COMMUNICATION FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
COMM 1500
Spring 2015
Professor: Dr. Adria Goldman
Office Hours (Note—although not required, it is recommended that students make an
appointment):
Mondays
Wednesdays
Tuesdays and Thursdays
TBA
TBA
TBA
Office: Academic Building – 103M
Office Phone: 678-359-5154
Email: agoldman@gordanstate.edu
Class Meeting Time/Place:
CRN 355 – TR, 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. – ACAD 203
CRN 356 – TR, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – ACAD 203
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(2)
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Required Text and Materials
West, R. & Turner, L. H. (2011). IPC. Boston, MA: Wadsworth.
ISBN-10: 0495914541 | ISBN-13: 978-0495914549
Stapler
Folder/Binder for Assignments
2 Scantrons: These are due early in the semester; see the course calendar for the exact
due date. No scantron = 0 on exam. If you choose to purchase a scantron somewhere
other than Gordon’s bookstore, you must make sure that you purchase a “FORM NO.
882-E-LOVAS” scantron.
Course Description (from Academic Catalog)
An introduction to communication as it occurs in a two-person context, emphasizing how
individuals use verbal and nonverbal communication to improve social and personal
relationships.
Course Objectives
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to improve upon their
communication behaviors within interpersonal relationships, including their abilities to:
- Communicate ethically about self to others, in a variety of different interpersonal
relationships
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally
- Serve as an effective and ethical listener
- Clearly communicate emotions to others
- Effectively communicate during (and to prevent) conflicts
- Communicate effectively and ethically through technology
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Explanation of Final Grade
Attendance and Participation: 150 points
Points for participation include active participation in course discussions and activities (e.g.
games), attendance, and overall classroom behavior. Disruptive behaviors (e.g. texting in class,
having side conversations during lectures) also negatively impact your participation grade.
- ABSENCES: After your second unexcused absence, 5 points will be deducted from the
attendance/participation score for each additional absence. Sleeping in class (which also
includes resting your head on the desk) will also count as an unexcused absence and will be
deducted from the participation grade.
- TARDIES: After 2 instances, for every day you are late, I deduct 3 points from your
participation grade. If you arrive to class after attendance has been called, it is your
responsibility to see me after class to make sure you are counted as present. If you are more
than 10 minutes late, you are automatically marked as absent. You are welcomed to stay so
that you do not miss any notes or assignments, but the absence will still count.
- EXCUSED ABSENCES: Excused absences (e.g. emergency doctor’s visits, court appearances
during class time, funerals) must be documented and approved by the professor. Students
should discuss potential absences with the professor beforehand to see if it is considered an
excused absence. Weddings, family vacations, birthday plans, and events of this sort do not
count as excused absences.
NOTE: If you miss 40% or more of our scheduled class sessions, you automatically fail the
course—regardless of other grades earned.
Application Exercises: 200 points
For each chapter, students will be given some type of assignment to help understand and apply
the material. Students will be required to discuss the assignments during our class lectures.
There are a total of 16 Application Assignments; 2 Application Papers at 30 points each and 14
application exercises at 10 points each.
- Application Exercises are more informal; these assignments are typed as bulleted or
numbered lists (more information is announced with each assignment.) These exercises
are graded according to the following scale:
√=10. Subtract 2 points for every minus (-). For example, √- = 8
- Application Papers are more formal; these assignments are typed as a 1-2 page paper. I
pay special attention to grammar and spelling within these assignments. Students earn
an amount of points out of 30.
Reading Quizzes: 100 points
Each week (normally on Tuesday) students will take a short reading quiz at the beginning of
class. Quizzes usually take approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you arrive after the quiz is
complete, you receive a 0. If you arrive late while the quiz is in progress, you will be permitted
to take the quiz but will only be given the remaining time. For example, if you arrive 5 minutes
late, you may have approximately 5 minutes to complete the quiz).
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Midterm Exam: 100 points
A short midterm exam will be used to test students on chapters 1-6 of the textbook. The exam
will include multiple choice and/or short answer questions. Students will participate in a
midterm exam review the class before the exam, but are urged not to depend solely on this
review session.
Class Film Analyses: 100 points
After covering the first 6 chapters (and the last 5) we will conduct a class film analysis in order
to apply different concepts. There are two class film analyses, at 50 points each. Additional
instructions will be announced.
Group Presentation: 150 points
In groups, students will select a movie and conduct an analysis of the images based on course
material. More information will be discussed around midterm.
Final Exam: 200 points
A final exam will be used to test students on all of the material discussed throughout the
semester. The exam will include multiple choice and/or short answer questions. Students are
given a review sheet to help prepare for the final exam, but are urged to review ALL course
material (e.g. book, Powerpoints, notes).
Calculating Your Final Grade
No type of online grade book is used for this course. Thus, students are encouraged to keep all
graded assignments and keep track of their own grades. Students are advised to use the chart
included at the end of the syllabus to help keep up with their grades and their progress in the
course. Because of the large volume of students, I am unable to calculate individual grades per
request throughout the semester.
Grade Scale
A = 1000-900
B = 899-800
C = 799-700
D = 699-600
F = 599-below
Policies and Expectations
Communication: Students must make sure to check their email daily for any class updates. “I
didn’t get to check my email” will not be accepted as an excuse for missed assignments. Email is
the best way to contact the instructor as well. Emails sent after 6 p.m. are NOT guaranteed a
response on the same day. Students should also check my faculty webpage daily—information
about assignments will be posted on the page for this class. Email reminders are a courtesy and
are not guaranteed. Please note: I do not guarantee emails on holidays or on weekends, Friday
6 p.m. to Noon on Sunday.
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Late Work: I do not accept late work. Any excused absences should be discussed with me prior
to that course period so that we can make arrangements for assignment submission. Late
assignments or make-up exams are not allowed for unexcused absences.
Submitting Assignments: Assignments are expected to be completed (before class begins) by
the specified due date. Assignments must be typed unless completed in class or I specify
otherwise. For typed assignments, the format requirements are: 12 pt font (Times New Roman,
Calibri, Garamond, or Cambria), 1 inch margins all around, stapled, and must include your name
in the top left corner of the page. Your content should begin right after your name. Spacing
(double vs. single) will be specified with each assignment. Points are deducted for failure to
follow this format.
In the event of an excused absence, work still must be submitted on or before the due date. For
unforeseen excused absences, the student must see the instructor to make arrangements by 5
p.m. on the day of the missed class period. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what
work was missed during an excused absence. I will not track you down to provide you with this
information.
Regardless of the type of assignment, I do NOT accept emailed assignments unless the
students are specifically instructed to do so.
Graded Assignments: Students are welcomed to stop by my office with questions about
grades. However, there is a 24-hour waiting period. This means you must wait 24 hours after
receiving the graded assignment before visiting my office. In addition, when coming in to
discuss a grade please come prepared with questions that will help you improve for the next
assignment. For example, “Dr. G I did this on the assignment, but after looking at your feedback
I was wondering, should I have done it this way?” Reading quizzes and short assignments are
returned within a week. Writing assignments are returned within 2 weeks.
Academic Dishonesty: All students are expected to do their own work for all assignments &
exams in this course. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in failure of an assignment
OR the entire course. Please consult the Academic Handbook for a detailed explanation of the
honor code.
FERPA: In accordance with FERPA, I will only have discussions about a student’s work, grades,
and/or standing in the course with that specific student.
Classroom Etiquette: Respect is very important in this class. There will be multiple discussions
where people will express personal viewpoints and beliefs. While it is not necessary that you
agree with everyone’s ideas, it is mandatory that you be respectful of each other and keep all
comments constructive. All cellular phones, MP3 players, headphones and other electronic
devices must be cut off and put away during class. I do not mind if you eat or drink during class
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(unless the classroom requires otherwise, such as a computer lab) but please refrain from items
that are distracting and too noisy.
Disability Statement: Gordon State College is committed to making reasonable efforts to assist
individuals with disabilities in their efforts to access a high quality post-secondary education.
Gordon State College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
qualifying disabilities in accordance with the policies of the University System of Georgia and
Gordon State College. If you have a disability and feel you need accommodations in this course,
you must present a current letter to me from Accessibility Services, indicating the existence of a
disability and the approved accommodations. To register a disability contact Accessibility
Services, Student Center, Room 212, 678-359-5585.
Please note: We review the syllabus and course calendar on the first day of class. However, it
is your responsibility to read this syllabus thoroughly and raise any questions you may have
(AFTER reading this document). I do not reiterate these course policies, due dates, grade
penalties, etc., throughout the semester. Failure to adhere to any policies or due dates listed
in this syllabus can negatively impact your grade. Fair warning—saying “I didn’t know” in
reference to something listed in the syllabus is NOT an excuse for being unprepared.
Tentative Class Schedule Update 2/26/15
(Subject to Change with Notice)
Also print the “Explanation of Application Assignments” and attach to your syllabus
T = Tuesday, R = Thursday, Red Notes = Quizzes, Blue Notes = Application Exercises, Green
Notes = Application Papers, Highlight information = Other important dates/notes
Week
TOPICS
READINGS/ACTIVITIES
1
Introduction to Review the syllabus
T, 1/8
Course and
Classmates;
Syllabus
Review; Why
are we here?
2
T, 1/13
R, 1/15
NOTE: August
9th = Last day to
add/drop
Interpersonal
Read Chapters 1 and 2
Communication
and Perceptions TUESDAY:
Quiz #1 on Chapters 1 & 2 (Worth 10 points)
THURSDAY:
Application Exercise #1 - Perceptions of Peers and Others (Part 1
Homework; Part 2 In Class)
5
3
T, 1/20
R, 1/22
4
T, 1/27
R, 1/29
5
T, 2/3
R, 2/5
6
T, 2/10
R, 2/12
7
T, 2/17
R, 2/19*
*Sub/D2L
Tentative
Perceptions and Read Chapter 3
Culture
TUESDAY:
Quiz #2 on Chapter 3 (Worth 10 points)
Application Exercise #2 – Perception Profiles (Homework)
SCANTRONS DUE
Verbal
Communication
Nonverbal
Communication
Listening
THURSDAY:
Application Paper #1 – Conversations with Culture (Homework)
Read Chapter 4
TUESDAY:
Quiz #3 on Chapter 4 (Worth 10 points)
THURSDAY:
Application Exercise #3 – Verbal Communication and Gender
(Homework)
Read Chapter 5
TUESDAY:
Quiz #4 on Chapter 5 (Worth 10 points)
Application Exercise #4 – Nonverbal Communication and Gender
(Homework)
THURSDAY:
Application Exercise #5 – Analyzing Your Nonverbal
Communication (Homework)
Read Chapter 6
TUESDAY:
Quiz #5 on Chapter 6 (Worth 10 points)
Application Exercise #6 – Analyzing Yourself as a Listener
(Homework)
Tying it all
together: Class
Film Analysis #1
THURSDAY:
Application Exercise #7 - Listening within Interpersonal
Communication (Homework & In Class)
Review Chapters 1-6
THURSDAY:
Film Analysis Notes Due
**Additional Instructions for this Assignment are Announced
Closer to the Due Date**
6
8
T, 2/24
R, 2/26
Midterm
Review and
Exam
9
T, 3/3
R, 3/5
Emotions and
Perceptions
NOTE:
Withdrawing
from a course
after 3/2/15
results in an
automatic WF.
10
T, 3/10
R, 3/12
11
T, 3/17
R, 3/19
12
T, 3/24
R, 3/26
TUESDAY:
Film Analysis Wrap-up and Midterm Review (In Class)
THURSDAY:
No Class/Snow Day
Read Chapters 7 and 8
TUESDAY:
Midterm Exam
You must bring a #2 pencil (Reminder = if you did not submit a
scantron, you will not be permitted to take the exam and will
receive an automatic 0)
THURSDAY:
Quiz #6/7 on Chapters 7 and 8 (10 questions; Worth 20 points)
Application Exercise #8 – Analyzing Emotions (Homework)
Application Exercise #9 – Windows and Onions (In Class)
SPRING BREAK
**During this week we will also discuss the midterm exam and
the final project**
I repeat…SPRING BREAK!!!!!!
Conflict
Read Chapter 9
TUESDAY:
Quiz #8 on Chapter 9
Application Exercise #10 – Deconstructing Conflict (Homework)
Relationships
(and
Technology)
THURSDAY:
Application Exercise #11 – Conflict Skits (In Class)
Group Project Proposal Form Due (Earlier Submissions are
Recommended)
Read Chapter 10
TUESDAY:
Quiz #9 on Chapter 10
Application Exercise #12 – Relationship Handout (Homework)
THURSDAY:
Application Paper #2 – Relationships, Conflict, and Culture
(Homework)
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**Application Exercise #13 is due the following week (3/31),
however we begin work on this activity in class on Thursday,
3/26**
13
T, 3/31
R, 4/2*
Technology
(and
Relationships)
15
T, 4/14
R, 4/16
16
T, 4/21
R, 4/23
17
T, 4/28
Final
Exam
TUESDAY:
Quiz #10 on Chapter 11
Application Exercise #13 – Documentary Notes (Due; completed
in class on 3/26 and as homework)
**Application Exercise #14 is due Thursday (4/2), however we
begin work on this activity in class on Tuesday (3/31)**
THURSDAY:
Application Exercise #14 – Technology Debate (In Class; Work
completed in class 3/31-4/2 and as homework)
*D2L
Tentative
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T, 4/7
R, 4/9
Read Chapter 11
Tying it all
together: Film
Analysis #2
Course Review
and Project
Work Sessions
Presentations
Review Chapters 7-11
THURSDAY:
Film Analysis Notes Due
Sign Ups for Final Presentations
**Additional Instructions for this Assignment are Announced
Closer to the Due Date**
TUESDAY:
Wrap-up Film Analysis #2, Course Review, and Presentation SignUps
THURSDAY:
Out-of-Class Project Work Day
Tuesday and Thursday:
Presentations and Critique Sheets
Presentations
TUESDAY:
and Last Day of Presentations and Critique Sheets
Class
CRN 355/9:30 Class: Monday, May 4th – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
CRN 356/11:00 Class: Wednesday, May 6th – 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
You must bring a #2 pencil (Reminder = if you did not submit a scantron, you will
not be permitted to take the exam and will receive an automatic 0); Please note,
changing your exam time requires a formal petition.
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This sheet is to help you keep track of your grades. However, my grade book holds all official grades
and will be the only form of a recording sheet used in calculating a student’s final grade. Thus, items
recorded on this sheet that were not submitted and (recorded in my grade book) will NOT be factored
into the final grade
Attendance and Application
Participation
Assignments
(150)
(200 points)
Reading
Quizzes
(100 points)
Remember: After 2
absences, you lose
5 points for each
unexcused
absence. After 2
instances of
tardiness, you lose
3 points for each
tardy. Points are
also deducted for
disruptive
behaviors—see
syllabus.
Remember: App.
Exercises are
worth 10 pts;
App. Papers are
worth 30 points
Remember:
Quizzes are
worth 10 pts
AE1 _____
AE2 _____
AE3 _____
AE4 _____
AE5 _____
AE6 _____
AE7 _____
AE8 _____
AE9 _____
AE10 _____
AE11 _____
AE12 _____
AE13 _____
AE14 _____
AP1 _____
AP2 _____
Q1 _____
Q2 _____
Q3 _____
Q4 _____
Q5 _____
Q6 _____
Q7_____
Q8 _____
Q9 _____
Q10 ____
Absences?
Number of
absences (____) x
5 = minus ____
points
Tardy?
Number of Days
Tardy (____) x 3 =
minus ____
points
Take those two
values and
subtract from
150.
TOTAL
Midterm
Class
Exam (100 Film
points)
Analyses
(100
points;
50 points
each
analysis)
Group
Presentation
(150 points)
Final
Exam
(200
points)
Film
Analysis
#1
________
Film
Analysis
#2
________
Grand Total (Estimate) __________________ (out of 1000 points; refer to grade scale on pg. 3)
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