COM 110: Elements of Interpersonal Communication T/TH 9:00-10:15am STAUF A132

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1 1 COM 110: Elements of Interpersonal Communication T/TH 9:00-10:15am STAUF A132 Instructor: Lisa van Raalte Office: STAUF 345 Office Hours: T/TH 10:15-11:15am or by appt. Welcome to COM 110! This course is designed to teach you fundamental concepts related to interpersonal communication across a variety of interactions, such as those with friends, coworkers, family members, and romantic partners. Being an effective communicator helps people develop and maintain healthy relationships. Effective communicators are also perceived as more credible and competent in the workplace. Thus, being a skilled communicator is valuable in one s personal and professional life. This course focuses on learning concepts, processes, and challenges involved in interpersonal communication, as well as learning skills that will make you a better communicator. REQUIRED READING Floyd, K. (2008). Interpersonal communication: The whole story. New York: McGraw-Hill. COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. To introduce you to the essential concepts necessary to understand and examine interpersonal communication events. 2. To help you evaluate your own interpersonal communication skills. 3. To provide you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate competency in interpersonal communication. COURSE POLICIES Attendance: You are expected to attended class regularly and to be part of our learning community. Therefore, attendance will be taken each day. If you have more than two unexcused absences, points will be deducted from your participation/attendance score at a rate of 5 points for every additional day absent (e.g., if you have 5 unexcused absences, your participation/attendance grade will be reduced by 15 points). There are other consequences for missing class. First, students tend to do much better when they attend class regularly. The information provided in lecture will help you better understand concepts that will appear on the exam. Also, some exam information is in lecture but not the text book. Second, if you miss a class activity you cannot receive points for that assignment (see missed activities below). Third, it is your sole responsibility to find out what you missed (including announcements) and to obtain notes from a fellow student if you miss class. I do not have notes to give students.

2 2 **Note: two tardies constitute one absence. Attending class means being present for at least 95% of the class session, therefore, if you re more than five minutes late you will be counted as absent for the day. Laptop Computers and Other Electronic Devices: You will only be allowed to use a laptop computer or a related electronic device (e.g., ipad) if you are using it to take notes for our class. If you are discovered to be browsing irrelevant websites (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.), playing games, completing work for another class, or chatting online, you will lose your laptop privilege. Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices: Before attending class, turn off or silence all cell phones and other portable electronic devices that can ring and generally disrupt the class. During exams, using or looking at your phone will be considered cheating and appropriate action will be taken. Resist the urge to engage in these activities by putting away your device. Late Assignments: Late assignments may be accepted and makeup exams allowed, IF AND ONLY IF: (a) you make every effort possible to contact me PRIOR TO the due date and time, (b) you provide official documentation, on your first day back to class, to verify your explanation as to why you could not turn in your assignment, and (c) documentation is official (i.e., written on official stationary or letterhead, and signed by the appropriate authority). Informal notes from your mother/father/friend/roommate do not qualify as appropriate documentation. If you do not meet the above criteria, you will receive a ZERO for your assignment. If you are going to miss class you are still responsible for turning in the work prior to the due date. There will be no incompletes given, except in the case of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events preventing completion of a small but important part of a semester s work before the term's end. Written Requirements: In general, all work turned in for credit must be typed, use leftjustification, use double-spacing throughout, be typed in Times New Roman font and size 12pt, and contain one inch margins on the left, right, top, and bottom of each page. This policy is necessary to ensure fairness. If one student uses a much larger type and wider margins than another student, the latter student will obviously be able to fit more material in the paper (and probably do better). A cover page in APA format is required (we will go over this in class together). Please avoid language that is sexist, racist, and ageist in your writing and speaking. APA citations and referencing is required for this class. Submission Policy: All written work in this class will be submitted to SafeAssign on Blackboard by 11:59pm on the due date. If the assignment requires you to print your work, please give assignments directly to me. Do not assignments, place them under my office door or on my desk, or turn them into the main office. Assignments delivered these ways often get lost (either in real space or cyberspace). If you have computer/internet or Blackboard-related problems, you must immediately contact the Help Desk 24/7 at ASU-5080 or the helpdesk tab on your My ASU page.

3 3 Additionally, you can visit the technology studio at the Computer Commons. To avoid these issues, be prepared by submit your assignments early. Grade Appeals: I encourage conversations about your grades or progress in the class at any point in the semester. When you receive a grade back, wait 24 hours before discussing the grade with me. If you would like to formally appeal a grade on an assignment or exam, you must schedule an appointment and come prepared with a written (typed) argument as to why you feel the grade is in error. This must be done within one week of receiving the grade. Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty could take on several forms in this class. Perhaps the three most common forms are collusion, cheating on an exam, and plagiarism. Collusion (two students working together) includes one student copying another student's work. Collusion on an exam would include (although this is not a comprehensive list) copying another student's answers, exchanging information during an exam, and other similar activities. Evidence of collusion is generally evidenced by two students handing in identical papers or exams with identical sets of answers. By placing this statement into my syllabus, I do not want to eliminate study groups or several individuals working together on assignments. What I do not want is for one person to do the work and more than one person to hand it in. Cheating on an exam (see also collusion on an exam, above) would include a sidelong glance at a fellow student's work, the preparation and use of a "crib sheet", stealing a copy of the exam, arranging for a substitute to take an exam, and talking during an exam. Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas without proper credit being given to that source. A paper given to an instructor by a student is assumed to be in the student's own words and to represent his or her ideas, unless certain words and ideas are specifically credited to a proper authority. A paper bearing a student's name that does not do this is plagiarized and reflects misrepresentation and dishonesty. Plagiarism can also occur in many forms. Word-for-word copying of another work without the use of quotation marks or citing that source, paraphrasing another person's ideas without proper citation of that work, providing a misleading citation, and handing in another student's work, and submitting a paper written for another class would all be considered plagiarism. Definitions of, procedures for reporting, and penalties for academic dishonesty are outlined in the university s policy available at: Disability Service: Students needing accommodations in this course due to disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) before requesting accommodations. Please contact me at the beginning of the semester, as I will be more than willing to make the necessary arrangements. The DRC is located on the first floor of

4 4 Matthew s Center. They can be contacted at They can also be contacted at (voice)/ (TDD). Student Conduct: The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication strives for a classroom climate that is comfortable for all. In a communication class, it is especially important that we 1. Display respect for all members of the classroom including the instructor and students; 2. Pay attention to and participate in all class sessions and activities; 3. Avoid unnecessary disruption during class time (e.g., having private conversations, reading the newspaper, surfing the internet, doing work for other classes, making/receiving cell phone calls, text messaging, etc.); and 4. Avoid racist, sexist, homophobic or other negative language that may unnecessarily exclude members of our campus and classroom. This is not an exhaustive list of behaviors; rather, it represents examples of the types of things that can have a dramatic impact on the class environment. Students are entitled to receive instruction free from interference by other members of the class. An instructor may withdraw a student from a course when the student s behavior disrupts the educational process under USI ( This includes students who are verbally or physically aggressive towards the instructor or another student before, during, or after class. As noted in this document, An instructor may withdraw a student from a course with a mark of W or E when the student s behavior disrupts the educational process. Disruptive classroom behavior for this purpose is defined by the instructor. In cases where disruptive behavior does not warrant removal from class, at the instructor s discretion a student s final grade will be lowered by 25% instead. Students are required to adhere to the behavior standards listed in the Arizona Board of Regents Policy Manual Chapter V Campus and Student Affairs: Code of Conduct ( as well as the ACD 125: Computer, Internet, and Electronics Communications ( Appointments and Office Hours: My door is always open should you need to make an appointment. In order for me to help you get the most out of our meeting, please come ready with your materials and questions. If you cannot make the appointment, please let me know in advance so we can reschedule appropriately. The best way to reach me is by and I will reply to you within 48hours of your original . If you have private issues or concerns, feel free to me directly. Note, though, that ASU has good firewalls. It s best to use your ASU to contact me. from accounts other than your ASU account may not reach me.

5 5 Participation and Confidentiality: This course is more interesting and beneficial when students participate in discussion. Active participation also helps students develop and refine their communication skills. To be prepared to participate effectively, you should read chapters prior to the day we talk about them in class. You will receive up to 30 points for class participation, which involves participating in class by attending, being prepared, and contributing to class discussion in a positive, constructive manner. Missed Activities: There are seven in-class activities throughout the semester. You earn 10 points toward your participation grade by coming to class, engaging in the activity, and turning in the necessary paperwork connected to the activity. You are allowed to make up one (and only one) of the activities by turning in a short Scholarship Summary paper. You will need to find a recent article (published in 2004 or later) from one of the following journals: Communication Monographs, Human Communication Research, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Personal Relationships, or the Western Journal of Communication. In 2-2½ pages, summarize the method the author(s) used (i.e., how they got their data questionnaire, experiment, etc.), the main findings from the study, and the applications those findings have to everyday life. You can substitute a Scholarship Summary for one activity. If you miss more than one activity, you will not have an opportunity to make up the missed points unless there are extenuating circumstances (as described under excused absences below). COURSE ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW Specific information about each assignment will be posted on Blackboard and discussed in class. Self-Reflection Paper: You will be writing a self-reflection paper that applies course concepts and material to your own interpersonal experience. Further information about the paper will be announced in class. Nonverbal Analysis Paper: The goal of this paper is to observe and analyze nonverbal behaviors between strangers. You and a classmate will observe two people engaging in conversation at a distance where you cannot hear then and analyze their relationship given their nonverbal behaviors. Further information about the paper will be announced in class. Examinations: There will be three exams in this course. Each exam is designed to evaluate your ability to apply the concepts introduced and to synthesize the information presented in your text and in class. Specific information about the content of the exams will be announced in class. In-Class Activities: There are seven in-class activities throughout the semester. You earn 10 points toward your participation grade by coming to class, engaging in the activity, and turning in the necessary paperwork connected to the activity. Further information about the activities will be announced in class.

6 6 GRADE BREAKDOWN Your grade will be based on the total number of points you earn as outlined directly below. Please use the chart below to keep track of your points throughout the semester. Course Assignments Points Possible Points Earned Exam Exam Exam Self-Reflection Paper 100 Nonverbal Analysis Paper 100 In-Class Activities 70 Participation/Attendance 30 Total Points 600 GRADING SCALE A B C A B C A B D

7 7 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Please note that sometimes it is necessary to make changes in the schedule in terms of material to be covered. Changes will be announced in class and posted on Blackboard. Date Topic Due Date Week 1 8/21 Course Overview and Introductions- Activity #1: Find Someone Who 8/26 About Interpersonal Communication CH 1 Week 2 8/28 Cultural Influences on Interpersonal CH 2 Communication 9/2 Gender and Interpersonal Communication Week 3 9/4 Self-Concept CH 3 9/9 Activity #2: Brown Bag Activity Week 4 9/11 Self-Disclosure 9/16 The Process of Perception CH 4 Week 5 9/18 Perceptual Biases and Skills 9/23 Exam #1 Week 6 9/25 Language CH 5 9/30 Nonverbal Channels CH 6 Week 7 10/2 Nonverbal Functions 10/7 Activity #3: Advertising Activity Week 8 10/9 Listening CH 7 10/14 NO CLASS: FALL BREAK Week 9 10/16 Forming and Maintaining Social Bonds CH 8 10/21 Friendships and Work Relationships Week 10 10/23 Activity #4: Sexual Harassment Activity 10/28 Exam #2 Week 11 10/30 Romantic Relationships CH 9 11/4 Family Relationships Week 12 11/6 Conflict CH 10 11/11 NO CLASS: VETERANS DAY Week 13 11/13 Activity #5: Conflict Analysis Activity 11/18 Power & Deception CH 11 Week 14 11/20 NO CLASS: NCA 11/25 Activity #6: Deception Detection Activity Week 15 11/27 NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING 12/2 The Nature of Emotion Emotional Skills CH 12 Week 16 12/4 Activity #7: Dear Com 110 Letter FINAL 12/11 EXAM THURS 7:30-9:20 AM: EXAM #3

8 8 PAPER STANDARDS The standards listed below should give you an idea of how I differentiate between various papers in terms of grades. An A paper (90 points or higher) demonstrates an outstanding grasp of the literature relevant to the issue, presents an excellent analysis, and is written in a clear and engaging manner with only very minor (if any) typos and grammatical errors. A B paper (80 89 points) demonstrates a very good grasp of the literature relevant to the issue, presents a good analysis, and is generally well written with only a few typos and/or grammatical errors. A C paper (70-79 points) demonstrates a satisfactory grasp of the literature relevant to the issue, presents an acceptable analysis, and is written without many typos and/or major grammatical errors. A D paper (60-69 points) is unsatisfactory in terms of the literature incorporated into the paper, the analysis, and/or the clarity of the writing. Often there are major grammatical errors, many typos, and/or the topic is only addressed in a very superficial manner. An E paper (under 60 points) does not meet the minimum requirements of the assignment, usually because the paper does not fit the assignment as outlined in the syllabus and class, does not incorporate enough relevant literature from the textbook or lecture, fails to provide much analysis, and/or is written in an incoherent manner.