1 Communication 240 Interpersonal Communication Winter 2011 Section 003 Friday 9:00 – 11:54 a.m. Instructor: Rebecca J. Roth, M.A. Email address: [email protected] [email protected] Office: Burt Walker Hall, 231 Office Phone: (269) 325.8203 Office Hours: 8:00-9:00 Friday and by appointment Course Description This course will inform students about the forms of interpersonal communication, the benefits of being a competent communicator, and the main purposes for communication. Students will learn to improve communication in one-on-one and small group situations. In this course, students will examine basic verbal and non-verbal elements affecting communication between individuals in family, peer group, and work contexts. Specific units of discussion include intrapersonal perspective, conflict resolution, self-disclosure, message generation, intercultural messages and non-verbal communication Performance Objectives: JCC’s Board of Trustees has determined that all of our graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled here. These skills are called Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs). The ADOs for this course include (but are not necessarily limited to). The ADOs and course objectives addressed in this class include the following: ADO 2: Speak clearly, concisely and intelligibly (proficient) ADO 9: Work productively with others ADO 10: Understand and respect the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures Course Requirements Required Texts Interpersonal Messages: Communication and Relationship Skills, by Joseph A. DeVito Exams There will be three exams in this course. Each will consist of multiple-choice and true/false answers. Exams will cover lecture material and assigned readings. Each exam will be worth 50 points for a total of 100 points possible. The exams will NOT be cumulative. Read Assigned Readings completely and Participate in Class Discussions Each Week At the end of the semester, I will assign up to 25 points according to my perception that you were prepared each week by having read the assignments carefully and prepared your answers to the discussion questions. This perception will be based on your class participation. Even if you are shy, you must participate in the class in order for me to know that you were prepared. Life Relation Papers You will complete four written, take-home assignment this semester. You much choose a concept discussed in class and describe how the concept relates to your life. They are worth 25 points each.2 Teen Mom Analysis assignment You will complete a written, take-home assignment this semester; the assignment will be completed in pairs. This assignment will cover the topic of relational competence. More details will be provided about the assignment later this semester. It is worth 50 points. Extra Credit Opportunities Some Extra Credit may also be given a few times throughout the semester and it may or may not be announced in advance. Assignment Point Values 3 Exams at 50 points each 150 Readings and Participation 25 Life Relation Papers 100 Teen Mom Analysis 50 Total 325 Grading Scale 92% and above 4.0 87% 3.5 82% 3.0 77% 2.5 72% 2.0 67% 1.5 62% 1.0 below 62% 0.0 Course Policies Exams Exams and Speeches must be completed on the scheduled day at the scheduled time unless negotiated with the instructor PRIOR TO THE DAY OF THE EXAM. Exceptions will be made only in the case of family hardship or verifiable medical problems, and then only at the instructor's discretion. Attendance It will be difficult to pass this course unless you attend regularly, take notes, and remain current on the assigned readings. Participation point make-up will NOT be given, so it is in your best interest to attend every class. If you miss a class, you should ask a classmate for a copy of the notes from that day. The instructor will not provide notes.3 Student Conduct It is expected that students will act in a professional manner. Once lecture begins, students should stop reading the newspaper, stop talking, etc. This same level of courtesy is requested when other students are asking or responding to questions. Phones should be turned off or put on silent mode, and clearly, no student should be talking on their phones or texting during class. Additionally, students, who need to enter class after it has started or leave before class has concluded, should do so quietly. Expectations of Students Students are responsible for knowing all information contained in this syllabus and announced in class. Not knowing is not an excuse for late work, missed assignments, etc. Students should check their JCC e-mail account at least once a day as well as keep back-up copies of all their assignments. Students are expected to attend all classes, complete assignments on time, and take all tests. If students have questions regarding the course material or assignments, it is their responsibility to ask questions before assignments are due. All assignments are to be typed, stapled or secured in some way, and handed in at the beginning of class on the due date. Students must notify their professor in the case of verifiable extenuating circumstances (i.e., death in the family) in advance of assignment due dates or exams; otherwise, exceptions will not be granted, such that late assignments will not be accepted without penalty or make-up exams will not be given. (Verifiable means that you must be able to produce valid and complete documentation.) If advance notice is impossible, students must notify their professor within 24 hours from the beginning time of the exam or assignment due date. Contact information for the professor is on the first page of the syllabus, also contact information can be obtained by contacting the Department of Communication – there is no excuse for not being able to contact me. Students are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared. Class will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. This is essentially because we only meet one per week. Students should arrive prepared with pens, pencils on test days, and paper to take notes on. Pencils will not be provided for exams. This class is taught as a discussion / lecture. Students are responsible for participating in the discussion. Students are also responsible for treating everyone in the classroom with curtosey and respect – even if they do not agree