INSTRUCTOR:

Colleen Hogan-Taylor

EMAIL: WebCT course email, and BCC email at choganta@bcc.ctc.edu

MESSAGE PHONE at the Arts & Humanities Office: 425-564-1234

ARTS & HUMANITIES WEBSITE: http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/Artshum/.

REQUIRED TEXT: "In Mixed Company", J. Dan Rothwell, 4th ed., Harcourt Brace

Recommended references for writing:

1. "Elements of Style", Strunk & White

2. "Sin and Syntax", Constance Hale

3. "Handbook of Nonsexist Writing", Miller & Swift

OTHER REFERENCE: BCC Arts & Humanities Student Handbook: http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/studentinfo.html

THIS IS A DEMANDING LABOR INTENSIVE COURSE THAT REQUIRES YOUR DAILY ATTENTION. IF YOU PLAN TO BE ABSENT FROM CLASS MORE THAN 2 DAYS IN A ROW (except holidays and weekends), THEN PLEASE DROP THIS COURSE AND TAKE IT AT TIME WHEN YOU CAN FULLY PARTICIPATE. WORKING FULL TIME, TAKING A FULL LOAD, THIS COURSE INCLUDED, IS NOT RECOMMENDED. SUCCESSFUL GROUP WORK REQUIRES FULL COMMITTEMENT!

Civil, reasonable communication is necessary for group work, and violating the codes of conduct as determined by BCC's Distance Learning Office, the Arts and Humanities Division, and this syllabus at any time will be taken seriously and can result in immediate denial of access to the class. You can read the Arts & Humanities Division code from this course site, or access it via their website by clicking on "students".

COURSE SUMMARY: This survey course is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to learning basic, effective methods and theories of small group communication. Topics covered include communication competence, group development, roles and leadership, effective and defective decision-making, power, and conflict resolution. In order to effectively learn and apply these theories, each student will work all quarter in a group to create a community service type of project proposal. Implementation of the project is not required, however groups may choose to do so after the quarter has ended. The "ASSIGNMENT - GROUP PROJECT" section of this course website explains the details of this crucial, major assignment.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: As a result of successfully completing this course, students should be able to--

1. understand and demonstrate communication competence by engaging constructively in group and class discussions (keeping the topic relevant and focused); be an attentive participant and responder to the instructor and other group members;

2. demonstrate organizational and critical thinking skills by applying theories presented in the text and in class to your communication with fellow group members, the instructor, toward class group project activities, and analyzing case studies and previous group experiences;

3. identify and apply positive role and leadership models;

4. demonstrate a clear understanding of effective decision making, problem solving, and conflict management practices through effective methods applied to your group and explained in analysis reports;

5. effectively present ideas through written group and individual assignments that include analysis reports, group presentations that will describe the project proposal as it is developed during the quarter, and answers to chapter study questions.

PARTICIPATION: DAILY LOG IN FOR THIS CLASS IS REQUIRED, MONDAY - FRIDAY, except holidays or any day that BCC is closed, but weekend communication is also acceptable as this is an online course.Your active, full participation and appropriate communication conduct is vital to make this a successful and beneficial learning experience for you and your classmates. Be sure to ask for clarification whenever you are unsure of someone's intent. Rather than assuming something negative, the best approach is to first seek clarification. Students must check the Main Discussion Forum , and participate in your own group's Discussion Forum daily, Monday through Friday.

Students cannot work alone in this class, as the purpose of the class is to demonstrate communication competence in a group setting via the online venue. Your grade will be adversely effected if you engage in avoidance or disruptive behavior. Absenteeism for reasons of not being able to access a computer is unacceptable, barring emergencies. If your computer isn't working, then use the labs at BCC, at the library nearest you, or pay for the service at a copy center that has computers. Relying on a a friends' computer or one at your work in order to participate in this course is a poor strategy for a variety of reasons, i.e., possible firewalls, time and availability restrictions, incompatible software, and changing schedules that affect your ability to log on and/or attend chat sessions.

ASSIGNMENTS: Students will demonstrate their skills and knowledge through completion of the following required assignments. These are graded on a group level: 4 Group Presentations, and 4 Group Logs, however, activity status determines the number of points earned. Students who are partially active receive half credit and inactive students receive no credit. See the Group Assignment site for details. The following assignments are graded on an individual level: 10 Chapter Answers, 2 Analysis Reports, and feedback for 3 presentations.

*PRESENTATIONS: These are each groups' statement to the class about their project proposal. Each presentation will have different required topics as the quarter progresses. Specific criteria will be posted in the Group Assignment site of the course, and any changes will be posted on the Main Forum.

*LOGS: These reflect the group's inner dynamics -- tracking discussions, decisions, agendas for chat sessions and weekly discussions in the group forum, chat session minutes (if any held), list of tasks, etc.. Specific criteria will be posted in the Group Assignment site of the course, and any changes will be posted on the Main Forum.

*ANALYSIS REPORTS: The specific content required for each is posted on the Individual Assignment site of the course. Grades will be based on ability to accurately, fully, and clearly answer the questions, appropriately apply related theories discussed in the text and lecture notes, and support for ideas by including examples, organization, and other length and writing style/formatting criteria. Do not submit these assignments as attachments. Instead use the copy/paste method, and submit them to my course email by the due dates. PAPERS THAT DO NOT MEET MINIMUM CRITERIA WILL NOT BE GRADED AND WILL RECEIVE NO CREDIT.

Confirmation of Analysis Reports: Each student will receive a confirmation from me for each analysis report received, however, that confirmation does not mean that I will indeed grade it if it doesn't meet the minimum criteria.

*PRESENTATION FEEDBACK: Each student is required to offer constructive helpful criticism, insights, questions, etc., to other groups' presentations within 4 days of the posting.

*CHAPTER ANSWERS: Students are required to respond to questions listed at the end of each of my chapter lectures. The answers are posted in the corresponding chapter forums (e.g., "chapter 1 answers). Students should read each others' answers, and offer insights to further the discussion. This is, in essence, our "classroom discussion" and is part of your participation grade, so it's credit/no credit.

The final, overall grade for the course depends upon each persons' ability to achieve the objectives for the course. In essence, the amount of effort you put into the class will be reflected in the outcome. To earn an A for this course, one must be high on group tasks, communication competence, analytical ability, and complete most or all assignments on time. If a person is high on task, but low in communication skills, including ability to analyze, etc., and does not turn in all the required assignments, don't expect an A. (The "Success Strategies" section of the course site is required reading.)

STATUS & CREDIT FOR GROUP ASSIGNMENTS (Presentations and Logs):

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO POST A MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) MEANINGFUL MESSAGES PER WEEK MINIMUM, AND THEY MUST BE POSTED ON 3 DIFFERENT DAYS (weekends accepted). THE MESSAGES MUST BE POSTED IN EITHER THE GROUP DISCUSSION OR RESEARCH FORUM TO BE CONSIDERED AN 'ACTIVE' MEMBER OF THEIR GROUP. (For example, posting a message on Monday, another on Tuesday, and another on Friday is acceptable. Posting them all on the same day is not.) HOWEVER, ATTENDANCE AT A CHAT SESSION, and POSTING A PRESENTATION OR LOG CAN COUNT AS ONE MESSAGE EACH. THIS ENABLES STUDENTS TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT (as graded) FOR THE GROUP PRESENTATION and LOG. Exceptions are granted when BCC is not open 5 days a week, and such exceptions will be noted in the course calendar and/or Main forum. Other exceptions are granted only with instructor permission (e.g., family emergency or illness). ANY STUDENT WHO POSTS LESS THAN 5 MESSAGES IN ANY WEEK WILL RECEIVE EITHER PARTIAL OR INACTIVE STATUS; 2-4 messages results in Partial status; 1 or less results in Inactive status.

A 'MEANINGFUL MESSAGE' is a contribution of any of the following -- helpful ideas or questions pertaining to the project goal, direction, group methods, communication climate within the group, organization and/or delegation of tasks, providing credible research, voting on an issue, reviewing drafts of presentations and logs, posting a weekly or chat agenda, chat minutes, or posting the final presentation or log for grading. Socially oriented and miscellaneous comments (that have no other "meaningful" content) will not earn credit towards the active status, e.g., "I'll post my information tomorrow" or "sorry I wasn't here yesterday" or "I didn't attend chat, so tell me what happened" or "good job, group" or "how many points was this assignment worth".

Students can be expelled from a group for constant inactive status. ANY STUDENT WHO IS EXPELLED FROM THEIR GROUP WILL FLUNK THE COURSE. See the Group Project section of this class for more details.

GROUP COMMUNICATION, CHAT SESSIONS: STUDENTS MUST KEEP THE BULK OF THEIR DELIBERATIONS IN THEIR GROUP DISCUSSION FORUM. The Group Log forum is for posting a record of the groups' activities (decision making and chat session minutes, as well as tasks completed by the members, activity status, etc.). Chat sessions are not required for the course, however, if the group chooses to have chat sessions, they must be held within WebCT chat rooms for the course, and scheduled at a time when all group members can attend. If a group decides to hold chat sessions, then those members are held responsible to attend. Students are discouraged from meeting in person. Since this is an online class with the possibility of students from all regions of the globe participating, and because group dynamics change when people meet face to face, students are encouraged to NOT meet in person so that everyone is graded by the same criteria.

LATE INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY 1 DAY. EXTENSIONS ARE GIVEN ONLY FOR EXTREME FAMILY EMERGENCIES AND ILLNESS, but you must let me know the reason and be able to provide proof. Ten points will be deducted for late submission of Analysis Reports, and 2 points deducted for chapter postings. Chronic excuses of "family emergencies" however will not be accepted. (If that's the case it's probably not the best time to take this class.) LATE GROUP ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Part of this course is about working effectively in groups, and that includes meeting deadlines.

WRITING STANDARDS: Clarity is a prime concern in this class, and although this class has no prerequisites, proficiency in written English is extremely desirable. If needed, get a copy of the recommended text, "Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. You can also contact the WRITING LAB at BCC via the main campus website if you need assistance. The standards rules of English will be applied in this class, so assignment postings will also be graded on spelling, punctuation and formatting. Students are required to proofread and preview their messages and assignments prior to posting, and maintain college level writing standards. We all make minor mistakes occasionally that can be forgiven (even me!), but students who have frequent errors in their messages (e.g., spelling, verb tense, grammar etc.), will have their grades adversely effected, and will be notified to improve their skills.

FORMATTING: ALL ASSIGNMENTS THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY FORMATTED WILL BE RETURNED TO THE STUDENT UNGRADED FOR CORRECTION. IF IT'S NOT RESUBMITTED IN THE PROPER FORMAT, BY THE DESIGNATED TIME, IT WILL REMAIN UNGRADED. Assignments should include the correct title in the subject line (e.g., Analysis Report#1), and this criteria.

* Put a space between paragraphs, otherwise the submission reads like one, long, run-on paragraph. This is a common problem so please note it.

*Use a regular 12 sized font in Arial, Courier New, or Times New Roman.

If you inadvertently click the wrong button and post your message/assignment without completing the formatting, or if you post it in the wrong forum, post it again correctly. Then email me via the course email and ask me to delete the incorrect or premature postings. Note that every item posted on the bulletin board is numbered, so give me the number of the item(s) you wish me to delete.

DO NOT SEND THE INSTRUCTOR ANY ATTACHMENTS WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION. Make a habit to compose your papers and messages in notepad, plain text, or html format; spellcheck it (in "word" if needed), then copy/paste it, preview for formatting, then send it to me. I don't accept attachments for two reasons, --(1) inability to open documents due to incompatible systems, and (2) spreading computer viruses.

COURSE CALENDAR: The course calendar is posted on the course website. (Don't use the preliminary one posted on the Distance Education site.) It is each student's responsibility to check the calendar and Main forum on a regular basis to stay current.

EMAILS TO INSTRUCTOR: Always include an appropriate title in the subject line when corresponding, and always include your group affiliation in your signature, once you have been assigend to a specific group, (e.g., 'Teresa - Health group').

COURSE QUIZ:This quiz has no credit points. Its purpose is twofold--to assist me in making sure that students have read and understand the policies described in the course syllabus and assignments before participating in group activities.

TECHNICAL ISSUES - PROBLEMS: WebCT works best with Netscape, version 4 or higher, but DO NOT USE NETSCAPE 6.X. Contact me if you are having technical problems so I can do my best to assist you, especially if it appears to be a chronic problem. I'm sure that various levels of technical expertise will be represented in the class, so help each other out when possible. However, it is each student's responsibility to stay in contact with his or her group on a regular basis. If a problem arises, and you cannot contact me via computer, leave a message for me at the Humanities office via phone (425-564-2341), and use the computers at the BCC computer labs, library or copy center nearest you.

RESPONSE TIME FROM INSTRUCTOR: Under normal circumstances, I check in with the class throughout the day, Monday through Thursday, unless otherwise posted on the main forum. I also check in for a short time Fridays, when possible. Questions are answered within 24 hours (however, it's usually rather quickly - about 3 hours or less on week days), but 24 hours is the maximum, excepting weekends and holidays. I sometimes log on during the weekends, but there is no guarantee for responses on weekends. I generally do not meet with students in person, however if a meeting is absolutely necessary, it must be arranged well in advance because I do not live near campus.

CHEATING - PLAGIARISM: Cheating and plagiarism are serious academic offenses that are subject to disciplinary action. Plagiarism refers to copying any or part of another person's work, including the textbook, other students, and not using quotations, and not citing the source. Anyone found guilty of cheating and/or plagiarizing will either flunk that particular assignment or the entire course, depending upon the severity of the offense. If you don't know how to cite sources properly, please contact the Writing Lab via the Arts & Humanities website and the campus librarians. They'll be glad to assist you.

ESL STUDENTS: In order to succeed in this class you must be an active and full participant, so you are encouraged and expected to join in group and class discussions and ask questions. Although there are no prerequisites for this class, PROFICIENCY IN WRITTEN ENGLISH IS NECESSARY SINCE THE WRITTEN WORD IS THE ONLY VENUE OF COMMUNICATION FOR THIS CLASS.

DISABLED STUDENTS: If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation (for those on campus), please make an appointment with a representative in the Disabled Student office as soon as possible. If you would like to inquire about becoming a DSS student you may call 425-564-2498 or go in person to the DSS (Disability Support Services) reception area in the Student Services Building.

TENTATIVE REQUIREMENTS & GRADE POINTS:

ASSIGNMENT	# OF POINTS EACH	TOTAL POINTS
10 Chapter Answers (individual grade)	10 pts.	100
2 Analysis Reports (individual grade)		225
#1	100 pts.
#2	125 pts.
4 Group Presentations (group grade)		270
#1	45 pts.
#2 - 4	75 pts.
4 Log Postings (group grade)		345
#1	45 pts.
#2 - 4	100 pts.
3 Presentation Feedback (individual grade)	20 pts.	60
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE		1,000

GRADES & PERCENTAGES

A	95%	Superior work in all respects.
A-	90%
B+	87%
B	85%	Performs above minimum requirements
B-	80%
C+	78%
C	75%	Average work performance
C-	70%
D+	68%
D	60%	Minimum requirements not met.
F	below 60%	No credit; substandard work.

..................................................................................................................................................

GRADE SHEET: Please use this sheet to keep track of your grades.

CHAPTER ANSWERS (10 pts. each possible):

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

PRESENTATIONS (1=45 pts. possible; 2-4 = 75 pts. each possible):

1

2

3

4

LOGS (1=45 pts. possible; 2-4 = 100 pts. each possible):

1

2

3

4

PRESENTATION FEEDBACKS (20 pts. each possible):

1

2

3

ANALYSIS REPORTS (1=100; 2 = 125 pts. possible):

1

2

End of grade sheet

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End of syllabus.