Texas A&M University Central Texas

Transcription

1 Texas A&M University Central Texas Interpersonal Communication COMK 304 Fall 2015 Instructor: Laura Mallonee, M.A. (The preferred method of communication is through Blackboard Messages. If Blackboard is not available you should use your TAMUCT account for course communication.) Virtual Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:00pm-2:00pm, Thursdays 12:30 pm-2:00pm and by appointment Course Communication/Student-instructor interaction: As your instructor I am committed to responding to your questions and concerns in a timely manner. You should receive a response from me to your Blackboard messages and s within twenty-four hours of when the message was sent. I will be directly available to you during my virtual office hours through Blackboard Messages and . Course mode of instruction and course access: This course is a 100% online course and uses TAMUCT Blackboard Learn system ( You will use your individual Blackboard username and password to logon to this system. Course Required Textbook: Mottet, T. P., Vogl-Bauer, S., & Houser, M. L. (2012). Your Interpersonal Communication. Boston: Pearson. I. Course Description and Objectives: A study of communication, focused on research and theories about interpersonal communication in a variety of communication contexts. It can be argued that interpersonal communication is the building block or foundation of all other areas of communication. This course should lead to a broad understanding of interpersonal communication. We will explore communication in interpersonal relationships. Although interpersonal relationships can involve more than two people, this course focuses on dyadic relationships and the communication process that drives relational development, maintenance, and disengagement. Throughout the semester, we will review social scientific research and theory that attempts to explain human communication in the interpersonal context. As a result of this course, students will be able to: Define interpersonal communication in relation to various communication contexts (e.g. group communication, public communication, family, friendship, professional, intercultural, computer-mediated. Recall, describe, and explain at least three interpersonal communication theories and apply the theories to your own relationships.

2 Describe and apply principles of self-concept, interpersonal perception and cultural sensitivity to your own interpersonal behavior. Describe and appropriately apply the following interpersonal communication skills to your own interpersonal communication behaviors: listening, paraphrasing, perception checking, empathy, self-disclosure, assertiveness, managing conflict, nonverbal responsiveness, and supportive verbal messages. II. Course Policies Policy on Grades Records of grades will be available on Blackboard gradebook and students should monitor their grade status using this tool. Students should expect to receive returned graded work no later than a week from when the assignment is submitted. Policy on Late Work All assignments are due on the dates specified in the class schedule. Late work will not be accepted. However, the instructor reserves the right to accept late assignments for a lesser point value based on extenuating circumstances. Academic Honesty Texas A&M University Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Students found responsible of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonesty and report the incident to the Associate Director of Student Conduct. III. Course Requirements, Evaluation and Grading: Requirements The learning goal of this course is a thorough understanding of the course content as presented throughout the textbook, online lessons, other resources, online discussions, and as demonstrated through personal written and verbal presentation. Points will be deducted for failure to follow grammatical, syntactical rules for college level writing, proper appearance, and class instructions. It is incumbent on the student to seek out the instructor for assistance or clarification of course requirements should the student feel overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated. Students need to stay focused and timely in their class preparation. Evaluation and Grading Assignment Points Quiz One 75 Quiz Two 75 Quiz Three 75

3 Week One Forum 10 Week Two Forum 10 Week Three Forum 10 Week Four Forum 10 Week Five Forum 10 Week Six Forum 10 Week Seven Forum 10 Current Event Interpersonal Communication in the News 25 Conflict Analysis Paper 100 Interpersonal Reflection Report 100 TOTAL 520 Percentage Earned A B C D F Letter Grade Assigned Overview Quizzes Students will take three timed quizzes. In order to effectively prepare for the quizzes, students should read the assigned chapters, complete the assigned lessons and review personal notes from pertinent chapters. It is important to note that the quizzes will be timed, taken in a one-time seating and will not be reset. Therefore, it is imperative students have a sufficient and reliable internet connection before sitting to take the quiz. Forum Discussion Board Questions Students will need to post to the discussion board on the assigned weeks. An initial forum post is due on Thursday and a response to at least one fellow classmate s discussion post is due by the following Sunday on the assigned weeks. The expectations for the discussion posts are found in the Discussion Forum Guidelines posted to the resources tab on blackboard. The requirements for each forum post can be found in the forum post assignment in the content folders of the corresponding weeks on blackboard and on the discussion board tool.

4 Current Event Interpersonal Communication in the News Students will select a current event related to interpersonal communication and write a two page paper over this current event. The current event must have been published within the last two months. You may find your current event on The Today Show or other talk shows, in any major newspaper, articles from magazines, online dating websites, etc. The requirements of the assignment can be found on the Current Event Rubric posted to blackboard. Conflict Analysis Paper Students will be required to examine an instance of conflict in one of their own interpersonal relationships (a conflict with a family member, friend, significant other, co-worker, etc). Students will then complete an analysis paper of this conflict. This analysis paper provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the conflict processes and how to manage interpersonal conflict in the future. The requirements of the assignment can be found on the Conflict Analysis Paper Rubric posted to blackboard. Interpersonal Reflection Report Students will be required to complete an interpersonal reflection report at the end of the course. This analysis report provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the concepts and theories they have learned throughout the course. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned throughout the course to their personal lives. The requirements of the assignment can be found on the Interpersonal Reflection Report Rubric posted to blackboard. Technology Requirements For this course, you will need reliable and frequent access to a computer and to the Internet. You will also need speakers to be able to listen to online resources and a web camera to be able to record a video presentation. If you do not have frequent and reliable access to a computer with Internet connection, please consider dropping this course or contact me ([email protected]) to discuss your situation. This course will use the new TAMU-CT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class communications, content distribution, and assessments. Logon to to access the course. Username: Your MyCT username (xx123 or everything before the "@" in your MyCT address) Initial password: Your MyCT password Blackboard supports the most common operating systems: PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Mac: Mac OS X Mavericks NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO longer supported Check browser and computer compatibility by following the Browser Check link on the TAMU-CTBlackboard logon page. ( This is a CRITICAL step as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment.

5 Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation under My Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course. The new Blackboard is a brand-new interface and you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. This orientation course will help you get there. There is also a link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menu bar. The first week of the course includes activities and assignments that will help you get up to speed with navigation and discussion posts. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success in this course. Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.