Introduction to Human CommunicationHCOM 100, Fall 2005Instructor: Office: CP-420-Phone: (714) 278- Office Hrs: E-mail: & by appointmentDepartment of Human Communication Studies Office: (714) 278-3617, CP-420This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of human communication. The focus of the course is on learning and practicing the skills needed to improve the quality of interpersonal communication in a variety of contexts, such as in relationships, groups, organizations, public settings, and diverse cultures. You are expected to practice skills in class and in everyday communication outside of class. This course fulfills the General Education requirement for the core competency of category I.A, Oral Communication. As stated in University Policy Statement 411.201, the seven goals for student learning in the oral communication category (all of which this course addresses) are:1. To develop and present a clearly spoken message in English.2. To practice effective listening and speaking in a dialogue.3. To present an oral message clearly and effectively using relevant and adequate supporting evidence.4. To understand the influence of culture and context on oral communication.5. To understand and value difference in communication styles.6. To negotiate cooperative action and solutions to problems.7. To select and use effectively appropriate techniques and materials to support ideas and to motivate and persuade others.Other objectives specific to this course are:8. To be more competent in interpersonal communication across a variety of contexts, for example, relational, group, organizational, public, and intercultural communication situations.9. To recognize the responsibilities of being an ethical communicator. 10. To understand various methods for managing communication anxiety. You will demonstrate that you have met these goals in a variety of ways, including class participation, in-class activities, writing assignments, oral presentations and examinations. Details regarding these assessment strategies appear in this syllabus. Further information on each form of assessment will be provided orally in class and/or on materials distributed during the semester. Required text:Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2004). Communication: Principles for a lifetime (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson. ***Books MUST be brought to every class***Course Readings: You are expected to read the designated chapters in the text before coming to class on the day the readings are due. Coming to class is not a substitute for reading the text, nor is reading the 1text a substitute for attending class. Class time will be used to build on your reading, not to review it. Come to each class prepared to ask questions you have about the reading, to explore confusing aspects of the material, and to provide examples and illustrations of the theories and concepts covered in the text.Writing Requirements: There are three writing assignments in this course. Your writing competence will be assessed in determining your final course grade (see “Point Summary” section). You are expected to organize and express your ideas well. You will receive timely feedback and suggestions on your writing. You will be expected to address any deficiencies in your subsequent writing assignments. Guidelines regarding the writing assignments for the course appear in this syllabus, and more specific expectations will be addressed in class orally and/or through handouts. Course Requirements (Assessment strategies related to course learning goals) :Since this is a communication course, you will complete certain tasks in the different areas of communication. These include oral presentations, written papers, group discussions, practice applications of concepts, and examinations of learned concepts. Class Participation : A course in human communication requires active participation in class discussion and exercises. You must be present to be an active participant. Through your participation and receptivity to other class members’ participation, you will specifically address learning goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 for thiscourse. Excessive tardiness is unacceptable and will result in a lowered participation grade. If you foresee problems being in class or arriving to class on time, you should seriously consider dropping this class. I suggest that if you have a legitimate reason to miss class (e.g., illness, family emergency)you contact me to see what you missed in class that day. Extenuating circumstances (documented) will also be taken into account. Participation will be evaluated by attendance, degree of preparation for class (including the timely completion of activities/exercises that are to be done outside of class and brought to class on a particular day), demonstrated efforts to learn and understand the material, and constructive input and receptivity to others during class. I will facilitate in-class discussion; it is your responsibility to participate. While I encourage open expression of ideas in this class, your freedom to share your thoughts should not infringe on other students’ rights. Civility is expected. Please be considerate of others and of your instructor so we can all enjoy a dynamic, engaging, and comfortable environment! There is a possibility of fifty (50) points for class participation. In-class Assignments: We will complete in-class exercises that will require your oral and/or written participation. You must bring your text to class with you for this reason. Sporadically, I will collect written exercises and award points to those who have completed the task. These assignments often will require group discussions with classmates. Other times, they will require you to complete an activity outside of class and be ready to discuss or submit reactions to the activity during a particular class period. Your participation will be considered when assigning points. Examples of in-class assignments include exercises involving your practicing effective listening behaviors, activities requiring you to practice using evidence to support your ideas, simulations enabling you to appreciate different communicationstyles and cultural approaches, and group projects intended to foster your ability to negotiate effectivesolutions to communication problems. These assignments will address all of the learning goals of thiscourse. There is a possibility for one hundred (100)
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