Course Description Principles and theories of speech communication. Participation in public speaking and interpersonal communication activities.

Transcription

1 COM 113: Fundamentals of Speech Communication Fall 2014 COURSE SYLLABUS AND REQUIREMENTS Saralinda Seibert Kiser, Instructor Office: VSG 30A Office Phone Instructor Mailbox: AB 624 Office Hours: T/Th 11 11:50 Through WebCampus or Department of Communication Phone: Course Description Principles and theories of speech communication. Participation in public speaking and interpersonal communication activities. Silver Core Objective This course satisfies CO 6: Cultures, Societies, and Individuals: Students will learn how to systematically analyze human social conditions (e.g. individuals, groups, communities, and cultures). In particular, students will learn to observe, theorize, model, experiment, and/or interpret as a means of inquiring into human social relations. Communication Studies is a social science focused on how personal, political, cultural, and social discourses create meaning, constitute identity, distribute resources, and organize behavior. COM 113 is the foundational course for communication studies outlining the different sub disciplines, theories, and concepts related to the study of human behavior at the personal, group, organizational, mass audience, and cultural levels. Students will be able to identify and explain communication concepts within contexts while also exploring the issues and questions driving communication studies research. Courses satisfying CO 6, must also demonstrate developing CO 3 and either CO 1 or CO 3. As a communication studies course, COM 113 develops CO 1: Effective Composition and Communication (students will be able to effectively compose written, oral, and multimedia texts for a variety of scholarly, professional, and creative purposes) and CO 3: Critical Analysis and Use of Information (Students will be critical consumers of information, able to engage in systematic research processes, frame questions, read critically, and apply observational and experimental approaches to obtain information). Students learn the theories and concepts for effective oral communication for different contexts, practice oral communication through group work and class presentation, and practice writing through assignments. Students engage in CO 3 by working in groups on problem solving tasks and learning about typical research conducted by and resources used by communication scholars. [Noted below in the SLOs and course assignments are the ways this course directly addresses the COs listed above]. Student Learning Outcomes: Students in this course will explore and study the process and theory of human communication through readings, lectures, and interactional activities. Students will: Distinguish communication studies from other social science disciplines (such as psychology or sociology) by emphasizing principle methods of inquiry, guiding theoretical perspectives, and library resources for communication studies (CO 3, CO 6) Com113 F14 Kiser Page 1

2 Identify the fundamental principles and theories of human communication including the transaction model of communication, verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, listening, and the self in communication. (CO 1, CO 6) Identify basic public speaking principles including audience analysis, rhetorical devices, persuasive appeals and features of argument. (CO 1, CO 6) Identify and apply relational dynamics theory and concepts including those related to interpersonal communication, gender communication, intercultural communication, and organizational communication. (CO 6) Identify and demonstrate effective group communication skills including leadership, problem solving, decision making, and conflict management. (CO 1, CO 3) Identify contexts of public advocacy and civic engagement including political communication and leadership. Required Text: Floyd, K. (2013). Communication Matters (2e). McGraw Hill. Buy from UNR bookstore because it is a custom printed book. Required: Access code for McGraw Hill Connect. This comes with your textbook purchase. Required Materials: 3 x 5 lined note cards (at least 30 cards) Course Requirements and Policies Exams: (CO 6) There will be 3 exams, which assess student knowledge from reading material, videos, handouts, and lectures. Each exam is worth 100 points. The format for exams is a combination of multiplechoice, fill in, true/false, matching, and short answer questions administered through WebCampus. The exams will be graded according to the accuracy, clarity, detail, and insight of the answers. Please review the exam preparation materials on WebCampus. Each exam will be available online through WebCampus during a limited period of time. You may take the exam at a time of your choice during this period. Please note the schedule below. To earn full credit, exams must be submitted on or before the due date and time. Exams not submitted by the due date might not be accepted or may be accepted with a point reduction, regardless of the reason for the late submission. I strongly recommend that you use on campus computer resources to take your exams so that you have access to technical support should you need it. Attendance and Participation Note: CO 1 (oral) is addressed through in class activities and group work, CO 1 (written) is addressed through short writing assignments through the Connect assignments, CO 3 is addressed through in class activities or analysis assignments. All practice activities and assignments are part of CO 6 and learning the content of how communication scholars study human behavior. Attendance is integral to the communication process and crucial to success in most courses. I expect you to attend each class meeting. Research on higher education suggests that class participation positively influences course grades, and I have found this to be true in my classes. There are 50 points (10% of total course grade), which can be earned through attendance and participation activities. Some participation exercises are in class, individual or group activities. Com113 F14 Kiser Page 2

3 Students must be in class on the day of the activity to earn these points. These exercises are scattered throughout the semester. Most of these dates will not be specified on the calendar or schedule. Each activity may account for up to 10 points (2.5%) of the course grade. There are no make ups for these activities except in extraordinary situations. Any makeups will be granted solely according to the instructor s discretion. Some participation activities are individual WebCampus assignments. These may include completion of Connect Learning Modules, quizzes, short writing assignments, analysis of media content, guided discussion, etc. Individual assignments are not specified on the syllabus; they will be explained in class and posted on WebCampus. Students must have access to McGraw Hill Connect for the entire semester. An access code comes with your textbook purchase or can be purchased from McGraw Hill online. The free trial offered by McGraw Hill will not enable students to complete all Connect assignments. Generally assignments are worth up to 10 points each. Due dates will be specified in class and on WebCampus. Late assignments might not be accepted, or might be accepted for partial credit at the instructor s discretion. Connect for this class can be accessed through WebCampus or at the web address below. Detailed instructions for Connect registration are provided on WebCampus. kiser sections 1001 and 1002 Students are expected to attend class regularly, and attendance will be tracked during some class meetings. Tracked dates are not specified on the syllabus. If you miss a class meeting where attendance is tracked there will be a 2 point (.5%) deduction from your grade. Please note: There is no distinction between an excused and unexcused absence; however, in the event of acute illness, emergencies, or school sponsored responsibilities, points for absences may be recovered at the instructor s discretion. Excessive absences for any reason, even school activities, will likely have adverse effect on course grade. If you do have to be absent, you are responsible for asking another classmate to copy any handouts or notes from that day. Please review the full attendance policy posted on the WebCampus Com 113 page. Notecards and student numbers Each student will be randomly assigned a number for this class and given a notecard with that number on it. Please bring the card to each class meeting. Sometimes the card will be used to track attendance or complete a participation activity. Please also bring a few blank 3 x 5 notecards to each class for use in graded participation activities. Group Presentation: (CO 1, CO 3, CO 6) There is one group project worth 30 points (7.5%) of the course grade. Students will be randomly assigned to small groups and each group will be given a communication problem to solve. Each group will submit a written, detailed explanation of the group solution and will also present their ideas to the class. Grades will be based on the quality of the submission, the practicality and creativity of the solution, and the communication process during class and group meetings. Specific instructions for this project will be presented in class and on WebCampus. Individuals who do not participate fully in the group project may be removed from their assigned groups at the instructor s discretion and will not be able to earn the points for this assignment. Interpersonal Analysis: (CO 1, CO 3, CO 6) There is one Interpersonal Analysis Assignment, worth 20 points (5%) of the course grade. A case study related to interpersonal communication will be assigned in November. Students will be Com113 F14 Kiser Page 3

4 asked to respond to the Case Study through a WebCampus quiz. The quiz will assess the student s ability to apply communication theory and concepts to the communication events presented in the case study. Additional instructions for this project will be presented in class and on WebCampus. Late assignments might not be accepted, or might be accepted for partial credit at the instructor s discretion. Important Reminder: Readings and assignments listed for each week should be done before coming to class. WebCampus: This course utilizes WebCampus for communication, participation assignments, exams, and assessment. I expect you to be competent using WebCampus Learn. Any changes to the course syllabus and schedule will be posted on WebCampus. Students are expected to monitor the course page on a regular basis. If you are unfamiliar with WebCampus Learn, you should attend the free workshops for students through Instructional Design Technology. Contacts for these workshops can be found on the WebCampus login page. You may also direct WebCampus questions to the Help Desk at (775) If you have not already done so, you must activate your NetID and set up your account during the first week of class. Communication with Instructor: Please be sure that you have a current on file through MyNevada, since I use to communicate important class announcements. You can me through WebCampus. I make every effort to respond to student s in a timely manner; however, it may take 24 hours or more for me to respond. If you have not received a response, please do not assume that I have read or received your . Written assignments will not be accepted via unless specified otherwise in the assignment guidelines. Academic Climate: This class works best if we utilize a combination of lecture, discussion, and participation activities. I hope you will contribute ideas and opinions. Please be courteous and respectful of your peers and instructors by attending to the following practices: Please silence your cell phone and do not text or talk in class. If you bring a laptop to class, please use it for taking notes only; most other activities are distracting to your instructors and classmates and will also prevent you from listening to the course material. Please arrive on time and stay until class ends. Please do not engage in side conversation. If you have questions, please address them to the instructor. Please do not eat smelly or noisy food in class. Please demonstrate respect and active listening toward others to create a positive communication climate. Please participate in activities, ask questions, and help us have enjoyable, insightful discussions. Academic Success Services: Your student fees cover usage of the Math Center ( or Tutoring Center ( or and University Writing Center ( or These centers support your classroom learning. Disabilities: Students with disabilities who may require accommodation to obtain equal access in this course can contact the Disabilities Resource Center in Thompson Building, Suite 100, Com113 F14 Kiser Page 4

5 Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and dishonesty about absences are unacceptable and will result in grade penalties and University Disciplinary Action. If you are uncertain about what constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult the Student Handbook. Student dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: (a) plagiarism, (b) using someone else s work as your own, (c) using the same paper or speech for more than one class, (d) removing an exam from the classroom, (e) cheating on an exam, and (f) unauthorized communication during exams, including online exams. In this course, you must take your own exam alone and unassisted by others. Surreptitious or covert video taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded. Grading System and Philosophy: Part of a college teacher s job is to assess and report student performance. In order to do so, we have devised objective measures to assess performance at multiple levels. Exams measure students abilities to retain, analyze, and intellectually apply course material. Assignments measure student s abilities to practice and apply course material. Graded participation activities measure students degree of involvement and effort in this course. Attendance records are objective reports of students presence. Effort and competence in each of these components is necessary for success in this course. WebCampus grade book: Throughout the semester, grades will be posted on WebCampus for your reference. The WebCampus grade center is not an official grade report and may not always be a current indicator of your grade. Official grade reports will be posted through MYNEVADA at the end of the semester. If there are discrepancies between WebCampus grade center and MYNEVADA entries, the official grade will prevail, except in the case of clerical errors. Please do not hesitate to direct any questions you may have about your grades to me throughout the semester. Please do not, however, contact me at or near the end of the semester to ask for extra credit, special consideration, or grade manipulation. Grades for this course will be based on successful completion of (1) three exams, (2) attendance and participation activities, (3) a group project, and (4) a case study analysis. There are no extra credit assignments, alternative assignments, or additional points for this course. 400 total points available: 3 tests 300 points (100 points per test) (CO 6) Attendance/participation activities 50 points (CO 1, CO 3, CO 6) Group project 30 points (CO 1, CO 3, CO 6) Interpersonal analysis assignment 20 points (CO 1, CO 3, CO 6) Please review the following standards so you understand the philosophy and foundation for assigning grades in this course. A +/ grading scale will be used for final grades. A/A ( / points) = Exceptional, above average performance. An A student has exceeded the basic requirements and shown especial initiative in this course. This student has put extra time and effort into study and projects that are thought provoking and excellent in mechanics and content. All assignments have been completed with excellence. Exams, quizzes, and attendance are nearly perfect. Com113 F14 Kiser Page 5

6 B/B ( / points) = Superior, above average performance. A B student has completed all assignments with a minimum of errors and has exceeded the basic requirements. Projects are complete and well executed. Exams and quizzes reflect thorough knowledge of subject material. C/C ( / points) = Average, adequate performance. A C student has completed the majority of assignments in a satisfactory manner. A C is an average, passing grade, which indicates that a student has sufficient knowledge of subject material. D/D ( / points) = Incomplete, below average performance. A D student has completed enough assignments acceptably to pass the course but is deficient in some areas. Missing assignments or improperly or haphazardly completed assignments indicate failure to adequately prepare for and participate in this course. D scores early in the course should be a warning to this student that performance in insufficient for satisfactory progress. Please meet with me for help. F (below 237 points) = Failure to meet the requirements of the course. Missing or incomplete assignments, cheating, plagiarizing, or excessive absences will result in a failing grade. Com113 F14 Kiser Page 6

7 Fall 2014 Com 113 Reading and Class Schedule (may be changed at Instructor s discretion) Tuesday 1 Aug 26 Chapter 1 Communication Thursday 2 Aug 28 Chapter 1 Communication Tuesday 3 Sep 2 Chapter 2 Culture Thursday 4 Sep 4 Chapter 3 Self and Others Tuesday 5 Sep 9 Chapter 3 Self and Others Thursday 6 Sep 11 Chapter 9 Small Groups Tuesday 7 Sep 16 Group Participation Activity Attendance required Chapter 9 Small Groups Thursday 8 Sep 18 Only Students 1 35 and meet in classroom. Tuesday 9 Sep 23 Chapter 4 Language Thursday 10 Sep 25 Only Students and meet in classroom. Tuesday 11 Sep 30 Exam 1 (Chapters 1 3, 9 and lecture material) Posts at 1:00 pm Exam 1 is due Thursday, October 9 th at 5:00 pm Thursday 12 Oct 2 Only Students and meet in classroom. Tuesday 13 Oct 7 Chapter 4 Language Thursday 14 Oct 9 Only Students and meet in classroom. Tuesday 15 Oct 14 Small Group Meeting Attendance recorded Thursday 16 Oct 16 Small Group Meeting Attendance recorded Tuesday 17 Oct 21 Group Project Due Chapter 14 Speaking Informatively Thursday 18 Oct 23 Chapter 5 Communicating Nonverbally Tuesday 19 Oct 28 Chapter 5 Communicating Nonverbally Thursday 20 Oct 30 Persuasion Tuesday 21 Nov 4 Chapter 10 Decision making and Leadership Thursday 22 Nov 6 Exam 2 (Chapters 4 5, 14, Persuasion and lectures) Posts at 1:00 pm Exam 2 is due Thursday, November 13 th 5:00 pm Tuesday Nov 11 Veterans Day Holiday Thursday 23 Nov 13 Chapter 7 Social/Professional Relationships Tuesday 24 Nov 18 Chapter 8 Intimate Relationships Thursday 25 Nov 20 Chapter 8 Intimate Relationships Tuesday 26 Nov 25 Relationships Thursday Nov 27 Thanksgiving No class meeting Tuesday 27 Dec 2 Case Study Quiz Due Chapter 6 Listening Thursday 28 Dec 4 Chapter 6 Listening Tuesday 29 Dec 9 Social Media and Wrap Up Thursday Dec 11 Exam 3 Posts 12:30 pm Tuesday Dec 16 Exam 3 is due and closes 7:00 pm Exam 3 (Chapters 6, 7, 8, 10 and lecture material) Com113 F14 Kiser Page 7