COMMUNICATION
STUDIES 5
INTRODUCTION TO
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Hybrid format
SYLLABUS
Instructor: LeeAnne Hobbs
Office Hours: MWF 9-10 AM
or by appt. in person or
via direct email or phone
Office: IAC-246
Phone: (209)
384-6255
Email: hobbs.l@mccd.edu
Website: www.mccd.edu/faculty/hobbsl
Prerequisite: English
A
Text: Wood,
Julia T. (2004). Interpersonal
communication: Everyday
encounters,
(5th ed.).
Course Description:
The focus of this course
is to examine successful communication in interpersonal relationships. Communication theory and skills will be
investigated in order to help students interact more effectively in personal
and professional relationships. Specific skills that will be examined for
usefulness and appropriateness are self-concept, perception, verbal and
nonverbal communication, culture, and conflict resolution. This section combines both
face-to-face and online components.
Course Objectives:
The student should be able to:
1. Identify principles of interpersonal
communication
2. Explain the development of self-concept
3. Recognize appropriate expression of emotion and
its connection to
interpersonal relationships
4. Assess nonverbal communication and it relevance
to interpersonal
communication
5. Identify process of active listening
6. Examine communication theory regarding
relationship development
7. Manage conflict in interpersonal communication
using positive relationship
strategies
Course Requirements:
1.
Complete all reading assignments prior to class assigned.
2.
Participate in all dyadic, small group, and public forums in
this class, both online and in class.
3.
Turn in all assignments on time (10 PM Pacific Standard Time
on the due date), unless pre-approved by instructor--Late work is not accepted
4.
Send completed assignments directly through assignments page
or via blackboard email.
5.
Students are required to attend in-class meetings—You will be dropped if you do not attend the first class
session. Beyond that, you will be dropped if you miss more than 2 hrs. combined of the total 10 required in-person hours.
6.
Students must download Respondus 3.5 onto the computer they
will be using to complete this course. Instructions will be provided.
7.
Student must have access to a computer that fits the parameters
as stated in the class schedule.
Grading:
Grades
are evaluated strictly on a scale. Your final course grades will be evaluated
on a standard percentage basis of the total points possible generated
throughout the semester. No extra credit is available.
100% - 90% A Excellent
89% - 80% B Good
79% - 70% C Average
69% - 60% D Below
Average
59% and below
F Failing
Point Distribution:
Discussion Boards (72 pts possible)—Discussion boards are a significant
element in this course and should be actively engaged. A total of 6 discussion
topics will be presented throughout the 18-week semester. You will be required
to post one thread for each topic and then respond to two other class members’
postings. Each posting (3 per topic) will be assessed on a 1(low) – 4 (high)
scale. Please use both your first and last name when posting.
4—the student shows a superior
understanding of the topic and is able to
analyze and synthesize
concepts in depth relating theory to findings.
Responses use appropriate grammar and
spelling. (See sample in
course content)
3—The student demonstrates an
accurate grasp of the topic and is able to
relate theory to findings
in adequate depth, but shows less detailed
knowledge and synthesis
than the student receiving 4 pts. There are
only a couple of
grammatical or spelling errors. (See sample in course
content)
2—The student demonstrates an
acceptable but commonplace
understanding of the
topic. Is able to present important factors but
explains them with the
most obvious specifics and implications. There
are 3-4 grammatical or
spelling errors. (See sample in course content)
1—Quality of writing does not
reflect that of a prepared student.
(See sample in course content)
0—Incomplete or missing assignment
Exams (3) 120
pts.
Communicating to Fill Needs 15
Others In Me 15
Self Reflection 1 25
Self Reflection 2 25
Film Assignment 40
Application Activities (11) 110
Discussions (6) 72
The tentative point total
for the semester is 422 pts.
How to Send and Name Assignments:
All
assignments should bear the subject line as follows: COMM05 + Assignment – Name
(e.g. COMM05 Application II – Jones).
Procedures:
This
is not a self-paced class. You will be required to keep up with each week’s
assignments. Those assignments are available on the class schedule. Due dates
are indicated and will be enforced. Please plan ahead to avoid last minute
mishaps preventing completion or submission of assignments.
You
should check in every couple of days. Important announcements will be posted as
needed. These announcements will be located on the course homepage.
I
will check emails at least once daily. I will respond within 24 hrs, unless
otherwise indicated. I will check in with discussion and participate
intermittently, but do not be alarmed that I do not respond to every thread.
Plagiarism: Merced
College's policy on plagiarism (page 18) will be strictly enforced. Any
student caught plagiarizing will receive an "F" on the
assignment. If a student is caught plagiarizing a second time, he or she
will receive an "F" in the class. In all cases, written
notification will be forwarded to both the Division Chair of the Humanities
Division and the Office of Instruction. The instructor reserves the right
to submit any of your written work to an online company that checks for
plagiarism. Borrowing someone else's words is illegal and will not be
tolerated.