COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: SPCH 1318 Interpersonal Communication COURSE (CATALOG) DESCRIPTION: Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance, and termination in relationships context including friendships, romantic partners, families, and relationship with co-workers and supervisors. INSTRUCTOR: Fely Balcos OFFICE: W - 331 OFFICE HOURS: MW 9:00 AM-10:00 AM; 2:25 PM-3:25 PM CONTACT INFORMATION (TELEPHONE AND EMAIL): (956) 364-4711 fbbalcos@tstc.edu MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ TASK LISTING TASK LISTING FOR COURSE 10. Write effective paragraphs 13. Give oral presentations 16. Accommodate cultural diversities in oral/written communication 17. Apply verbal and nonverbal communication techniques 18. Participate in group situations 19. Apply active listening skills 32. Analyze relational dynamics and conflict styles This course is divided into sections: A First Look At Interpersonal Communication Part I : Looking In (Self-concept, Perception and Emotions) Part II: Looking Out (Language, Nonverbal Communication and Listening) Part III: Looking at Relational Dynamics (Relational Dynamics, Intimacy and Distance in Communication, Communication Climates and Managing Interpersonal Conflicts) 1. Each section will include brief lectures, interactive exercises, and small group Discussions. At other times, an assigned group will lead the chapter discussion. 2. Evaluation of each section will include quizzes, tests, written activities and oral presentations. An exam will be given after discussing one or two chapters. The test will include true-false, multiple choice, identification and short responses.
-2-3. You will be required to do an oral report on an assigned topic, write 3 short papers and do a film analysis. More information about these assignments will be given during the semester. LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Critical Thinking (CT) Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, inquiring analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts, and constructing solutions. 2. Communication Skills (CS) Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication. 3. Teamwork (TW) Students will demonstrate the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose. 3. Personal Responsibility (PR) Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making. LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles. 2. Demonstrate ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal interactions in mediated and face-to-face contexts. 3. Identify and understand perceptual processes as they relate to self and others. 4. Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating, and applying communication theories in oral and written assignments. 5. Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of cross-cultural, co-cultural, gender, and age influences on human communication. 6. Identify, evaluate, and apply conflict styles and conflict resolution strategies. 7. Identify types of and barriers to effective listening.
- 3 - MAJOR COURSE LECTURE, TOPICS DESCRIPTION/REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED READINGS/ELECTRONIC RESOURCES TO VIEW: Tentative Schedule (Subject to change by your instructor) Date Topic/Lecture/Event Measurable Activities Jan. 10 Course Orientation Moodle Orientation Ch1 A1 Match the type of communication with their purposes and number of people involved. (LO1) Jan. 12 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 CHPATER 1 - A FIRST LOOK AT INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION Why We Communicate physical needs identity needs social needs practical goals The Process of Communication Interpersonal and Impersonal Communication Chapter 1 (cont) Communication principles Communication Misconceptions Social Media and Interpersonal Communication What makes an effective communicator Characteristics of competent communicators Competence in Intercultural Communication Competence in social media CHAPTER 2 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA Mediated versus face-t-face communication Benefits & drawbacks of mediated communication Influences of mediated communication Competence in social media Ch1 A2 Match the terms with their definitions. (LO1) Quiz 1- Demonstrate knowledge of chapter 1 interpersonal concepts. pp. 4-16 (LO1, CT) Group discussion 1 Read On the Job: Communication and Career Success p. 8 in your textbook. Do you agree or disagree with the research results? Share answers in a small group discussion. (LO2, CT) Ch1 A3
Jan. 24 TEST on chapter 1 P. 4 CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNICATION AND IDENTITY: CREATING PRESENTING THE SELF Self-concept and self-esteem Biological and social roots of the self Characteristics of the self-concept (Discuss the first oral presentation: Personal Experience Talk) Jan. 26 Chapter 3 (cont.) Culture, Gender, and Identity Self-fulfilling prophecy and communication Public and Private selves Characteristics of Identity management Why Manage identities Managing identities in person and online Identity management and honesty Jan. 31 Chapter 3 (cont.) Self-Disclosure in Relationships Models of self-disclosure Benefits and risk of self-disclosure Guidelines for self-disclosure Alternatives to Self-Disclosure Feb. 2 TEST 3 on chapter 3 TEST 1 on chapter 1 Demonstrate knowledge of concepts and principles in chapter 3 Ch3 A1 Identify the elements of your self-concept by answering the 8 questions found on p. 48 in your textbook. Write answers on a piece of paper. Bring your paper to class. (LO3, CS) Quiz 3 Demonstrate knowledge of communication and the self-concept and selfesteem. pp. 62-72 (LO3) Group discussion 2 Ethical Challenge: Must We Always tell the Truth p. 71 in your textbook. (PR) TEST 3 on chapter 3 Demonstrate knowledge of CHAPTER 4 PERCEPTION:WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET chapter 3 concepts and terminologies (LO1, LO5) The perception process C4 A2 Finalize preparation for your Personal Experience Talk Feb. 7 Personal Experience Talk presentations Presentation 1 Do an oral presentation of a personal experience talk and tell what you learned from it. (LO3) Refer to the worksheet. Feb. 9 Chapter 4 (cont) Influences on perception Common tendencies on perception Perception Checking Empathy Cognitive complexity The Pillow Method Quiz 4 Demonstrate knowledge of the perception process. pp. 105-112 (LO1)
Feb. 14 CHAPTER 5 EMOTIONS: FEELING, THINKING AND COMMUNICATING What are emotions? Physiological factors Nonverbal reactions Cognitive interpretations Verbal expression Influences on emotional expression Personality Culture Gender Social conventions Fear of self-disclosure Emotional contagion P. 5 Feb. 16 Test on chapter 4 Chapter 5 (cont) Guidelines for expressing emotions Managing Difficult Emotions *Facilitative and debilitative emotions Test on chapter 4 Quiz 5 Demonstrate knowledge of the components of emotions. pp. 140-151 (LO1) Feb. 21 Chapter 5 (cont.) Ch 4 A3 - Identification. Irrational thinking and debilitative emotions Minimizing debilitative emotions Maximizing debilitative emotions Ch4 A4 Analyze the fallacy illustrated in each statement. (CT (Start choosing topics from chapters 7 and 8 for the oral reports) Feb. 23 CHAPTER 6 LANGUAGE: BARRIER AND BRIDGE Language is symbolic Language of Understandings and misunderstandings *Understanding Words: Semantic Rules *Understanding Structure: Syntactic Rules *Understanding Context: Pragmatic Rules The impact of language on names Show tentative outline of oral report
Feb. 28 TEST on chapter 5 P. 6 Mar. 2 Chapter 6 (cont) The impact of language on names Disruptive language The language of responsibility Gender and Language Culture and language Language and Worldview Submit final outline of oral reports CHAPTER 7 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION: MESSAGES BEYOND WORDS TEST on chapter 5 Demonstrate knowledge of concepts and terms from chapter 5 (LO1, LO4) Quiz 6 - Demonstrate knowledge on the rules of language. pp. 154-164 (LO1) Ch5 Group discussion 3 Read the case study and answer the critical thinking questions at the end of the worksheet. (LO5, CT) Ch7 Oral presentation 2 Mar. 7 Oral reports Nonverbal skills are vital All behavior has communicative value Nonverbal communication is primarily relational Nonverbal communication serves many functions Nonverbal communication offers deception clues Nonverbal communication is ambiguous Influences on Nonverbal Communication *Gender *Culture) Types of Nonverbal Communication Body movement (kinesics) Body orientation Posture Gestures Continue with the oral reports Face and eyes Voice (Paralanguage) Touch (Haptics) Appearance Physical Space Physical Environment Time (Chronemics) CHAPTER 8 - LISTENING: MORE THAN MEETS THE EAR Continue with the oral reports Listening defined Elements in the listening process The challenge of listening Types of ineffective listening Choose one type of nonverbal communication and explain how you use it in interpersonal communication or in public speaking, through an oral presentation.(lo2, CT) Ch7 A1 Quiz 7 Demonstrate knowledge on the characteristics of nonverbal communication. pp. 212-224 (LO2) Ch8 Oral presentation 2 Identify the factors that influence your listening behavior and explain how you use these in interpersonal communication through an oral presentation. (LO7, CT)
Mar. 9 Continue with the oral reports P. 7 Why we don t listen better Meeting the challenge of listening better Types of listening responses Prompting Paraphrasing Advising Choosing the best listening response Meeting the challenge of listening better Types of listening responses Prompting Paraphrasing Advising Choosing the best listening response Mar. 9 Test on chapter 7 Continue with the oral reports Meeting the challenge of listening better Types of listening responses Prompting Paraphrasing Advising Choosing the best listening response Ch8 A1 Analyze your listening behavior by answering a listening checklist. (CT) Paper 2 Suggest ways on how you can improve your listening behavior in a paragraph of 7-10 sentences. (CT) Test on chapter 7 Quiz 8 Demonstrate knowledge of listening terms and concepts. pp. 244-256 (LO1) March 14-17 March 21 & 23 March 28 & 30 SPRING BREAK Watch a full length movie Paper 3 Analyze interpersonal concepts illustrated in the film. Worksheet to be given in class. CHAPTER 11 - MANAGING INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT The Nature of Conflict Conflict defined Conflict is natural Conflict can be beneficial Conflict styles *Avoiding (Lose-Lose) *Accommodating (Lose-Win) *Competing (Win-Lose) Direct aggression Passive aggression *Compromising (Lose-Lose) *Collaborating (Win-Win) Which style to use? Groupings for the presentations. Worksheet to be distributed.
Apr. 4 Apr. 6 Apr. 11 & 13 Apr. 18 CHAPTER 9 - COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONAL DYNAMICS Why We Form Relationships (appearance, similarity, complementarity, reciprocal attraction, competence, disclosure, proximity, rewards) Models of Relational Dynamics *A Developmental perspective Chapter 9 (cont) Characteristics of Relationships *Relationships are constantly changing *Relationships are affected by culture Communicating About Relationships Content and relational messages Types of relational messages (affinity, immediacy, respect, and control) Metacommunication CHAPTER 10 - INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONSHIPS Intimacy in Close Relationships Dimensions of intimacy Masculine and feminine intimacy styles Cultural influences on intimacy Intimacy in mediated communication The limits of intimacy Characteristics of Family Communication *Family communication is formative *Family communication is role-driven *Family communication is involuntary Communication Patterns Within Families *Conversation orientation *Conformity orientation Chapter 10 (cont) Friendships And Social Media Languages Of Love Improving Close Relationships Relationships require commitment Relationships require maintenance and support *Relational maintenance (positivity, openness, assurances, social Networks, sharing tasks) *Social support (emotional, informational, instrumental) Repairing Damaged Relationships Strategies for relational repair Forgiving transgressions p. 8 Ch9 A1 Match the relationship stage with its definition. (LO4 Quiz 9 Demonstrate knowledge on why people form relationships. pp. 278-289 (LO1) Ch9 A1 What are the five conflict styles? QUIZ 10 Demonstrate knowledge on intimacy in close relationships. pp. 380-393. (LO1) Ch10 Group discussion 4 Choose and discuss two communication strategies to help maintain and support a close, committed relationship. LO4, CT)
Apr. 20 & 25 Apr. 27 Conflict Presentations Ch11 Oral presentation 3 Group work Do an oral presentation of a conflict style. Refer to the worksheet. (L07, ) Final Exam -9- REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS: Text: Adler, Ronald B. and Proctor, Russell F. II. Looking out/looking In. 15th Edition. Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth, Cengage. 2011. ISBN: 978-1-305-07651-8 Other materials: Scantron answer sheets, notebook, looseleaf notebook paper (with smooth edges only; not torn from a spiral notebook); black ink pen, one flash drive, and one small stapler. NO WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS IN PENCIL. GRADING CRITERIA: From Student Handbook: Grading Criteria Students must receive a letter grade of C or better in each major course to receive credit. A temporary grade of IP may be given and indicates that a student has not satisfactorily completed a course. This grade will be given only when the deficiency is due to an authorized absence or other cause beyond the control of the student. When the quality of work finished has been acceptable for satisfactory completion of the course, a grade will replace the IP. A student must complete the required work within the period of time specified in the contract between the student and instructor. If it is not, the IP will be administratively converted to an F. GRADING SCALE: Numerical Grade Requirement 90-100 A--Excellent/Superior--4 grade points per semester 80-89 B--Above Required Minimum--3 grade points per semester 70-79 C--Minimal Required--2 grade points per semester 60-69 D--Below Required Minimum--1 grade point per semester 0-59 F--Failure to meet requirements--0 grade points per semester IP--In Progress (course completion beyond control) GRADING CRITERIA GRADING SCALE Quizzes 15% 90-100 A Assignments and participation 15% 80-89 B Short papers and Oral reports 15% 70-79 C Exams (chapter tests) 40% 60-69 D Final Exam 15% 0-59 F Plagiarized or copied work will receive a 0 (F). Noticeable effort, class attendance and attitude will be considered in the grading process.
DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION POLICY ATTENDANCE/RESPONSIBILITIES -10- As a responsible student, you are expected to: 1. Attend class regularly, be on time, and stay for the entire class period. Students leaving the class without asking prior permission from the instructor will be recorded as absent for that period. Late comers are a distraction to everyone. 2. Do all the assigned course work, read the assigned chapter pages, and answer assignments on Moodle on or before the due dates. Absences, whether excused or not, do not alter this responsibility. 3. Complete quizzes and tests on the scheduled dates. There will be no make up for quizzes regardless of the reason for missing the quiz. 4. Read your syllabus before coming to class, so you will know the chapters to be covered, assignments due. Know what is expected from you. 5. Participate in class discussions. Be a positive force in class. Ask questions, express your opinions, and make yourself known as someone who is actively involved. 6. Take notes in class. It helps to recall concepts, ideas discussed in class when you take notes. 7. Access Moodle to answer the activities. For updates and reminders, click on the link Announcements from the Instructor. No late assignments will be accepted. 8. Make up work/test may be given provided you make prior arrangement with the instructor and submit the late work or take the make up test on the agreed date. You are given a week to do the make up work or test. Failure to do so will result to a grade of zero. There will be no make up work, test, assignments on the week before the final exam. 9. Use the instructor s office hours. Don t wait till the last week of classes to talk to your instructor about your grades or any concern you may have. I m here to help you succeed. ABSENCES Only absences of an extreme or catastrophic emergency may be excused and must be corroborated in writing by an appropriate authority (hospital, doctor); merely phoning in does not excuse an absence. Several absences (more than 3 absences or 1 5% per cent) may impact your grade.
-11- REQUIREMENTS 7 Quizzes 4 Tests (each test will cover 1-2 chapters) 3 Essays 3 Oral presentations QUIZZES AND TESTS Quizzes and tests will be taken on Moodle depending on the availability of the lab. You will need a scantron if the quiz or test will be administered in class. You are not allowed to open your books and notes when taking the quizzes and tests online or in class. There is a time frame for you to take the quizzes and tests, so you must take them on the scheduled dates and times. There will be no make up for quizzes regardless of the reason for missing the quiz. You will use a scantron if a quiz or test is administered in class. Cheating in a quiz or a test given online or in class is not acceptable and may result to expulsion from the class and the college. DROPPING It is your responsibility to drop the course prior to the last date for withdrawal without incurring an F grade. The withdrawal process will no longer be initiated by the instructor. The last day to drop with a W is March 31, 2017. SHORT PAPERS/ORAL PRESENTATIONS All papers/assignments must be typed using 12pt font Times Roman, double spaced, one inch margin all sides and must be checked for both grammar and spelling. Type your name professor s name, class and section, and date on the upper left hand corner of the paper. Five points may be deducted for every missing information. No cover page is required. All papers must be uploaded on Moodle on the due dates. Technical Difficulties is not an acceptable excuse for not turning in your paper/assignment on the due date. No late papers will be accepted. Worksheets for the short papers and oral presentations will be posted on Moodle or distributed in class during the semester. STUDENT CONDUCT A. You are expected to conduct yourselves in a professional manner and to dress appropriately for class. Don t wear ball caps, sunglasses and anything that explicitly reveals skin. B. Turn off cell phones before entering the classroom. Do not talk, text or use your cell phone during class. If you choose to use/answer your phone, consider yourself absent, gather your belongings and leave the classroom. If you expect an emergency call during class, inform me in advance so I will know the reason why you re leaving the class early.
-12- C. I expect your behavior to be pleasant and courteous. If anybody s behavior distracts other students or the instructor in any way, I will ask the disruptive person to leave the room and not return until we will have met and agreed on what is acceptable behavior. A second disruption will be grounds for disciplinary action. D. Conversations while lectures are going on are absolutely discouraged. ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT: If you have a documented disability which will make it difficult for you to carry out classwork as outlined and/or if you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact (956) 364-4520 or visit the Support Services Office in the Auxiliary Services Building as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements. Copyright Statement The materials used in the course [textbooks, handouts, media files (podcast, MP3, Videos, RSS (Feeds), and all instructional resources on the colleges Learning Management System (Moodle)] are intended for use only by students registered and enrolled in this course and are only to be used for instructional use, activities associated with, and for the duration of the course. All materials generated for this course, which includes but are not limited to syllabi, quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and any additional materials.these materials may not be retained in another medium or disseminated further. They are provided in compliance with the provisions of the Teach Act. These materials may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder or TSTC. For further information contact your instructor. Communicating with your instructor (MyMail E-mail System) All official college E-mail to students is sent through MyMail, the official student e-mail system at TSTC Harlingen. When communicating with instructors and/or employees of the college, you are required to use your TSTC MyMail student e-mail address. If you choose to forward your e- mail to another account, please be advised that you must respond from the MyMail account. TSTC Harlingen faculty, staff, and students are asked to report all threats, perceived or real, immediately to College Police located in the Auxiliary Building. If the threat is imminent, the College Police emergency phone line at 364-4234 or 9-911 should be called. College Police will then coordinate the proper response in accordance with State and federal laws and TSTC System/College rules and regulations. NOTE: Any changes to this syllabus will be announced in class, provided in writing to the student and updated on all posted locations (HB 2504, course Moodle). 82416fbb
Tutoring Statement The Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at TSTC offers free tutoring and academic support services help you achieve your academic and career goals. Regular participation in tutoring can also help you earn the grades you need to avoid Academic and/or Financial Aid Probation or Suspension. You can access the most up to-date Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Schedule, as well as MyTSTC Video Tutor Library, by visiting: https://portal.tstc.edu/student/student_learning/pages/tutoring.aspx (Tutoring Program Webpage) (shortened link: goo.gl/z9vjvy ) https://www.youtube.com/user/mytstcvideotutor/playlists (MyTSTC Video Tutor Library) Please note that the Tutoring Schedule will be available after the first week of school. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Success at 956.364.4163 or the Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at 956-364-4170.