COMM 1318C: Interpersonal Communication Education on Demand Online

Transcription

1 COMM 1318C: Interpersonal Communication Education on Demand Online Instructor: Dr. Kristina Drumheller Phone: Office: FAC 192 Office Hours: by appt. Texts: Adler, R. B., Rosenfeld, L. B., & Proctor II, R. F. (2013). Interplay: The process of interpersonal communication (12 th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Additional Materials: Reliable Internet Access, PDF Reader, PowerPoint (or similar program), Word (or similar program) Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. -Carl Jung Course Purpose Interpersonal Communication focuses on the psychological, physical and cultural barriers to interpersonal communication with emphasis on overcoming these barriers in order to improve interpersonal communication. This course stresses the importance of interpersonal communication, personally and professionally. This course seeks to help you assess your own current relationships, work on strengthening current relationships, and build knowledge and awareness for future relationships across contexts. The relationship skills developed in this course cut across contexts identifying those skills that help strengthen relationships by working through the barriers that confound them such as culture, gender, power, conflict, and perception. Strategies for overcoming barriers through listening, nonverbal communication, language use, empathy, and message construction are developed throughout the course. Students should be able to meet the following objectives by the completion of this course: 1. Recognize and understand the transactional model of communication. 2. Apply general communication principles to interpersonal contexts. 3. Apply interpersonal theories for understanding and evaluating a variety of relationships. 4. Demonstrate the ability to effectively interact in dyads. 5. Develop and demonstrate effective active listening skills. 6. Demonstrate ability to present information, in an acceptable presentation format, about interpersonal relationships. 7. Assess cultural and political factors affecting relationships.

2 Syllabus COMM State Mandated Core Competencies A. To understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing, and presentation. B. To understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and to select appropriate communication choices. C. To understand and appropriately apply modes of expression, i.e., descriptive, expositive, narrative, scientific, and self- expressive, in written, visual, and oral communication. D. To participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding. E. To understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in the development of exposition and argument. F. To develop the ability to research and write a documented paper and/or give an oral presentation. Goals for Student Achievement Communicate and participate to maximize understanding and class energy. Realize the implications of specific communicative acts on relationships. Evaluate communication theories for usefulness and development in your own life. Acknowledge the power of communication in various relationships and situations. Treat your classmates with respect and integrity for a safe learning environment. Elect to shape and mold new understanding to create your communicative world. Lectures and Assignments Lectures/Lesson Notes are intended to provide additional material from the text, not to regurgitate information so just because it is not in the lecture, it does not mean it is not important. Please read the text to get the most out of discussions and assignments. Projects and assignments may not be made up except in the case of documented illness, family emergency, university sanctioned activities, or as otherwise approved by the instructor. Prior notification where possible enhances your credibility but does not replace required documentation. Any late assignments accepted will be at the discretion of the instructor and will result in a loss of 10 points per day it is late. This course must be completed by the deadline set by your enrollment date. No exceptions. Grading Philosophy Graded assignments are often returned within one week, though some grades can get delayed because of scheduling conflicts. You are as responsible for your success as I am. I will help in every way I can but it is your responsibility to contact me with questions, concerns, or for assistance. You are expected to keep up with the course readings and be prepared to engage in discussion. No grades will be given over the phone or . Contesting of grades should be done at the time the grade is returned and not at the end of the semester. Please be aware that contesting of grades requires a full re-grading of your assignment, not just a portion of it, and has the same chance of going up as it does down. Grading Scale A= B= C= D= F=599 and below

3 Syllabus COMM Policies for Maintaining Professionalism Withdrawal: I will not withdraw you from the class. You must do so on your own. Failure to attend class without withdrawing yourself will result in an F in the course. Plagiarism and Cheating: are not tolerated and will result in a failing grade on the course assignment, and depending on the severity, disciplinary proceedings may be pursued. It is the responsibility of students and instructors to maintain academic integrity at WTAMU by refusing to participate in or tolerate academic dishonesty or any behavior that prevents University representatives or students from effectively furthering the mission of the University as stated in the mission statement. Any act that hinders WTAMU from maintaining the integrity of the University s academic mission shall be treated as a serious offense against the community as a whole. It is both the right and responsibility of every member of the community to read, understand and enforce the guidelines set forth for maintaining WTAMU s academic integrity. Sanctions for any violation of the Academic Integrity Code may include any of those listed under the Sanctions/Penalties section of the Code of Student Life. Human dignity: will be the norm for all class assignments, discussions and postings. As the instructor of record, I reserve the right to interrupt and discontinue any posting that is offensive or insulting. Such actions will result in a failing grade for the assignment. Remember, respect, responsibility and integrity are key characteristics to any communicator. Incompletes: will not be given for any reason unless documentation is provided from the dean of student affairs office notifying me of extenuating circumstances. If you are unable to complete the coursework on time, you should withdraw from the course or face the possibility of failing the course. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: West Texas A&M University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student s responsibility to register with Student Disability Services ( ) and to contact the faculty member in a timely fashion to arrange for suitable accommodations. If you need content or attachments in alternate formats for accessibility, please send your contact information and the specifics of your request to accessibility@wtamu.edu. Evacuation Statement: If you are on campus and receive notice to evacuate the building, please evacuate promptly but in an orderly manner. Evacuation routes are posted in various locations indicating all exits, outside assembly area, location of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and emergency telephone numbers ( or 911). In the event an evacuation is necessary: evacuate immediately do not use elevators; take all personal belongings with you; report to outside assembly area and wait for further information; students needing assistance in the evacuation process should bring this to the attention of the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Online Course Tutorial: If you are new to online instruction, make sure you have taken the online tutorial so you will know how to find and use things like the discussion boards, drop boxes, and other course tools. The following is a common syllabus for all COMM 1318 classes. A description of specific assignments fulfilling the common syllabus is below the common content.

4 Syllabus COMM Common COMM 1318 Course Content Points Exams Group Project (PowerPoint Required) Analysis Paper 200 Reflection Papers & Participation 350 Total 1000 Course Assignment Descriptions Points 2 Exams essay; 5 Quizzes multiple choice, matching, true/false Group Project (PowerPoint Required) 150 Self Reflection: Group Processes (50 pts) (Obj 3; Core D) Analysis of Relationships in Film Choose a film with a significant dyadic relationship (two people) to analyze. Create a PowerPoint presentation to analyze. (100 pts) (Obj 1-3, 6; Core A-F) 1 Analysis Paper (2 Part Assignment) 240 Relationship Critique (50 pts) (Obj 2 & 7; Core A, E) Relationship Reflection (100 pts) (Obj 1, 2, 4, 5, & 7; Core A-C) You will choose a relationship you want to strengthen over the course of this short semester. You will tell me about the relationship (relationship critique), make an effort to strengthen the relationship, and close the semester with an analysis of your efforts (relationship reflection). Pay It Forwards (90 pts) (Obj 2-5, 7; Core B) Pay It Forwards will allow you to practice effective and kind interpersonal skills. Reflection Papers & Participation 310 Historical Reflection (100 pts) write a short reflection on the communication efforts of an actual historical dyad (Obj 2-3, 7; Core A, E, F) Self Reflection: Conflict Management (50 pts) (Obj. 4-5; Core E) Online Activities (100 pts) various activities will be posted to enhance your understanding of the course theories and concepts. (Obj 1-3; Core C, E) Substantive Postings (60 pts) you are required to post substantive comments to two threads in each module s discussion boards. Each post must include a reference back to your text, an outside reference, and a synthesis of the material. In addition, you are expected to post 5 responses over the duration of the course to either the instructor s comments to your post, or to peers. Postings should be respectful. I reserve the right to delete or censure any inappropriate postings. (Obj 1-3, 6-7; Core B, C, E) Total 1000 Detailed assignment sheets will be posted on WTClass. All assignments and exams are due by 11:55 p.m. on their due date. Dates are listed in the course schedule.

5 Syllabus COMM Steps to Developing a Substantive Message Step 1 - Add value to the discussion Try to avoid messages that simply agree with the discussion like Great job! or Totally agree! Although supportive comments are ALWAYS encouraged, build on your affirmation by expressing your point of view or reasoning behind your agreement. Introduce related concepts, expand examples, or refine a point. Step 2 - Actively utilize course materials within discussions. As you consider discussion questions and others observations, can you identify where concepts from our readings would help support or clarify points made? Use the readings and lectures to help validate your point. Step 3 - Be creative Try to see where subtle points might be overlooked and bring those points out in your discussion. Bring in content from your research that you feel really adds clarity to a point or issue. Step 4 - Be descriptive Provide details that illustrate your point of view. Adding narrative to your point adds interest and can clarify theories and concepts that might not otherwise be clear. Step 5 - Plan your time effectively Do not wait until the last minute of the day to post your messages. Try to find an ideal time that works for you. Some of us are at our best in the twilight hours, others are not. Find your comfort zone and go from there! TIPS FOR SUCCESS We are all lifelong learners. No matter how experienced or well educated we become, there is always something new we can gain from each week's materials and discussions with class members. We're here to share new discoveries and expand our skills -- technically as well as interpersonally. Keep your mind and eyes open to new discoveries-- they're everywhere! Plan Ahead. Calendar the due dates for your reading and written assignments. Structure your week so you have time to digest the readings, get involved in the discussion boards, and prepare assignments prior to the due date. Give yourself time to proofread your work! Discussion Questions: Although our communication is in writing, we are talking to each other so create a conversation rather than worrying about being formal. However, do make an effort to send messages that are readable and understandable. Occasional grammatical, spelling, and typographical errors are to be expected but editing should keep these minimal. Collaborate: This is a collaborative environment, so be positive and careful about your words to keep a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing. Use the discussions to develop your interpersonal communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills. Debate & Dialogue: Critical thinkers seek to OPEN a topic, not close it or seal it and put it away. Critical thinkers engage in dialogue when they write their essays (and when they engage in discussions). Dialoguers are collaborative, open-minded, listen to understand, and consider new ideas. Debaters assume they have the right answer and seek to find ways to counter arguments they find to be flawed. Remain open to other points of view.

6 Syllabus COMM NETIQUETTE Reminder 1: No Flaming Flaming is the practice of insulting, disrespecting or attacking another person. Expressions of hostility are different than disagreeing with what someone says. It's okay to disagree, but it's important to do it politely. Here's an example of what this means. Flaming: "Your idea is so stupid that it makes me sick." Polite Disagreement: "I disagree with what you've said. My experience has been different. Here's my point of view. What do you think?" Flaming is often done in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Reminder 2: No Inappropriate Language No offensive language; no racist or sexist comments. Reminder 3: No Harassment Remember that the law still applies in cyberspace. Do not commit illegal acts online, such as libeling or slandering others; and do not joke about committing illegal acts. Reminder 4: No Misuse of Class Communications Do not post irrelevant messages, referred to in hacker's jargon as spam. Postings will be directed to the topic being addressed and include only relevant information. Read existing postings before responding so you don't repeat what has already been said. Also follow the University guidelines against plagiarism do not post someone else s words without giving them credit! Reminder 5: Keep Tone Civil Avoid putting words in full capitals. Online, all caps is considered SHOUTING. Read your post for tone. How do you think it might come across? If it doesn t seem like it will be read as a respectful message, then revise it. If you are mad while writing the post, do not send it. Save it in a note file, read it at least 24 hours later. Chances are you will be glad you did not post it. Reminder 6: Stay on Topic While discussion is encouraged, rambling and getting off topic is discouraged. Help each other stay focused and on topic. Reminder 7: Use Appropriate Lines & Specifics in Message As the conversation evolves, the subject may change and it can be helpful to have a subject line that reflects the message. Also, make sure you are clear about your details. Don t assume everyone will understand to what you are referring. Be specific about textbook messages, providing page numbers where possible.

7 Syllabus COMM Course Schedule The instructor reserves the right to make amendments to the following schedule as necessary. There may be additional assignments given throughout the semester that are not listed in this syllabus to facilitate understanding where necessary. Students are expected to have read the reading PRIOR to participating in the discussion boards. Knowledge of the material should be evident in your discussion posts. Each module must be completed before the next module will open. MODULE ONE: Who are you and who are you when you are we? Interpersonal Communication Ch. 1 Contexts types of family, work relationships, health relationships Theory: Attraction Theory Concept of Self in Relationships Theory: Social Penetration Theory & JoHari Window Due: Flexible Communication Online Activity Due: Relationship Critique Ch. 3 MODULE TWO: Looking out, looking in, going native Perception & Listening Ch. 4 Theory: Attribution Theory Listening Theory: Social Identity Theory Culture & Intercultural Issues Theory: Uncertainty Reduction Theory Due: Pay it Forward #1 Due: Improving Conversation Skills Activity Ch. 7 Ch. 2 MODULE THREE: A word means nothing more than what I say it means Verbal Communication Ch. 5 Nonverbal Communication Ch. 6 Theory: Nonverbal Expectancy Violation Theory Due: Self Reflection: Group Processes Due: Exam 1

8 Syllabus COMM MODULE FOUR: Interpersonal contexts and subtexts Initiating & Sustaining Relationships Ch. 8-9 Emotional Issues & Trust Theory: Stages of Relationship Due: Applying Theories Online Activity Due: Historical Reflection MODULE FIVE: Who s got the upper hand and does it matter? Conflict Ch. 11 Dark Side of Communication difficult family communication; death & dying Power & Influence - sexual harassment & bullying Due: Pay it Forward #2 Due: Dark Side Online Activity Due: Self-Reflection: Managing Conflict MODULE SIX: Ending on a Positive Note Terminating Relationships Theory: Social Exchange Theory Ch. 8 Ch Ch. 9 Positive Influence suggestions for success; Ch. 12 work-life balance; improving health care Due: Film analysis Due: Relationship Reflection Due: Exam 2 Copyright 2014, K. Drumheller; no portion of this syllabus may be copied or used without express permission from the author. Students are prohibited from using this course and materials for any purpose other than for their own educational use.