Syllabus – Speech 200

Interpersonal Communication

 

Instructor:            Fianna Dickson                                   

Class:                 M-R 9:30 – 11:30am Summer Session  

Text:                   Adler and Towne, Looking Out, Looking In (11th Ed.)

Office hours:        By appointment in R230L

E-Mail/Phone:      fdickson@bcc.ctc.edu  (425) 564-2346

 

Course Objective

The primary objective of this course is to gain knowledge and skills necessary for quality communication with others.  We will examine fundamental and complex elements of interpersonal communication through the lens of both theory and practical example. 

 

Class Format

You will be engaged in class discussions, activities, textbook readings, and assignments designed to aid your understanding of the concepts we will cover.  The focus will be on an active learning process facilitated by your participation.  Therefore, your attendance and class participation are key elements in meeting course goals.

 

Assignments

Activities                                   125 points                                                 

Group Presentation                    150 points                                                 

Final Evaluation Paper/Project     150 points                                                 

Exams                                      225 points (3 @ 75 points each)      

Attendance/Participation 100 points                                                 

Tentative Total:                       750 points                                           

 

Activities: There will be a variety of activities and projects throughout the course of the quarter.

 

Group Presentation:  You and four other group members will create a 25-40 minute presentation on a topic of your choosing – the goal will be to teach the class some aspect of course material.  You will be given some class time to work in groups, but there may be a need to meet outside of class on your own time.

 

Final Evaluation Paper/Project: The final paper/project is a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to apply interpersonal communication concepts and theories to your communication with other people.  You will have a choice in how to present this knowledge. 

Option 1:  You may write a paper 8-10 pages in length. 

Option 2:  You may design a creative project (i.e. video, PowerPoint, speech, website, etc.) 

*Papers and projects will be designed and authored with extensive application of information explored during the course.  A guide will be given several weeks prior to the end of the quarter.

 

Exams: There will be three exams given over the course of the summer session, and you will need to purchase an Exam Blue Book (available at the BCC Bookstore) for each.  The exams are open note.  If you will be absent on the day of an exam, please make arrangements to take it prior to the scheduled day – otherwise, you will receive a zero on the exam.  

 

Requirements

Attendance/Participation: Be here on time and ready to interact.  In a course about communication, it is essential for us to engage in classroom communication.  Therefore, only one absence (a 2 hour class session) is allowed, excused or unexcused.  Additional absences will result in a loss of attendance points.  Students with more than 5 absences will not receive credit for the course.  Participation will be evaluated on the basis of your application of interpersonal communication theory and concepts in class discussion and activities. 

 

Etiquette: I strive to create a classroom environment that feels comfortable, allowing students to participate with confidence that their efforts will be well received.  Listening actively and respecting other’s opinions will aid in this quest.  Behavior that conflicts with the classroom environment will result in a loss of participation points.

 

Academic Honesty:  Students caught in academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Student Programs.  Please consult the Arts and Humanities Division statement of Student Procedures and Expectations at www.bcc..ctc.edu/artshum/policy.html.

 

Deadlines: An assignment is considered late if it is not received by the end of class on the day it is due.  Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of 10% for each day (not just class day) after the due date.  If an assignment is received via email after class on the day it is due, it will receive a 5% reduction.  All major course work must be completed to receive credit for the class.

 

Neatness: You will be expected to do a professional job on your assignments.  They should be typed (double spaced, size 12 font) and stapled in one corner.

 

On-Line Handouts:  Several handouts will need to be accessed online.  In order to get your copy go to: http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/artshum/studentinfo.asp.  Click on the links in this order: #2 Course Materials; Summer Quarter; Speech Department; SPCH 200 Interpersonal Communication with Dickson.

 

Documented Disability:  If you have a documented disability, please inform me if you need any type of accommodation to help you succeed in this class.

 

Tentative Schedule

Week 1             June 21             Syllabus, Introductions, Communication Basics

                        June 22             Overview of Communication/Rhetoric                                Chapter 1

                        June 23             Overview of Communication/Self Awareness                     Chapter 2

                        June 24             Self Awareness, Group Project Introduction

                                               

Week 2             June 28             Perception, Emotions                                                     Chapters 3 & 4

                        June 29*            Values Clarification Exercise/Meet in Groups

                        June 30 *           Meet in Groups

                        July 1*              Meet in Groups             

 

Week 3             July 5*              Holiday – No School                                                      

                        July 6                Exam 1/Language                                                          Chapter 5

                        July 7                Language/Nonverbal Communication                                Chapter 6

                        July 8*              Meet in Groups 

 

Week 4             July 12              Nonverbal Communication                                                                      

                        July 13              Listening                                                                       Chapter 7

                        July 14              Relationships                                                                 Chapter 8

                        July 15              Relationships/Small Group Meetings with Dickson

                                               

Week 5             July 19*             Meet in Groups

                        July 20              Exam 2/Communication Climate                                     Chapter 9

                        July 21              Communication Climate/Conflict                                      Chapter 10                               

July 22              Conflict/Win-Win Activity

 

Week 6             July 26              Groups 1 & 2

                        July 27              Groups 3 & 4

                        July 28              Groups 5 & 6

                        July 29              Activity – Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace

 

Week 7             August 2           Paper/Project Discussions – Individual Meetings with Dickson

                        August 3           Exam 3

                        August 4           Project Presentations

                        August 5           Project Presentations/Wrap-Up Discussion

                                                           

 

Please feel free to visit with me about any aspect of this course.  My goal is to be as open and available to you as possible, to assist your success in this class.