COMMUNICATION STUDIES 210 (CMST&210)

****previously Speech 200****

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

SUMMER 2010

Instructor: Katherine E. Oleson

Class Meetings: online (vista.bellevuecollege.edu)

Office Hours: online daily; by appointment in R230U on BC campus; via telephone

Phone: 425-564-3050 (office)

E-mail: koleson@bellevuecollege.edu

Required Textbook: Adler, Proctor & Towne Looking Out, Looking In, 13^th Edition  (Thompson Wadsworth, 2010).  **Please note that you have 2 options for the textbook – one is a hardcover, the other is soft bound copy. The content is identical.** An e-version of the text is also available (as a 180-day subscription) through Coursemart: http://instructors.coursesmart.com/students

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 & evaluations   130 points

Technology Plan                                                     10 points

Individual Activities (8)                                          8 @ 20 points each                                           

Guided Reflections (2)                                            2 @ 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 to 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 quickly! 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. The specific due dates for discussion board postings for each chapter are listed on the course calendar.

Mon. June 28                     Check out Vista site (read “Getting Started” section)

Buy textbook

Tues. June 29                      Work on Technology Plan assignment

Introduce yourself in online discussion board

A first look at communication (Ch. 1)

Wed. June 30                    Communication competence & interpersonal relationships (Ch. 1); individual activity

Thurs. July 1                     Self-concept (Ch. 2)

Technology Plan due

Fri. July 2         Self-concept (Ch. 2); Work on Guided Reflection 1

Mon. July 5                Day after July 4 holiday – relax. J

Tues. July 6             Self-concept (Ch. 2); individual activity; Perception (Ch. 3)

Wed. July 7              Perception (Ch. 3)

Thurs. July 8             Review for Exam 1

Fri. July 9-Sun. July 11 Exam 1 available

Mon. July 12            Emotions (Ch. 4); individual activity

Tues. July 13             Emotions (Ch. 4)

Wed. July 14            Language (Ch. 5)

Thurs. July 15            Language (Ch. 5)

Fri. July 16               Nonverbal Communication (Ch. 6); individual activity

Mon. July 19                Nonverbal Communication (Ch. 6)

Tues. July 20                Work day

Wed. July 21        Individual activities & papers due for Ch. 1-6

Mid-quarter evaluation due

Thurs. July 22                 Review for Exam 2

Fri. July 23-Sun. July 25  Exam 2 Available

Mon. July 26             Listening (Ch. 7); individual activity

Tues. July 27           Relationships (Ch. 8); individual activity

Wed. July 28               Intimacy & Distance in Relationships (Ch. 9)

Thurs. July 29             Review for Exam 3

Fri. July 30-Sun. Aug. 1    Exam 3 available

Mon. Aug. 2                Communication Climate (Ch. 10); Work on Guided Reflection #2; individual activity

Tues. Aug. 3                   Conflict (Ch. 11); Relational aggression (handout online)

Wed. Aug. 4             Conflict resolution & management strategies;

Getting to Yes (handout online); individual activity

Thurs. Aug. 5                  Review for Exam 4

Fri. Aug. 6                     Individual activities & papers due for Ch. 7-11

Final participation evaluation due

Work on final paper

Sun. Aug 8-Tues. Aug. 10  Exam 4 available

Mon. Aug. 9              Work on final paper

Tues. Aug 10              Work on final paper

Wed. Aug. 11          Work on final paper

Thurs. Aug. 12        Final paper due online by 10:00 a.m.