COMMUNICATION STUDIES 210 (CMST&210)
****previously Speech 200****
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
SUMMER 2008
Instructor: Katherine E. Oleson
Class Meetings: online (vista.bcc.ctc.edu)
Office Hours: online daily; by appointment in R230U on BCC campus; via telephone
Phone: 425-564-3050 (office)
E-mail: koleson@bcc.ctc.edu
Required Textbook: Adler, Proctor & Towne Looking Out, Looking In, 12th Edition (Thompson Wadsworth, 2007).
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for quality communication with other people. This objective will be accomplished through the study and application of interpersonal communication theory and concepts as they relate to your personal mission and goals.
Class Format: This is an online course. We will be engaged in online discussions designed to aid your understanding of the concepts discussed in your text and activities online. It is essential that you commit to being an active participant in this class; regular meaningful discussion is required online. The reading materials in this class contain complex theory and terminology. It is highly recommended that you have a college reading level. Please consult your English placement test scores.
Please note that the summer quarter moves along at a quick clip. This class is highly writing-intensive (as you’ll complete online discussion and personal reflection papers/activities). You will work at your own pace; at the same time there will be a few major due dates to help guide you in managing the course. The entire course is designed to help you to take in the course concepts and apply them to your own interactions.
Course Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Define the process
of communication and describe the specific qualities found in interpersonal
relationships.
2. Explain the relationship between perception,
self-concept, and communication.
3. Describe the characteristics of a competent
communicator and the methods of improving language, nonverbal communication,
and listening skills.
4. Identify the common stages of interpersonal
relationships and discuss the recommendations for improved relationship
initiation, maintenance, and termination.
5. Explain the influence of gender and culture in
the interpersonal communication process.
6. Discuss the nature of conflict and explain the
effectiveness of the various approaches to conflict management.
Methods of Evaluation:
Discussion & online participation 110 points
Technology Plan 10 points
Individual Activities 80 points
Guided Reflections (4) 4 @ 50 points each
Exams (4) 4 @ 100 points each
Final Paper 200 points
1000 total
ASSIGNMENTS
Guided Reflections: These papers will help you apply course concepts, reflect on activities, prepare you for possible exam questions, and your final paper as you will have related chapter material to your own life experiences. These papers should be 2 pages, typed, double spaced.
Online Discussions: You will have the opportunity to participate in the application of theory to various prompts and to your own interpersonal interactions. It is important to demonstrate good communication skills online during discussion periods.
Exams: Exam format consists of a combination of 50 true/false and multiple-choice questions. Exams will be timed (50 minutes) and taken online, so be sure to take your assessment at a high speed connection. A review sheet will be made available before each exam. A discussion board will be opened for questions about the test before each exam.
Final Paper: In this paper you will answer the question: “Am I a competent communicator?” Throughout the quarter, you will have a chance to consider your strengths and challenges as a communicator. Your final paper is an analysis of your own communication skills.
TOPICS WE’LL DISCUSS
Communication competence
Interpersonal Relationships
Self-concept
Perception
Emotions
Language
Gender & language
Culture & language
Nonverbal communication
Listening
Relationships
Intimacy & Distance in Relationships
Self-disclosure
Communication climate
Conflict
Relational aggression
Conflict resolution & management strategies
POLICIES
Late Written Assignments: For purposes of equity and fairness for all students, you will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete all written assignments. Deadlines for all assignments will be provided in several capacities online (i.e. on the calendar tool , on the assignment description). An assignment is on time when it is delivered to the teacher through Vista on the day it is due. In the event that you do not turn in your assignment on the day it is due, you will be assessed the following academic penalty: late written assignments will receive a one point grade reduction for every full day they are late (i.e. B+ to C+). Remember, there are three main due dates throughout the quarter to allow you the flexibility work at your own pace and help guide you to avoid being overwhelmed at the end of the quarter. This will also help you to take in the course concepts and apply them to your own interactions.
Statement on Academic Integrity: You should know that plagiarism is a serious violation of your contract as a student and will be treated severely. It is important for you to understand that plagiarism is any representation of another person’s words or ideas in a manner that makes it seem as if they were your own, in either oral or written form. Obviously, this means that you may not copy another person’s papers. Students caught cheating on an exam or assignment will not receive any credit for that portion of the class and will be reported to the Dean of Student Programs.
Special Needs: If you need course modifications /adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, I can refer you to our Disability Resource Center (DRC). The Disability Resource Center in located in B132 and can be reached at 564-2498. Please meet with me if you have any questions.
Classroom Conduct: When engaged in your role as a student, please be constructive in your comments and discussion online. Always treat your classmates with respect. Please consult with www.bcc.ctc.edu/artshum/policy.html to review the Arts and Humanities Division statement of Student Procedures and Expectations and/or contact your instructor should you have any questions or concerns.
Grading Scale:
940-1000= A 730-759= C
900-939= A- 700-729= C-
860-899= B+ 660-699= D+
830-859= B 600-659= D
800-829= B- 0-599= F
760-799= C+
Suggested schedule for pacing for the summer quarter
Remember the summer quarter is 7 weeks, and it flies by! We have a lot to cover, so I thought this would be a helpful guideline for you to keep up with the material and really get a great deal out of it. Please note: The due dates for papers and exam times are included; these are not suggested dates, but actual due dates for these materials.
Mon. June 23 Check out Vista site (read “Getting Started” section)
Buy textbook
Tues. June 24 Work on Technology Plan assignment
Introduce yourself in online discussion board
A first look at communication (Ch. 1)
Wed. June 25 Communication competence & interpersonal relationships (Ch. 1)
Thurs. June 26 Self-concept (Ch. 2); individual activity
Technology Plan due
Fri. June 27 Work on Guided Reflection 1
Mon. June 30 Self-concept (Ch. 2) & Perception (Ch. 3); individual activity
Tues. July 1 Perception (Ch. 3)
Wed. July 2 Review for Exam 1
Thurs. July 3-Mon. July 7 Exam 1 available
Fri. July 4 Holiday - relax J
Mon. July 7 Emotions (Ch. 4)
Tues. July 8 Language (Ch. 5); individual activity
Wed. July 9 Language (Ch. 5)
Thurs. July 10 Nonverbal Communication (Ch. 6); individual activity
Fri. July 11 Work on Guided Reflection 2
Mon. July 14 Nonverbal Communication (Ch. 6)
Tues. July 15 Work day
Wed. July 16 Individual activities & papers due for Ch. 1-6
Mid-quarter evaluation due
Thurs. July 17 Review for Exam 2
Fri. July 18-Sun. July 20 Exam 2 Available
Mon. July 21 Listening (Ch. 7); Work on Guided Reflection 3
Tues. July 22 Relationships (Ch. 8)
Wed. July 23 Intimacy & Distance in Relationships (Ch. 9); individual activity
Thurs. July 24 Review for Exam 3
Fri. July 25-Sun. July 27 Exam 3 available
Mon. July 28 Communication Climate (Ch. 10); Work on Guided Reflection 4
Tues. July 29 Conflict (Ch. 11); Relational aggression (handout online)
Wed. July 30 Conflict resolution & management strategies;
Getting to Yes (handout online); individual activity
Thurs. July 31 Review for Exam 4
Work on final paper
Fri. Aug 1-Sun. Aug 3 Exam 4 available
Work on final paper
Mon. Aug. 4 Individual activities & papers due for Ch. 7-11
Final participation evaluation due
Work on final paper
Tues. Aug 5 Work on final paper
Wed. Aug. 6 Final paper due online by 11:20 a.m.