come to my office and meet on campus you can. I am happy to meet at a time that works for you, day or night. Just ask and we can set something up. Email is the fastest way to communicate with me. Please give me 1-2 days to respond.

This course requires that you write several papers, and requires me to read all of your papers and give feedback. I often am teaching up to 130 students in one semester, and it takes a while to grade all of those thoroughly. While I will often have them graded within a week of the due date, please know that it can take up to two weeks at times, depending on other circumstances. I appreciate your patience. Mrs.Orcutt

 

Syllabus Created on:

12/13/21 2:13 PM

Last Edited on:

12/13/21 2:13 PM