Faculty Syllabus

Course: SPCH 1318-006 #51126

16-Week Session: August 22 – December 11

ONL/Distance Learning

This asynchronous class is fully online without meetings or live instruction. Tests are not proctored. Asynchronous discussions and communication skill demonstrations are recorded using Flip (a free, education-focused video creation-sharing platform).

Instructional Methodology

This class is fully online without meetings or live instruction. Students complete assigned work, by due dates, as fits your schedule. Students take tests, watch instructional videos and videos for discussion, and participate in discussions using Flip (a free, education-focused video creation-sharing platform) to promote a sense of community in a virtual learning environment while demonstrating an understanding of communication theories and communication skills.

Course Skills levels

In accordance with H.B. 2183, students who enroll for ACC Speech courses are expected to demonstrate competent English speaking and listening skills: “Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion and audience.” “Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.”

Online Learning Readiness

You have enrolled in an asynchronous course section of SPCH 1318. Asynchronous courses do not have class meetings or “live” instruction. You are responsible for:

• Reading the digital textbook (a free open educational resource linked in Blackboard)
• Watching Instructional Videos (linked in Blackboard)
• Watching Videos for Discussion (linked in Blackboard)
• Recording answers to Discussion Questions with Flip (a free, education-focused video creation-sharing platform linked in Blackboard)
• Recording Replies to two Classmates' videos with Flip (linked in Blackboard)
• Recording Communication Skills Demonstrations (Finals Assignments) with Flip (linked in Blackboard)
• Taking Tests (linked in Blackboard)

In addition to the 3-contact hours (time typically spent in a face-to-face class), college students should set aside 2-3 study hours for every credit hour of class. In other words, you may need 9-12 hours (or more) per week to complete the coursework for this 3-credit hour course.

Students who are most successful in this type of distance learning course have:

• Strong reading skills
• Strong writing skills
• Proficiency navigating and using interactive online platforms
• Ability to self-start and complete work by established deadlines
• Ability to manage time and multitask

Before proceeding any further, please consider completing the three brief surveys linked below to make sure that this class will be a good match for you this semester. Each survey opens in a new window.

• Am I Ready for Distance Education?
• Technical Skills Checklist
• Are You Managing Time or is Time Managing You?

Course Assignments and Weight

1. Orientation (Complete or Incomplete): Successful completion of all four orientation tasks as instructed and as scheduled is required to maintain enrollment in this course (see list below). Orientation tasks are accessed and completed in Blackboard. Orientation tasks are due as scheduled may be completed prior to due date. Detailed instructions and links are posted in Blackboard. Follow instructions carefully to avoid mistakes that could result in being dropped. Contact Dr. Lyn for assistance.
    
2. Tests (250 points = 25%): Twelve tests each worth 25 points accessed and completed in Blackboard. Each 25-question test covers one Learning Module. Tests automatically submit at 30 minutes. Tests are due as scheduled but may be completed prior to due dates. Description, instructions, and links are posted in Blackboard. Note: Two lowest test scores are dropped.
    
3. Discussions (250 points = 25%): Twelve discussions each worth 25 points accessed and completed via links in Blackboard to Flip (a free, education-focused video creation/sharing platform). Discussions include analysis of interpersonal communication theories in media and self-assessments. Discussions are due as scheduled but may be completed prior to due dates. Detailed instructions, grading rubrics, and links posted in Blackboard. Note: Two lowest discussion scores are dropped.
    
4. Finals Assignments (500 points = 50%): Five Finals Assignments worth 100 points each (see list below) accessed and completed via Blackboard links to Flip (a free, education-focused video creation/sharing platform). Finals Assignments are due as scheduled but may be completed prior to due dates. Detailed instructions, grading rubrics, and links are posted in Blackboard. Follow instructions carefully to avoid mistakes that could affect your final grade. Contact Dr. Lyn for assistance.

Grading Policy

Final Grade Scale

Attendance Policy

Your attendance in this asynchronous online course is determined by the successful completion and submission of coursework by the established deadlines. Submit coursework well in advance of due dates to avoid last-minute technical issues or personal circumstances that could impact your final grade.

Exceptions to Attendance Policy

‘Excused Absences’ (i.e. late/missed work) include illness, hospitalization, funeral, observance of religious holy days, or required military service. “Religious holy day” means a day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20 of the Tax Code. There is no deduction for late work for a timeframe to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please note that ‘last minute emergencies’, work, or family obligations typically don’t meet the criteria for an excused absence. However, please contact Dr. Lyn if you experience a situation that justifies an excused absence.

Late Work/Missed Work Policy

1. Late Tests, Discussions, Finals Assignments are subject to a 20% per day deduction for five days at which time a score of zero is recorded with no opportunity for make-up (except for ‘excused absences’).
2. The timely submission of coursework is expected given the flexibility of the asynchronous course format. You have access to all coursework from the start of the semester and you complete assigned work, by due dates, as fits your schedule.
3. Take Heart, your two lowest test and discussion scores are dropped at the end of the semester which results in 100 extra points built-into the semester’s coursework and available to all.

Final Grade Policy

Please contact your professor immediately if you think an error has been made in calculating your final grade. However, requests for additional credit options, extra credit work, submission of missed assignments, and/or the resubmission of previous assignments will not be considered. Your individual goals for the course, (i.e. “I need to get a good grade in this class since the program I'm applying for is very competitive”, etc.) cannot be taken into consideration when determining the final course grade. I am obligated to apply course policies equally to all students. Grades reflect performance.

Extra Credit Policy

Under no circumstances is ‘extra credit’ beyond the 100 extra points built-into the semester’s coursework offered in this course section. Why? Because it is unfair to those who consistently follow instructions carefully, submit work well ahead of due dates, and request assistance from their professor in a timely manner when they have questions. Grades reflect performance

Incomplete Policy

Under no circumstances is a final grade of “I” (Incomplete) granted in this course section. All students are expected to complete the course within the semester they are enrolled. Regrettably, you should withdraw from the course if personal circumstances prohibit you from successfully completing this course in the current semester. If the course withdrawal date has passed, you will receive a failing grade. I am obligated to apply course policies equally to all. Grades reflect performance.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the course by the withdrawal date (Thursday, November 17) if personal circumstances prevent progress. Access the ACC Withdrawals webpage for more information. If you stop submitting coursework and you do not have a passing grade after the withdrawal date a final grade of “F” is submitted. Your professor does not submit Retroactive Withdrawals for students.

Discussions Policy

1. Only videos from your Flip account created with your ACCmail are accepted and graded.
2. One Discussion Video per learning module is assigned.
   1. Only one five-minute Discussion video per student is accepted and graded.
   2. Post your Discussion video before posting Replies to Classmates.
   3. Score of zero (0) is recorded for plagiarizing and is reported to the Office of Student Affairs.
3. Two Replies to Classmates per learning module are assigned.
   1. 1st to Post: The first student to post a Discussion video earns full points for Replies to Classmates without replying to anyone.
   2. 2nd to Post: The second student to post a Discussion video need only reply to the 1st to Post to earn full points for Replies to Classmates.
4. The following are subject to a 20% deduction:
   1. Replies to Classmates posted before the Discussion video
   2. Replies to Classmates not linked to a classmate video
   3. ‘Failed uploads’ and/or ‘uploads to an incorrect folder’ and/or ‘missing audio and/or video’

Finals Assignments Policy

1. Only videos from your Flip account created with your ACCmail are accepted and graded.
2. The following are subject to a 20% deduction:
   1. Submitting a revision of a ‘Finals Assignment’
   2. ‘Failed uploads’ and/or ‘uploads to an incorrect folder’ and/or ‘missing audio and/or video’
   3. ‘Finals Assignments’ that include edits, stops, pauses due to interruption, and/or restarts
3. Plagiarism is reported to the Office of Student Affairs and a score of zero (0) is recorded.

Assignment Grade Dispute Policy

If you wish to discuss an assignment grade, please wait twenty-four (24) hours, but within one (1) week after receiving the grade, to contact your professor.

Grades for assignments are returned within one week (or sooner) after the due date. Immediately read the feedback received on assignments. Do not wait until the end of the semester to ask for a review of work done previously because you are dissatisfied with your course grade. Assignment grades are based on grading criteria and nothing else. The grade ‘you need’ or the grade ‘you think you should have earned’ is not a starting point for discussion. Please reference specific details from your assignment and the associated grading rubric.

Email Policy

It is your responsibility to make sure that you use and receive ACCmail. You may need to set-up your ACCmail to make sure all communication from this course is not sent to Spam or Trash and to make sure you do not use any email account other than ACCmail for communication and recording in Flip.

Please form the habit of checking your ACCmail each weekday during the semester as this is my primary means of communicating with you. ACC requires faculty and students use ACCmail for email communication, so I only receive and reply to messages sent via ACCmail. If you haven’t yet activated your ACCmail account here’s the link to do so: https://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/activation-and-login-assistance.

If your email message is sent to me between Monday-Thursday, you can expect a reply from me within 24 hours. Messages sent between Friday-Sunday will be returned no later than the following Monday.

Dr. Lyn’s Email Etiquette

You are expected to communicate respectfully and professionally with everyone in this course, including your professor. You can expect to receive respectful, professional communication from me.

Communicating effectively — whether by email or in person — is essential for establishing a professional network, but it's a skill that doesn't receive much emphasis in college. College is the start of your professional life and learning how to email a professor can set you up for future success. Please apply the following to every email you send to me.

1. Required subject line is your five-digit course synonym (#51126). The following do not meet my requirements: 1318-XXX or course synonym in the body of email.

2. Begin your message with a proper salutation: (e.g. Hello Professor Colangelo or Hi Dr. Lyn).

3. Include a proper closing with your preferred name (e.g. Sincerely, Your Preferred Name).

4. Make a statement of purpose (e.g. I am writing to….).

5. Your meanings should be expressed clearly and concisely.

6. Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

7. The tone of your message should express friendliness and formality.

8. Avoid informal “texting”, such as no greeting, no closing, lower case “i”, “cu later”, “thx”, etc.

9. Avoid expressing anger. Instead use an I-Statement, such as “I am confused about…”

10. Avoid profanity, libelous, defamatory, slanderous, offensive, racist, sexist, or obscene remarks—even if they are meant to be a joke

Technical Issues Policy

Students are expected to take full responsibility for ensuring online assignments are properly submitted by scheduled due dates. Plan and prioritize your schedule so that if technical problems do occur, you will have time to get them resolved before deadlines are upon you.

Technical problems are not an excuse for late work unless ALL OF US are experiencing upload and download issues on Blackboard or Flip. If you experience a technical issue, it is expected that you will make other arrangements to ensure the timely submission of coursework. I am obligated to apply course policies equally to all students.

Conduct Policy

Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

This includes verbal comments that are considered intimidating, threatening, sexually inappropriate, incivility, bullying, and/or entitlement. See College policies concerning conduct at https://catalog.austincc.edu/support-services-and-student-progress/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct-and-disciplinary-process/.

1. Incivility: Disrespect for standards of classroom behavior including disregard for deadlines, grade grubbing, sniping remarks, offensive language or comments, and cheating.
2. Intimidation: Threatening language, bullying, physical posturing, anger, use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing, aggressively dominate or intimidate. Examples include attempts to procure a grade change by embarrassing, attacking, or humiliating the professor.
3. Entitlement: A sense of entitlement is apparent in attempts to influence or reverse grades. When a student blames the professor for a poor grade, the student’s perception of effort or ability is at odds with actual academic performance.

Course Evaluations

All course evaluations will be completed online. Students may access the course evaluation when released by the college in their Blackboard course. Please provide feedback on positive experiences in the class and any constructive feedback that would improve the experience for future students.

Course Agreement

Acceptance of the conditions and policies in this document is implied by continued enrollment in this course. Please remember, your professor is obligated to apply course policies equally to all students.

Module 0 Orientation 'Course Orientation' is due 11:59pm Sunday, August 28, 2022.

Your first objective is to complete the Course Orientation by the deadline. Follow instructions carefully to avoid mistakes which could result in being withdrawn from this course. Links to these tasks (as with all of the coursework) are posted in our Blackboard course site.

1. You will need an ACCgmail account. It can take up to 24-hours to get an ACCgmail account.
    
2. You will create a Flip account using your ACCgmail to record a self-introduction video and reply to two classmates. Flip is a free, education-focused video creation-sharing platform linked in Blackboard.
    
3. You will earn 100% on the Orientation Test. Retake as many times as needed to earn 100%.
    
4. You will send an ACCgmail to Dr. Lyn with the required message identified in the Orientation Instructions posted in Blackboard. 

Orientation Policies

1. Policy: Successful completion of all four Orientation Tasks is required to maintain your enrollment in this course. See Course Content > Module 0 Orientation. Follow instructions carefully to avoid mistakes which could result in being withdrawn from this course.
2. Policy: Technical problems are not an excuse for late work unless ALL OF US are experiencing upload and download issues on Blackboard or Flip. If you experience a technical issue, it is expected that you will make other arrangements to ensure the timely submission of coursework.

This is a ZTC section (Zero Textbook Costs). The textbook is a free Open Educational Resource (OER): Communicating to Connect: Interpersonal Communication for Today.

The textbook is digital resource published as a link in each Blackboard Learning Module. There is no hard copy of this text. You may print copies but are responsible for costs.

Students will need:

• Access to a computer or laptop with a keyboard
• Reliable consistent, internet access
• Access to a webcam and mic

Note: Student electronic devices must be compatible with Blackboard System Requirements.

Note: Mobile devices are not recommended as the sole device for accessing and participating in Blackboard courses.

Fall 2022

SPCH 1318 #51126

16-week Course Calendar

Schedule changes may occur during the semster. Any changes will be posted as a Blackboard Announcement and sent to your ACCmail.

General Education Outcomes

• Communication Skills
• Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
• Personal Responsibility
• Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions, and consequences
• Social Responsibility
• (Civic and Cultural Awareness)
• Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
• Teamwork
• Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Recognize the characteristics of competent communication in dyadic interactions
• Demonstrate the ability to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of interpersonal strategies used in various interpersonal situations, including mediated and face to face interactions
• Demonstrate skill in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs
• Differentiate between theories that explain interpersonal interaction
• Recognize the ethical dimensions of interpersonal communication
• Recall how perception affects communication and the importance of perception-checking
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal messages in interpersonal interactions
• Evaluate listening habits and demonstrate effective listening skills
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal conflict management principles
• Recognize communication differences between individuals in cultures that affect interpersonal interactions and recall strategies for adapting to cultural differences
• Recall the nature and role of emotions in interpersonal interaction and competent strategies for expressing emotions
• Identify distinguishing characteristics of interpersonal relationships including family, friendship, romantic, and work
• Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating, and applying communication theories in oral and/or written assignments