COMM 3300 01 Interpersonal Communication Course Syllabus Fall 2013 Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, (678) 466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu. Term: Fall Semester 2013 Instructor Information: Instructor: Rabiyah A. Karim-Kincey phone: (678) 466-4750 fax: (678) 466-4769 e-mail: RabiyahKarim-Kincey@mail.clayton.edu internet: http://faculty.clayton.edu/rkarimkincey Office hours: By Appointment Class Meetings: Classroom: JAMES M. BAKER UNIVERSITY CENTER, Room U262 Class times: 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday and Wednesday
Textbook Information: Text: Interpersonal Communication by Steven A. Beebe and Susan J. Beebe and Mark V. Redmond, 6th Edition (2008) Course Description: Number and Title: COMM 3300 (CRN 89813) Interpersonal Communication Credit Hours: 3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3) Catalog Description: This course is designed to help students develop effective interpersonal communication skills. Students can expect to learn the theories and concepts of interpersonal communication, and then apply them to "real world" situations. It is expected that students will develop proficiencies in dyadic interactions and their analysis. In other words, students should be able to evaluate and moderate their own behavior, and assess the skills of others. In this way, students develop skills and a critical mindset that can be applied when they venture into the work- place. Recommended completion of Area C and E.3. Course Objectives Effective interpersonal communication skills are key to both personal and professional success. In order to become an effective communicator, one must learn how to communicate with diverse people (differences in race, gender, religion, education, socioeconomic status, etc.) in diverse situations (workplace, intimate/romantic, friendships, family relationships, etc.). This course will help students improve their interpersonal communications skills as well as clarify why some people are more effective and others less effective. Through completion of this course, students will: 1. Understand the need for effective interpersonal communication skills in various contexts 2. Use research skills in the preparation of assignments 3. Practice listening and critical thinking skills 4. Learn the vocabulary of interpersonal communication theory Computer Requirement: Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's
academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://www.clayton.edu/hub/itpchoice/notebookcomputerpolicy. Computer Skill Prerequisites: Able to use the Windows TM operating system Able to use Microsoft Word TM and PowerPoint TM Able to send and receive e-mail via CSU e-mail account Able to attach and retrieve files via email and in GeorgiaView Able to use a Web browser and conduct research through library database. In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers: Student notebook computers will be used in the classroom in this course on occasion. The instructor will inform of such times. Otherwise, it is asked that computers not be used in class. Computers will be necessary to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor. GeorgiaVIEW (Online Classroom): On-line activity will take place in GeorgiaVIEW, the virtual classroom for the course. You can gain access to GeorgiaVIEW, by signing on to the SWAN portal and selecting : GaVIEW on the top right side. If you experience any difficulties in GeorgiaVIEW, please email or call The HUB at TheHub@mail.clayton.edu or (678) 466-HELP. You will need to provide the date and time of the problem, your GeorgiaVIEW username, the name of the course that you are attempting to access, and your instructor's name. Major Student Activities: Reading and studying from the course text book Working assigned homework Taking notes during class Answering and asking questions during class Taking quizzes and examinations Participating in class discussions Preparing and delivering presentations on varying aspects of Interpersonal Communication
Program Learning Outcomes: General education outcomes: The following link provides the Clayton State University Core Curriculum outcomes (see Area D): http://www.clayton.edu/portals/5/core_curriculum_outcomes_clayton.pdf Communication and Media Studies outcomes: http://a-s.clayton.edu/vpa/cms/ Student Learning Outcome 1 may be assessed in this course as a part of the ongoing program evaluation: SLO1: Communicate effectively using multiple channels of communication. Course Outcomes COMM 3300 supports these outcomes for the CMS major: 1. Communicate effectively using multiple channels of communication; 2. Conduct primary and secondary research on media products and communicative practices; 3. Understand theoretical perspectives on communication, media and global culture; and, 4. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical theories, professional standards and legal constraints in communication and media environments. Course Learning Outcomes: After completing this course successfully, students should be able to: 1. Examine various universals of interpersonal communication 2. Explore the impact of culture in shaping perception 3. Explore strategies for shaping and improving self esteem 4. Examine the role of self in interpersonal relationships 5. Become aware of the importance of effective listening skills 6. Investigate how verbal and nonverbal messages influence interpersonal relationships 7. Identify stages in interpersonal relationship development 8. Identify conflict management strategies.
Evaluation: Grading: Note: Subject to change at instructor s discretion. - Weekly Journals (submitted on GaView) 60 - Outside Observation 50 - Group Presentation 50 - Quizzes & In &/or out of class assignments (including class teach) 120 - Class participation 20 - Midterm Exam 100 - Final Exam 100 TOTAL 500 A 450 500 B 400 449 C 350 399 D 300 349 F below 300 Mid-term Progress Report: The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on September 30. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W." Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, or withdraw on-line using the Swan by mid-term, which occurs on October 4. Instructions for withdrawing are provided at this link. The last day to withdraw without academic accountability is Friday, October 4, 2013.
Course Schedule: Note: Subject to change at instructor s discretion. Lesson Date Lesson Topic Text Chapter 1 Aug 12/14 2 Aug 19/21 3 Aug 26/28 Intro to Interpersonal Communication 1 4 Sep 4 Interpersonal Communication & Self 2 5 Sep 9/11 6 Sep 16/18 Interpersonal Communication & Perception Castaway Interpersonal Communication & Diversity 3 4 7 Sep 23/25 8 Sep/Oct 30/2 Listening & Responding Skills *MIDTERM EXAM (Chps.1-5) Verbal Communication Skills 5 6 Oct 04 Last day to withdraw without academic accountability 9 Oct 7/9 Nonverbal Communication Skills 7
10 Oct 14/16 11 Oct 21/23 Conflict Management Skills 8 Understanding Interpersonal Relationships 9 12 Oct 28/30 Managing Relationship Challenges 10 13 Nov 4/6 Interpersonal Relationships: Friendship & Romance 11 14 Nov 11/13 15 Nov 18/20 Miracle at St. Ana Interpersonal Relationships: Family & Workplace 12 16 Nov 25 27-30 17 Dec 2 *Group Presentation Thanksgiving Break No Classes Last Day of Classes 18 Dec 3-9 TBA *FINAL EXAMINATION (Chps. 6-12) Course Policies: General Policy Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities. University Attendance Policy Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course,
determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades. Course Attendance Policy Attendance is expected for all class periods. Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods, no make ups will be allowed. A total of six unexcused absences are allowed, after which, a grade penalty of one letter grade or up to failure of course will occur. An excused absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. Tardiness is not considered; there will be a 5 min. grace period for each class. Any student arriving after the 5 min. grace period will be considered unexcused absent. Missed Work Without a valid excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work. If a valid excuse is provided: Make-up quizzes will be given only if they are taken before quiz grades are returned. Make-up examinations will be given only if they are taken before graded examinations are returned to students. The final examination must be taken. Students missing the final examination should contact their instructor concerning the applicability of an Incomplete grade. Academic Dishonesty Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved, and the possibility of course failure. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described beginning on page 14 of the Student Handbook (Procedures for Adjudicating Alleged Academic Conduct Infractions Disruption of the Learning Environment Behavior which disrupts the teaching learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: http://www.clayton.edu/portals/5/disruptiveclassroombehavior.pdf
Writing Assistance The Writers Studio 224 is located in the A&S building, room 224. There you can talk with trained writing consultants about your writing projects. They are available to work with you at any stage of your paper, from generating ideas to organizing your paper to understanding how to format it correctly. The service is free; you may drop in and wait for a consultant or sign up for a regular appointment. But remember: you, not your consultant, are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of the papers you submit. Aside from meeting with consultants one-with-one, you can also participate in consultant-led writing workshops. In these workshops, consultants will guide you in discussions and activities important to academic writing topics. Consultants and student-writers will collaborate on ways to apply writing concepts and strategies to specific writing situations. You will be identify, analyze, integrate, and synthesize writing principles through a series of writing exercises. Remember that we are here to collaborate with you as you develop your own experiences as a student-writer. http://www.clayton.edu/arts-sciences/english/writersstudio Other Policies All assignments are due in APA standard formatting. No gum, food, or beverage is allowed in the classroom. Men: No baseball caps or sagging pants. Cell phones are STRICTLY PROHIBITED during class time. Cell phone violations will result in an immediate Quiz on the work being discussed during that class period. Cell phone violation quizzes do count toward your overall grade in the course. All examinations are closed book. Students must dress in business attire for the Group Presentation. Points will be deducted for those not dressed properly. All assignments must be typewritten and submitted as per guidelines. Late assignments will not be accepted. Students may only use laptops and electronic devices in class for instructional purposes (taking notes, giving a presentation, etc.), and the instructor will inform of appropriate times to use said devices. Class IS NOT DISMISSED until the Sankofa valediction is given. Until then, students ARE NOT to prepare to leave.
Operation Study At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) and other items Important dates: Last day to withdraw without academic penalty: Friday, October 4, 2013. Tips on How to Succeed at COMM 1110 1) Attend every class 2) Get to know your classmates. Obtain contact information from them. 3) Read ahead. 4) Contact the instructor as soon as possible when you foresee potential scheduling problems or have questions. 5) Familiarize yourself with how GeorgiaView functions. Ensure your computer is optimized for GeorgiaView. Plan ahead; don t try to submit your assignments at the last minute. 6) Ensure you have access to a laptop computer. If you have an Apple computer, purchase an adapter for giving PowerPoint presentations. 7) TAKE GOOD NOTES DURING CLASS LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS. 8) PARTICIPATE IN CLASS DISCUSSIONS! 9) Turn in and do all of your work. Last update: August 5, 2013