CMST 101|Introduction to Communication

Instructor:      Jen Anderson

Phone:                        (425) 564-4185

Email:                         jeanders@bellevuecollege.edu or website email

Office Hours:             Before and after class or by appointment in R230L

Text:               Adler, R., Understanding Human Communication (Tenth Edition)

Communication influences every aspect of our lives, whether in work or play. CMST 101, Introduction to Communication, is designed to examine both theoretical understanding and skilled application of communication principles and techniques in a variety of settings. We will have the opportunity to experience a variety of forms of communication, specifically public speaking, interpersonal communication, and communication within small groups.

Course Objectives:

·         Define the process of communication.

·         Explain communication competence and identify your own personal strengths and areas of needed improvement in on-to-one, small group and one to many settings.

·         Assess methods of language, nonverbal, and listening skills in a variety of settings.

·         Identify the characteristics of a group and methods of creating an effective group climate.

·         Demonstrate decision-making  and problem solving skills in a group project.

·         Apply  critical thinking skills in the research, writing, and analysis of a speech

·         Present a well-developed, audience-appropriate speech.

 

Course Format: The format of this course is unique in that it combines online learning with in class discussion and activities. The course is designed to provide multiple ways for you to enhance your communication skills and develop a more comprehensive understanding of communication processes that occur in public speaking, interpersonal interactions, and small group settings. The course objectives will be met through the use of online mini-lectures, readings, class discussion, online discussion postings, speeches, and a group project. Three exams will be administered throughout the quarter, assessing your understanding of, and ability to apply, communication concepts covered in the reading and in class. Due to the nature of the class, most of the time spent in the classroom will be dedicated to speeches and group projects.  Therefore, the majority of the "interpersonal communication" portion of the class will be done online.  It is imperative that you stay current with assigned reading as well as study of the content included on the class website.

Course Requirements:

• This class (both online and face-to-face) is highly interactive and will rely on your participation and self-exploration. It is imperative that you are in class and are prepared to participate in exercises and discussions regarding the many facets of communication.

• All written work will be turned in on time in order to receive full credit. The decision to accept late assignments will be made on an individual basis, taking into account the specific situation. All late work will receive a deduction in points. No late assignments will be accepted after the last day of instruction.

• College-level standards of grammar, spelling and punctuation are expected. Please type and proofread all written work.

 

Assigned Reading: You will be assigned reading each week and it is your responsibility to be prepared to participate in online and in class discussions regarding that reading. While many of the concepts covered in the reading will be discussed online (some in class too!), all concepts covered in the readings are fair game for the exams. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep up with the reading and have an understanding of the communication concepts therein.

Attendance and Participation: Your attendance and participation are an integral part of making this class work effectively. As stated previously, most of the work that makes up this class involves group discussion and class exercises that emphasize course material. If you are not in class or online consistently, you are unable to participate in these discussions and exercises. Please be on time for all classes.

The attendance/participation grade works as follows: You are allowed TWO free absences without a deduction of points. Any absence after the freebie will result in a deduction of 10 points from your A/P grade for each absence, up to a total of 100 points.  You cannot use a freebie absence on a group project or speech day as it is imperative you are in class supporting your classmates on those days.   After 10 absences, you will receive a 0.0 in this class. I reserve the right to deduct points from your grade for late arrivals/early dismissals if they become a problem.

I understand that many students have important responsibilities outside of the classroom…families, work, sports, etc. I am sensitive to these issues and will do all that I can to assist with scheduling conflicts as they relate to class activities. I ask that you let me know ahead of time of any conflict you might have with scheduled class time, and we will try to work things out. Please realize though, while I am flexible, that flexibility only goes so far. Please be respectful of your group members and my time as we will be of your time.

Grading System: In order to allow for flexibility, I may omit some assignments and add others during the quarter. I will keep you posted when and if changes occur and how those changes will alter the following grading system.

Total Points Available                                                                1000 points

 

Quizzes: Quizzes will be administered online and the format consists of a combination of approximately 50 true/false and multiple-choice questions. Exams will be timed (50 minutes) so 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.

Informative Speech: The purpose of this 5-7 minute speech is to educate your audience on a topic of interest to you that you feel will be interesting to them.  More information will be distributed in class.

Group Project: Working effectively in small groups is an important aspect of interpersonal communication. With that said, you will be required to complete a group project that demonstrates your ability to work together and apply the communication concepts learned in class. Your individual grade will be computed by taking into consideration both the grade the group received as a whole and your participation in the group as evaluated by you and other group members.

Discussion Board Postings: Many of the concepts covered in this class can be best understood through the application of those concepts in your life and in communication with those individuals around you. You will be required to complete a variety of exercises related to the readings, class discussion and your own perspective regarding communication concepts covered in this class. Be prepared to share your perspective completing the exercises in order that your classmates can learn from your experience.

Interpersonal Project:  You will have the opportunity to let your creative juices flow as your create a project assessing your communication behaviors and how they influence your self-concept and the perception others have of you.  More information will be given in class.

Grade Appeals: You have the opportunity to appeal any grade that you are given in this class. All grade appeals must be typed, stating your reason for appeal. If you so choose, I will accept appeals via e-mail. Grade appeals must be submitted no sooner than 24 hours after the grade has been issued...I will not discuss any grade on the day the grade is administered.

Cell Phone Use:  Cell phone use, including texting, is prohibited in this class. Please be respectful of your classmates and instructor while engaging in class.  Thank you.

Adaptations or Special Accommodations: Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are required to meet with the Director of the Disability Resource Center (in Room B132) to establish eligibility for accommodation.  Telephone: (425) 564-2498 or TTY (425) 564-4110.  In addition, students are encouraged to review their accommodation requirements with each instructor during the first week of the quarter. 

Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating on assignments and/or exams will not be tolerated in this class. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, submitting projects, assignments, undocumented quotations, computer-processed materials, or other material as one’s own work when such work has been prepared by another student or individual. Anyone caught cheating or submitting plagiarized work will receive a “0” for that assignment or exam and will be subject to other consequences as determined by the instructor.

Add/Drop Policy: BC policies allow instructors to drop students who do not attend the first three class sessions of the quarter. Unless you contact me regarding the absences prior to those absences, I will drop you from the course. If you are struggling in the course, please come talk to me as I will do whatever I can (within reason!) to assist you with class content and assignments and your understanding thereof. If you decide this class is not for you, it is your responsibility to drop the course. If you just stop coming to class, but do not officially drop the course, you will receive a 0.0 on your permanent college transcript. Please refer to your BC Student Handbook for further information regarding the add/drop policy.

Final Note: Several of the class exercises are interactive and require students to role-play or share personal information. Please remember to keep others’ feelings and dignity in mind when choosing to comment on an issue or prior statement made by one of your classmates or me. Any comments that denigrate the worth of an individual because of his/her race, religion, background, lifestyle, or gender are inappropriate and unacceptable in my class.

I look forward to getting to know you this quarter! I look forward to learning from you as I believe that you have a great deal to teach your classmates and me. You can count on me to put a great deal of time into making this class both educational and enjoyable. I will rely on you to assist in making the class fun and educational and firmly believe that you will get out of this class as much as you put into it. Good luck!