CMST 101

Spring 2009

M. Lee Buxton

E-mail: lbuxton@bellevuecollege.edu Office/ Arts & Humanities/R230/ 425-564-2341

OFFICE: R230L

PHONE: 425-564-3064

OFFICE HOURS: M--TH 12:30 & by appt.

Classes: 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30am daily

STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITIES
SPEECH: Informative Speech & In-Class Presentations	25%
GROUP PRESENTATIONS AND PROJECTS:	25%
STUDENT PARTICIPATION: (guidelines below)	12.5%
EXAMS: (short and long essay, T/F & M/C, pop quizzes)	25%
WRITTEN: Speech Communication Analysis Paper	12.5%
All assignments must be completed to pass CMST 101

TEXTBOOKS: Understanding Human Communication, Adler & Rodman 10th edition

Online Material: http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/materials/

BCC Read Book: Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury-(option)

Consider: You can have your achievements or you can have your excuses. You are the only person in charge of your abilities. There is no accomplishment without risk. Each person has unlimited potential-you can improve the quality of your life and the lives of others…or not.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: CMST. 101 deals with both knowledge about communication theories, generalizations, principles, research results, etc. – and knowledge of communication – actual experience, practice. Knowledge about can be gained from reading, lectures, writing, etc., some of which may well be done alone and at other than class times. But knowledge of can only be developed and evaluated in the classroom context, where expectations are appropriate, feedback is available, and everybody’s “in it together.” Consequently, attendance is very important. If you’re absent, and if you miss a large part of the course, your evaluation will suffer. The CMST. 101 attendance requirements are defined this way: Any person may miss five hours of class without penalty. Any absences beyond five class hours will result in that person’s grade for the course being lowered-10 hours (20% of the class) missed will render you unable to receive a grade.

General Goals:

To develop an understanding and increase skills in interpersonal communication, public discourse, small group decision-making, intercultural communication and mass media.

To develop an insight into communication theory as it impacts us as individuals, as communities and as a culture.

GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION
1.	To participate, you must come to class “prepared.”
2.	Participation involves sharing information. You have lived a number of years. During those years, you have amassed a store of experience through dealing with other people. You have a great deal of intuitive knowledge of how people relate and communicate with each other. Participation involves sharing those experiences.
3.	Participation involves sharing feelings. You have a reaction now and then to what people say and do. You have some topics, which are quite important to you. Sharing those feelings in class, expressing why you feel as you do, or asking why others feel as they do is part of participation.
4.	Participation involves listening. You have to be able to listen actively to participate in this class. That means you have to attend to what your colleagues are saying and check your perceptions of what they are saying. You listen well if you can provide examples of your own which relate to the content or feelings of what has been already said.
5.	Participation involves asking me questions and challenging my opinions. I do not claim absolute and final knowledge of communication. My experiences of communication will be different from yours. If you do not challenge me when I am vague, question me when I am obscure or tell me when you think the material is groundless; you are not participating well. I cannot teach effectively if you do not actively participate.
6.	Focus on quality – not quantity. Remember -CMST 101 is Introduction to Communication. This class explores effective communication in one-to-one, small group, and one-to-many settings. Students analyze their communication skills and practice techniques to become more effective. Format includes public speaking experience.

Buxton/CMST 101 Pg. 1

Week

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Reading Assignment

April 1

Introduction to Communication Theories and Models

“Getting to know you speeches & groups”

Chapters 1 & 4

April 6

Language: Verbal and Nonverbal

Communication and Culture

Learning Goals due….

Begin search for topics…..

Chapters 3 & 5

Research on the Internet

April13

Interpersonal Communication

Theories in Perception and Self Concept

(Visual aid self portraits) Topics Search

Chapters 2, 6 & 7

EXAM #1

May split chapters in this exam Speech topics due

April 20

No class 4/23 Thursday

Interpersonal Communication and Relationships (start speech prep)

(“How is it going check?!)

Chapters 2, 6 & 7 cont.

Speech Plan due

April 27

Public Discourse and Culture

(begin Informative speeches/ Groups)

Research, outlines, peer responses

Reference/Read

Chapters. 10,11,12, & 13

Exam #2

May 4

No class 5/8 Friday

Public Discourse and Culture cont.

1^st. Round Begins-Speech Self Analysis

Chapter 14

May 11

Discourse: Persuasion and Ethics,

Pop quiz heads up….

(last day to withdraw- 5/22 in person-5:00pm,

online by midnight)

ethos/logos/pathos

May 18

The nature of small groups and decision-making.

(mass media, interpersonal, intercultural themes)

Chapters 8 & 9-

Small group projects

Exam#3

May 25

No class Monday 5/25

The Nature of Small Groups and Problem Solving (Leadership & Power)

What makes a

G00D group?

June 1

Small group projects & Presentations

In class work…

Group process papers due

June 8

Small group presentations

Communication Papers due…In Final Period 6/18

June 15

FINALS Week- Note time differences:

We meet as a class on Monday 6/15

10:30 Class: 6/18 Thursday 9:30-11:20

Finals Week: Begins 6/16

Must attend Final session

Summer quarter classes begin June 29, 2009-Monday. Enjoy your Break!

Buxton/CMST 101 Pg.2

BELLEVUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADING POLICY
Bellevue Community College utilizes the following grading system which reflects a student’s achievement.
Outstanding Achievement		Minimum Achievement
A = 4.0 points per credit hour		D+ = 1.3 points per credit hour
A- = 3.7 points per credit hour		D = 1.0 points per credit hour
High Achievement		Unsatisfactory Achievement
B+ = 3.3 points per credit hour		F = 0.0 points per credit hour
B = 3.0 points per credit hour
B- = 2.7 points per credit hour
Average Achievement
C+ = 2.3 points per credit hour C = 2.0 points per credit hour C- = 1.7 points per credit hour
POLICY ON CHEATING
You, the students, are expected to conduct yourselves with integrity. If you cheat, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying answers on tests or assignments, glancing at nearby test papers, swapping papers, stealing, plagiarizing, and illicitly giving or receiving help on exams or assignments. If you cheat, the following actions will be taken:
1.	You will receive a grade of “0” on the work (exam, assignment, lab, quiz, etc.) where the cheating occurred. This grade cannot be dropped.
2.	A report of the incident will be sent to the Dean of Students. He may file the report in your permanent record or take further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from the college.
If you feel you have been unfairly accused of cheating, you may appeal. (For a description of due process see WAC 132H-120.)

Accommodation Statement: Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are required to meet with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) office, room B132 (telephone 425.564.2498 or TTY 425.564.4110), to establish their eligibility for accommodation. The DRC office will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter. Students who require accommodation in class must review the DRC accommodation letter with each instructor during the first week of the quarter. Students with mobility challenges who may need assistance in case of an emergency situation or evacuation should register with Disability Resource Center, or review those needs with the instructor as well.
NOTE: Because of the skills needed to accomplish the assignments in the course- College level English- in reading, writing, listening and comprehension are necessary to succeed in this course. If you have any concerns about your abilities in these areas-please see me in the first week of the quarter. If you have not taken your assessment testing in reading or writing you need to do so-see me for directions. Buxton/CMST 101 Page.3

The Mysteries of grading and what you will be doing in CMST 101_____

The advantage of this course is that as a student there will be a variety of evaluative processes that establishes your grade- some “traditional” that you are familiar with and some new. There will be handout packets for each major assignment.

25%-Exams: (250pts) There are 4 major exams plus pop quizzes…

They will come in all forms-true/false, multiple choice, short, long answer essay and possible oral exams. Grading is based on a curve and given directly as letter & decimal (for example B/ 3.0-see page 3 of the syllabus) enabling you to simply average your individual exam grades during the quarter to find out where you “are” in the exam portion of your grade.

I try to be adapted in scheduling exams and make-up opportunities need to be schedule in advance.

25%-Informative Speech: (250pts.)The grade in the speaking portion of

CMST 101 is developed with a point scale to letter grades assigned to the various skills demanded in public speaking not only as a speaker but as an audience. The speech is video taped (so buy a video tapeJ) and the point elements are:

a speech plan, rhetorical outline, structure & logic, content, delivery, annotated bibliography, speech self analysis and peer responses.

There is a time constraint in this assignment- due dates are critical so there is a point penalty for being late and “0” points or an F for not doing the assignments. All elements must be completed to receive a grade on the speech.

**In class presentations are informal, are both individual & group, short and grow out of the topics generated by in class discussions and students generated interests and are designed to be a relaxed way to practice the art of “thinking & speaking on your feet.” Grading in these cases are “pass/fail points.” Just do it!

25%-Group Projects and Presentations: (250 pts) Part of this course is designed to focus on

how groups successfully accomplish tasks. There will be one major project based on a variety of options that will be point graded on group process as well as group presentation. As a class throughout the quarter we will be using groups informally to practice the variety of skills that are demanded in collaborative efforts.

12.5%- Communication Analysis Paper: (125points) this assignment is designed to be highly

Individual. The Paper is point graded and the ingredients are made up of your learning goals, of exercises, observations, experiments in testing theories in the text, your reflections, topics and issues that interest you, question and critical thinking opportunities to investigate the nature of Communication. I will ask to see a rough draft during the quarter before it is due but you can come in anytime and receive feedback. Creativity is encouraged!

The Communication Analysis Paper is a summary grows out of your overall work and is a 3-5 page discussion paper using specifics of text, lecture, discussion and your own research, observations and experiences on what you have learned about the nature of communication, how it impacts you as an individual and as a member of community and country.

12.5%-Participation: (125points) is evaluated using the guidelines on the syllabus, attendance & discussion. Because of the participatory nature of the course-missing 20% of class will render you unable to receive a grade in Speech 100.

Buxton/CMST 101 Pg.4

Accessing Course Materials: http://bellevuecollege.edu/ click on MyBCC which will take you to the log on site- then click on our class.

Get yourself a copy of the Student Handbook

You can pick one up in C106 or C212-Have one by the beginning of week 2.

Go to http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/policy.html and review the Arts and Humanities Division statement of Student Procedures and Expectations. The objective of this document is to create an environment where all students feel that they have the opportunity to learn. Down load a copy for your files BY THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK.

Come to class. DO THE READING WHEN ASSIGNED!

All major assignments must be completed to receive credit in the class.

If you do not have a College Handbook for Writing I recommend that you buy one.

Take advantage of the “labs” on campus: i.e. the reading & writing lab.

Make sure that you visit one of the computer labs and activate your e-mail account so that you can access and download course materials & connect with your colleagues.

Come see me. Talk to me. If the office hours do not fit your schedule-make an appointment-just give me some lead time. Problems with the material, an assignment, just curious, need to know about programs available on campus- I am a good resource for you.

Turn off cell phones and pagers while you are in the classroom.

Some assignments have flexible due dates-others do not. If you are having difficulty meeting a deadline, see me before, not after and we will try and work on some alternatives.

I rarely offer extra credit. There is enough work due in the quarter for you to “…do better the next time.”

Did I mention-COME TO CLASS? AND DO THE READING!

Learning is not always entertaining-it can be frustrating, confusing and “boring,” but that does not mean that learning can not be fun! Do not give up; reaching the end of the quarter WITH THE KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCES FROM THIS CLASS is a goal worth achieving.

Welcome to the class

Communication Studies/Buxton Page 5

Student Grading Activities
Exams: 4/5 major exams:		(25%)		250 points
Informative Speech:		(25%)		250 points
Group Projects:		(25%)		250 points
Speech Communication Analysis Paper:		(12.5%)		125 points
Participation/Attendance:		(12.5%)		125 points
Total points			1000 -940=A		939-900=A-
	899-860=B+		859-830=B		829-800=B-
	799-760=C+		759-730=C		729-700=C-
	699-660=D+		659-630=D		629-600=D-
					599-0=F
All assignments must be completed to receive a grade in the course

Norms & Expectations

· Participate, be committed, and be involved in the class and with your colleagues. Be supportive and learn reciprocity. Be a participant observer and not a social loafer.

· Accept Accountability and be a Responsible classmate.

· Take Risks- if you want to learn something NEW. Along with that comes some stress and uncertainty. If you want to grow and accomplish your goals you must be an active learner- not passive. Just getting by does not build your self esteem or confidence in your ability to be a self directed student.

· Be on time: plan your time and turn assignments in on time.

· Read the text. Assigned reading should be completed at the beginning of the week, read ahead.

· Take “good” notes in class.

· Be Ethical. Practice Honesty and be Truthful. Keep your word and do not make agreements that you can not keep. This diminishes your credibility and trustworthiness. Work on being open-minded and empathetic.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. To learn basic principles of human communication.

2. To identify & develop the skills of a competent communicator.

3. To develop oral proficiency and competency skills in delivering an informative speech.

4. To participate and learn skills in how to communicate in a small group environment.

5. To develop understanding of how culture impacts all communication & practice intercultural communication skills.

6. To gain an increased awareness of the complexity of human communication and the advantages of effective oral communication.

7. To identify the connections between communication and the development of self concept and interpersonal relationships.

8. To become aware & record your own communication habits and how these behaviors affect your own communication.

9. To understand & practice the non-verbal aspects of oral communication.

10. To learn listening skills and understand their importance in communication competency.

Buxton/CMST 101 Pg.6

Student Bio. CMST._____ Quarter_____ Time______

Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Quarters @ BCC		Other Campuses?
English/Writing Classes Taken	(placement in writing______ and reading_______ Have you taken Eng.101______
Science & Math Taken
Social Science Taken
Other Communication Classes Taken:

Do you have a computer at home or easily available to you? Yes_________No_______

Is this class a requirement? If yes, for what program_____________________

What are you expecting of this class…Besides a “good” grade? What do you hope to learn?

Learning Skills:

What do you consider to be your strengths as a student?

What areas do you feel that you need to improve?

On the back of this page… Tell me about yourself! Fill the entire page…

Page 7

Communication Studies Quarter:_______

Weekly Task Sheet

Themes: Week

Day/date

Lecture Topic

Class Activity

Group work

Assignments

_________

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Assignment/s Due:

Required Reading:

Learning Goals/Self Reflections:

“How is it going? Questions? Issues?

Page 8