ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION SYLLABUS SUMMER 2012 Instructor Ms. Shari V. N. Hodgson, Ph.D., ABD Location Virtual/Office Hours Hamilton Holt Communication Building 107 W. Fairbanks Ave., Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9:10 PM, #114 Virtual Office Monday 5 6 PM Adjunct Office Tuesday 5 6 PM, by email appointment Phone (H) 407 629 4982 E mail shodgson@rollins.edu Blackboard Information Course website: Technical Problems With Blackboard: Contact Ms. Huebner @ (407) 628 6363 Blackboard website: Organizational Communication Textbook Textbook Required: Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes, 4th Ed., by Katherine Miller. ISBN # 0 534 61788 3. Not available Rollins bookstore May purchase at: 1) Textbook.com 2) http://product.half.ebay.com/organizational Communication With Infotrac by Katherine Miller 2005 Hardcover/45681875&cpid=1298673030 COURSE DESCRIPTION This course explores the theory and practice of organizational communication. This semester business theories will be combined with communication theories to help students learn the processes by which organizations communicate to their internal and external stakeholders. Case studies will be used to help ground theoretical principles with student analysis of real world solutions. Presentations will be incorporated to enhance each students public speaking skills critical to success as an organizational leader.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION The class will meet twice a week for maximizing student learning through experiential opportunities. Cognitive, behavioral, and affective types of assessments will be incorporated to facilitate student learning success. All learning will be the responsibility of the student and will require self discipline and strong reading, writing, and public speaking skills. The instructor is a class facilitator, resource, and guide. She only supplements the course textbook, class activities, and in class discussions. Students have the responsibility for raising questions to clarify unclear areas. Students will be responsible for clarifying challenges and provide feedback to the professor to ensure that she understands your learning objectives. Student participation is crucial to the success of the class and improvement of students organizational communication and public speaking competencies. EVALUATION AND GRADING POLICY The following will help you to understand your grades and your evaluation on exams and assignments to remember that an A is not average; a C is average. A C means that you have met the minimum requirements for a particular class work. In other words, if you only do everything outlined in the syllabus you are doing C work. The grade descriptions are as follows: A = outstanding work that is superior and demonstrates an in depth understanding of the skills and material that far surpasses the minimum expectations of a student in the class B = above average work that demonstrates an understanding of the skills and material that exceeds the minimum requirements C = average work which illustrates that the student has met the minimum requirements and expectations for a particular assignment D = below average work in which the student does not meet the minimum expectations for a given assignment F = below average work in which little or no effort seems to be expended by the student It is important that you keep all assignments, grades, exams, dates absent, written excuses for final grade review and discussion with professor. Discussion regarding grades will be scheduled during regular semester TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: Computer with internet capabilities PC compatible word processing capabilities Must know how to send and receive email files and search Internet for information. As noted in the course prerequisites, this class will use virtual communication techniques and web based information. If you do not know how to use the Internet, find Web sites for research, or send electronic files, you will have difficulty in this class and should take an informational class to be prepared. ASSESSMENT GOALS Students will be assessed by incorporating three different learning styles assessments: Cognitive Assessments: 5 weekly Quizzes = 45% of overall grade Affective Assessments: 5 weekly case study papers and presentations = 45% of overall grade Behavioral Assessment: weekly in class Learning activities, student discussions, attendance = 10% of grade
EXAM AND ASSIGNMENT GRADE PERCENTAGE GRADE POINT CONVERSION Assignment Percentage Letter Grade Points of Grade A 93 100 points 5 Exams = worth 20 points each Total = 100 points. Sum multiplied by 45% A 90 92 points B+ 87 89 points 5 Written Case Study Papers = each 10 points. Sum of each added to 5 Presentations = each 10 points. sum of papers and presentations multiplied by Participation = worth 20 points 1. Complete in class assignments 2. Active in class verbal participation 3. Attendance = Each unexcused absence will cost 2 points taken from Participation points multiplied by 45% 10% Total possible points 100% B 83 86 points B 80 82 points C+ 77 79 points C 73 76 points C 70 72 points D+ 67 69 points D 63 66 points D 60 62 points F 59 and below EXAMS Exams will cover assigned textbook readings, in class discussions, and concepts from lectures and handouts. Students are expected to stay current with the assigned readings, even if the chapter materials are not directly covered in class. Each exam will be worth 20 points. CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENTS Case studies will provide a structured approach to applying the theories with your real world perception of organizations and then synthesize information to produce plausible solutions. The written and oral assignments will be based on textbook chapter case study questions that will be assigned by Professor. A rubric and grading criteria will outline assignment format, content, and level of content quality. Each case study paper will be worth 10 points.
PRESENTATIONS The case study papers will be used to compose each student s presentation of their case study content. A presentation rubric and learning effective PowerPoint design rules will guide students to designing professional visual aids. Each presentation will be worth 10 points. LEARNING ACTIVITIES: The learning activities will be completed in class. The activities will serve to stimulate the in class discussions. Activities that have satisfied the requirements of the assignment will earn points during the semester which will make up the overall participation points awarded to final grade. DUE DATES Due dates have been assigned to facilitate course timeline management. This course centers on experiential student learning and teaching. To ensure students engage in rigorous communication discussions, it is imperative that they be prepared before each class. No late papers, exams, or presentations will be allowed. Students must contact the professor 24 hours in advance of due date and bring written documentation of explanation for late work to receive special exceptions. ASSIGNMENT POLICIES NO late work accepted for papers, presentations, exams, chapter readings. Class assignment due dates are listed on your calendar may not be announced in class. It is your responsibility for knowing what assignments are due. You must ask classmate, NOT Ms. H, what you missed in class and remember changes will occur that may not be on the calendar. Exceptions to this policy will be made by professor, have been cleared 24 hours prior to assignment, paper, presentation, or exam date, and accompanied by written documentation verifying excuse for absence. EMAIL of late assignments is NOT permitted. Instructor may change which assignments will be counted as a grade or participation points to be included in final grade tabulation ATTENDANCE Attendance is mandatory! An excused absence requires written documentation and 24 hour notice to professor prior to class day and start time. Each unexcused absence will result in loss of 2 points of the overall participation grade worth 10 points. REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS Textbook: Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes, 4 th Ed. Katherine Miller 100 3 X 5 cards 5 = green scantrons for exams with #2 pencil ACADEMIC HONESTY Membership in the student body of Rollins College carries with it an obligation, and requires a commitment, to act with honor in all things. Because academic integrity is fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge and truth and is the heart of the academic life of Rollins College, it is the responsibility of all members of the College community to practice it and to report apparent violations. The development of the virtues of Honor and Integrity are integral to a Rollins College education and to membership in the Rollins College community. The following pledge is a binding commitment by the students of Rollins College: On my honor, I have not given, nor received, not witnessed any unauthorized assistance on this work.
The code must appear on all papers, exams, quizzes, assignments including material submitted electronically http://r net.rollins.edu/holt RIGHT TO APPEAL THE COMPLETE ROLLINS COLLEGE ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY, INCLUDING THE STUDENT APPEAL PROCESS, IS AVAILABLE ON THE ROLLINS WEB SITE AT: HTTP://WWW.ROLLINS.EDU/RESLIFE/RULES/CODE.HTML. CLASSROOM FORMAT Class periods consist of lectures, discussions, and in class presentations of group s analyses of communication theory, assimilation, and application of information during presentations. The course format is intended to maximize opportunities for the exchange of ideas and critical analysis of theory. Active participation is crucial for student learning and will receive participation points. Assigned readings and assignments are to be completed before each class session. The readings are designed to parallel the week s lecture content; however, you will also be responsible for readings not covered in lecture. IN CLASS POLICIES BE prepared for class: papers, presentations, exams, assignments, textbook reading assignments BE responsible and read calendar for upcoming assignments BE aware that NO make up assignments w/o prior permission from professor BE sure to bring textbook, note cards, and green scantrons to all classes BE on time; 15 minutes late to class will count as ½ absence BE careful to turn off cell phones (no texting) failure to do so will result in class expulsion BE careful to turn off computers, even for notes, failure to do so will result in class expulsion BE responsible to keep all assignments, grades, exams, dates absent, written absence excuses for final grade review and discussion with professor. It is not the responsibility of professor to keep and ANY missing documentation will result in discrepancy favoring professor's records. Discussion of semester and final grades must be scheduled with professor. BE responsible to check email 4 times weekly. Calendar changes will occur during the semester. The changes will be announced in class and/or by email. It will be student's responsibility to find out what they missed in class! Professor will not review details via email.. DISABILITY STATEMENT Rollins College is committed to equal access and does not discriminate unlawfully against persons with disabilities in its policies, procedures, programs or employment processes. The College recognizes its obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to provide an environment that does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. EMAIL If you are a person with a disability on this campus and anticipate needing any type of academic accommodations in order to participate in your classes, please make timely arrangements by disclosing this disability in writing to the Disability Services Office at (box 2613) Thomas P. Johnson Student Resource Center, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, FL, 37289.Appointments can be scheduled by calling 407 646 2354 or email: gridgeway@rollins.edu E mail will be an integral part of this course. Make sure you: ALL email must contain First and last name, course prefix (COM 421) or professor will not be able to answer. Include "Subject" headings: use assignment title, chapter reference Do not attach a late or any in class assignment to an email Have reasonable expectations of return email, may take 24 hr. to return
Check your e mail at least FOUR TIMES per week (more often is better). Make every effort to be clear. Online communication lacks the nonverbal cues that fill in much of the meaning in face to face communication. Do not use all caps. This makes the message very hard to read and is considered "shouting." Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation (you may want to compose in a word processor, then cut and paste the message into the discussion or e mail). Break up large blocks of text into paragraphs and use a space between paragraphs. DISCLAIMER The instructor reserves the right to adjust the course syllabus and/or course schedule upon notification of the class either in class or by email. It is the student s responsibility to be aware of any adjustments announced by instructor. SYLLABUS CONTRACT Please read entire syllabus CAREFULLY THOROUHLY! TEAR HERE AND TURN IN SIGNED COPY TO PROFESSOR When complete, please sign and turn in the second class period this page: I agree to all syllabus content, class and grading policies, assignment requirements and grading descriptions. I agree to grant Ms. Hodgson FERPA Permission to publish name, phone, and email address to all class students for purpose of out of class assignment and presentation preparations. I agree to keep all class assignments, exam scores, absentee records. Failure to provide this documentation may result in any dispute or grade discrepancies based solely on professor s records Upon signing this document, I agree my signature will serve as a contract between myself and professor Hodgson. No dispute of class assignments or grading policies will be forthcoming without cause. Signature Date Class Print Name