Assignments and Grading

Course Assignments and Weight

The Communication Studies Department at Austin Community College requires that all students who take SPCH 1318: Interpersonal Communication successfully complete minimum requirements. This course complies with the minimum requirements set by the department. 

Homework assignments will also be conducted in Blackboard and/or during our class. Packback discussions will be held. Additionally, it is your responsibility to complete these online assignments by the due dates listed in the Course Calendar and on Packback. A description of each type of assignment appears below:

1. Self-Assessment and Reflection Assignments: Students are required to successfully complete three (3) Self-Assessment and Reflection assignments to heighten their awareness of their interpersonal communication skills.  

• These Deep Dive assignments will be written in Packback and will utilize an AI Research and Writing Assist.
• Assignments include the following: 

Communication Competence, Complaint-free Communication; IWedding Traditions 

1. Analysis of Interpersonal Communication Principles and Theory: Students are required to successfully complete one (1) Analysis of Interpersonal Communication Principles and Theory assignment.  

We will call this project the IPC Project. Working individually, you will first develop a Deep Dive research summary, in Packback, then you will turn this information into an infographic using Canva presenting advice for improving an interpersonal communication skill or relationship.

You will upload the link to your infographic so that the rest of the class can view and discuss your findings during class.  Cannot be made up or completed at any other time.

1. Oral Demonstrations of Interpersonal Communication Skills: Students are required to successfully complete two (2) Oral Demonstrations of Interpersonal Communication Skills.  

   Listening skills demonstrate that you can appropriately write a prompt to a language learning model to receive an AI-generated case study. Then, while recording yourself and your partner, actively listen AND respond to your partner while they read an AI-generated case study. 

o Relational Mapping Assignment (Timeline with explanation) –ON FLIPGRID OR can be written and handed in.

Please note: You will NOT be graded on delivering a speech in this course. This course does not cover that type of communication. Instead, you are expected to demonstrate specific skills during interpersonal skills demonstrations. 

1. Exams: Students are required to successfully complete four (4) exams in this course. 

Exam 1: Units  1, 2    Exam 2: Units  3, 4, 5,     Exam 3: Units 6, 7, 8, 9,  Exam 4: 10, 11, 12 

      5. Participation & Attendance: 

5% for participation (speaking up, showing us your truth, interacting with us, asking questions)

  for attendance (being present both in class sessions and Packback discussions). Students will earn a rating of 3 to 5 with 3 being Needs improvement, 3.5 being Fair, 4, Average, 4.5, Proficient 5, Exceeded expectations.

Grading Policy/Schema

Specific grading criteria will be provided for every assignment. If you have any questions regarding the expectations of an assignment, please do not hesitate to seek clarification. The use of proper grammar and punctuation is expected as a requirement for all assignments. If you have concerns regarding a grade given on an assignment, please wait 24 hours before contacting me. During that time, please review the assignment and grading criteria, contemplate the feedback given on the work, and then contact me if you still have questions about the grade given on the assignment. Don’t wait too long, however. Grades are only open for discussion for a period of eight (8) days after they have been handed back to the class, whether you were present that day or not.  

Success in this course requires thoughtful self-evaluation of your performance. When you discuss grades with your instructor, be prepared to make a well-thought-out case regarding the evaluation during office hours or over the phone. Your argument must be related to your assignment as presented, and based on how it compares with the criteria for the assignment (not how you think it compares with someone else’s work or how it will affect your GPA or scholarship status). Discussions about particular assignments should occur during office hours because I cannot discuss grades during class time. I can discuss grades via your ACC email as well.

To view your grades for this class log onto Blackboard and click on view my grades on the left-hand side of the screen. I will make every effort to turn graded assignments back to you a week from the time that they were due.

Please track your grade throughout the semester by checking your grades in Blackboard. If it is not going well, let’s hit the “reset” button together–please let me know and we can come up with a plan to move forward together. 

Assignment Points Tracking Table

Course Textbook & Supplies

Communicating to Connect

https://sites.google.com/austincc.edu/interpersonaloer/title-page?authuser=0

The free OER e-book, Communicating to Connect is available above and on the left side menu of Blackboard.

Course Rationale

Developing communication skills can give students a competitive edge in their professional and academic career. Not only are communication skills highly valued in the workplace, communication courses taken at ACC transfer to all colleges and universities in Texas. Communication skills are essential to personal and professional success. Personal and professional relationships are important in our lives. As Dr. Robert 

Waldringer, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, said in a November 2015 Ted Talk, “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.” Interpersonal Communication focuses on the communication skills we need to develop and maintain good relationships with others. 

Course Description

Interpersonal Communication applies communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance, and termination in friendships, romantic partnerships, families, and workplace relationships.  The course explores theories and practice in verbal and nonverbal communication with a focus on interpersonal relationships.  This course emphasizes improving interpersonal skills and increasing communication competence in everyday social exchanges. Skills: E   

(Credit Hours: 3; Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3)

Instructional Methodology

This course is delivered in a synchronous meeting on Zoom. There will be lectures, group work, activities and discussions. All students are expected to be engaged and participate in class and Packback discussions and activities. 

Turn on your cameras so Dr. N knows that you are alive and well. (It really makes her class more interactive to see ya’ll and you won’t be counted as “present” unless you have your camera on for at least half the class)

General Education Competencies

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. 

Course Skill Levels

In accordance with H.B. 2183, students who enroll in Communication Studies courses at ACC 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.”

Course Policies and Procedures

COURSE POLICIES

Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Dr. N will implement AI in this course to facilitate student learning outcomes. You may use AI in assignments that require it. Packback discussion and deep dives will require the use of Packback’s own research and writing AI  assistant. Use this tool to build your questions and discussion replies. At least two of the other assignments have been revamped to start student exploration and prompt AI to develop randomly generated case studies to respond to. vhttps://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/ 

PLAGIARISM is a serious offense in this course. Using the words and ideas of others is borrowing something from those individuals.  It is always necessary to identify the original source of supporting information; you must cite the source of any material, quoted or paraphrased, used in your presentation and/or written work.  The absence of this documentation constitutes plagiarism – a serious academic and professional offense.  Proper documentation requires a bibliography of any outside texts you have consulted including both traditional sources and on-line sources. This includes the use of AI. Students need to cite their use of AI by including the prompt that was used and the responses from the AI along with the assignment. Specific requirements for this documented use of AI are explained in the instruction materials for each assignment. 

Putting your name on a piece of work indicates that the work is yours and that the praise or criticism is due to you and no one else. Putting your name on a piece of work in which any part is not yours, is plagiarism – unless the borrowed thought or wording is clearly marked and the work is fully identified. Keep in mind that plagiarism is a form of theft. Taking words, phrasing, or sentence structure, or any other element of another person’s ideas, and using them as if they were your own, is stealing.  Simply paraphrasing the work of another without acknowledging the information source is also plagiarism.  Merely restating another individual’s ideas in different words does not make the ideas yours. ALL presentations are to be your original work. Using speeches or presentations from previous semesters or other classes is still considered plagiarism.

Your responsibility as a speaker is simply to distinguish between what are your thoughts and ideas and what are not, and to credit those who have contributed to your presentation. Serious infractions of these rules will result in a failing grade in the course. These standards may seem subtle, so feel free to ask if you have questions or concerns.

Student Responsibilities

As a student, you have responsibilities that will enable you to succeed in this course. I expect you to:

1. Identify yourself when you contact me.

a.  ACCmail: Include your five-digit course synonym (81429) in all ACCmail sent to me. If you email through Blackboard, this information is already included.

2. Interact professionally. Speak and write to everyone in this class - including me - as if that person is a valued professional colleague. Using descriptive I-Language (describe behaviors using 'I' not 'You') can convey a professional tone. (Be Nice).

3. Commit to the virtual meeting dates. Make arrangements to attend virtual meetings uninterrupted for the entire scheduled time. No environmental noise (people, animals, or sounds) should be seen or heard as these distractions can keep you and others from focusing on the task at hand. 

There are weekly virtual meeting dates: Monday and Wednesday from 6:30pm -8:30 pm

 Become self-sufficient. Know when assignments are due, where to find them, and how to use the Blackboard Tools required to successfully complete coursework. The following strategies will enable you to be self-sufficient in this course.

Access our course in Blackboard regularly. Regular and frequent course access will help you avoid falling behind in this course. 'Falling behind' is the number one reason students give for being unsuccessful in a distance learning course.

Check your ACCmail daily. All Course Announcements are sent to your ACCmail. It is important that you get that information.

Review the Course Schedule and/or Course Calendar several times per week so you can keep up with deadlines. You are responsible for knowing what is due and when it is due. All due dates will be announced in class, listed next to each module, posted as a Blackboard Announcement and in Packback emailed to students. 

Always open and read the Alignment Tables for each Module. Note that a Packback discussion has two due dates. Each week opens on Monday 12:00AM, The Initial Curiousity Question is  due by 11:59 pm on Wednesday and the Discussion closes on Sunday 11:59pm. Students are to have 3 posts:

1 Curiousity Question –Dues Wednesday 11:59pm

2 responses to your classmates -Due the following Sunday at 11:59pm.

Take notes when Dr. N gives how-tos during class time: Know how to use each tool BEFORE coursework is due. Knowing how to use these Blackboard Tools and Packback will enable you to successfully submit coursework on time. You are responsible for knowing how to create Flip recordings, create Packback discussion curiosity questions and replies to your (2) classmates.

2. Work consistently. Know what is due each week and submit assignments BEFORE the last minute. Remember: Murphy's Law applies to technology, too!

3. Read assignments and course information carefully. Since we do not have on-campus meetings, your ability to follow assignment instructions and apply that information in your coursework will be a major factor in determining your success in this course. You will be able to ASK me questions in our weekly meetings, during office hours, and via text, or email.

4. Set aside time to succeed in this course. I recommend reserving 6-9 hours per week to work on this course. This includes the number of hours the class would meet in a lecture setting (3 hours) plus the additional 1-2 hours per week that students should study (3-6 hours). Some weeks you may need more, some weeks you may need less.

5. Access feedback and accept responsibility for your grade. Remember that it is your responsibility to read and understand an assignment before you begin it. When I grade, I provide ALL feedback in Blackboard My Grades or Packback using grading rubrics and oral or written feedback. The grade you 'need' or think you 'should have earned' is not a starting point for negotiation or discussion. I can only consider the stated criteria when grading coursework. All else is irrelevant. 

6. Have or acquire access to appropriate technology. ACC recommends the following:

 .            Computer and an operating system capable of doing the required coursework.

a.           Printer and headphones with an integrated microphone.

b.          Fast, reliable broadband (cable) internet connection.

c.           Webcam, microphone  (required for this class to earn attendance and participation)

Distance Education

If you are new to online learning, know that there are differences between online and traditional face-to-face learning. In particular, time management and study skills are required to be a successful online student. 

P.S.

Distance Education is a unique, non-traditional method of taking a class. Students who are most successful in distance education courses have these qualities and abilities:

·   Strong writing skills

·   Strong reading skills

·   Proficiency in navigating and using interactive online platforms

·   Ability to self-start and complete work by established deadlines

·   Ability to manage time and multi-task

When you have questions, please ACCmail me anytime, text me (please identify yourself each time) or meet me in my personal zoom during ‘Virtual Office Hours'.

I look forward to working with you! It is an honor to be your Professor!!

Dr. N

I encourage you if you are new to distance education to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

There are social responsibilities for this class, and so your online presence is required during every unit to guarantee a building relationship between you and your classmates. This is our learning community and in order to build it,  I assure you that it is in your best interest to interact in EVERY class session, Flip, project,  posting, and packback discussions while your classmates are also working on it, for three reasons.

1. You can draw on the energy of  your classmates. There really is no substitute for being with others doing the same thing as each other. 

2.Packback Discussion assignments are collaborative and you need to provide your classmates with opportunities to answer your curiosity question each week:) This interaction is worth (25%) of your final grade.  When you post your curiosity question early enough your classmates are more likely to respond to YOUR question. How cool! Students who do the best in this course usually try to get them in by Wednesday night. 

  3. Each interaction/reply with your classmate increases  your grade for the discussion assignments. The expectation is to post your packback question by Wednesday night.  The beginning of the week starts every Monday. (The replies are due a week from the opening of the discussion on the following Sunday at 11:59pm) when the week’s packback will close. The next week’s packback will be open at 12am on Monday. Because of how dynamic they are the Discussion experience cannot be made up. So,  if you miss it during the unit, then just go onto the next one.  No worries, there are approximately 10 and the lowest grade will be dropped. 

3.  I pay attention to your logging in and turning in work as well as participation in our weekly packbacks, and any flip interactions/activities. Students who do the best in this course usually show up with their cameras on and ready to communicate with us) .

Written Work:(homework, papers, self-assessments) that are completed will be typed Students who do the best in this course usually hand in on Blackboard under the appropriate area (including in Packback area) AND make sure that they are visible to Dr. N (have the proper permissions to view and edit it).  I can see your work best when it is in Blackboard in the correct area. Incomplete assignments, presentations, and papers will be graded as such. Do not email me your assignments.

So that I can locate your work easily, all course assignments for Dr. N on Blackboard should be named:

1318.STUDENT.Last name.first initial.the name of the assignment.docx/.pdf (or, whatever office program you use)

Example: 1318.STUDENT.niedermyer.a.researchsummary.docx 

I will believe in you more until you believe in yourself enough.

-Dr. N

Late Work/Missed Exams

I realize that life happens while you are getting your education. Try your best to meet the deadlines in this class. I have listed deadlines in our course schedule. I will touch base with the class each week during our virtual meetings in order to make sure that we are on task. It is your responsibility to have your work completed when it is due.  All deadlines are by 11:59pm unless otherwise stated. DO NOT email me your homework—turn it in on Blackboard or in the appropriate place on Packback.

In the case that classes are canceled because of weather, pandemic, or other emergencies:

“The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.”

Contacting me: I will send announcements, reminders, good ideas, and clarifications and they will come to your inbox for ACC. I enjoy recording LOOM videos for the class and I like to use those to explain how to successfully complete the projects.  I want to make sure that these videos are available for you to watch each of these for important how-to’s and advice.

Students who do the best in this course usually  stay up on what is happening in the class. Always feel free to email or text me. I need a little time to respond, but if you do not receive a response from me, then I did not receive your email, please be sure you are sending to: aniederm@austincc.edu or texting my number at the front of this syllabus.

Missed Exams—Make sure that you communicate with Dr. N if you have technical issues with exams in this course. Email Dr. N and she wl be able to reset an attempt or open the exam back up if needed. If you miss an exam they will not be made up or started after the due date.

Virtual Etiquette and Distractions

Please refrain from distracting behavior during any interaction or recording of your assignments. Please do not use your cell phone, smoke or vape cigarettes, on camera unless permission is granted by the instructor.  You are responsible for making sure distractions are minimized by silencing your phones, shutting your doors if possible, and not playing music in the background during your assignment recordings (unless it is part of the assignment:). If your behavior is a distraction to the class or instructor, the instructor reserves the right to remove you from the virtual class session for the day.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the professor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when these views are expressed in classroom discussions. (See our Class Expectations # 1 -5 on Blackboard. Students will also develop classroom expectations in the first week of class that aim at maintaining a liberated learning environment. 

Classroom Civility

People and ideas must be treated with respect. Your class expectations will be clearly communicated Class Expectations # 1 -5. Be open to interacting with other students in this class. Liberated Spaces will provide us with expectations for how to behave and interact with others. 

This includes spoken words during lectures/discussions as well as written words. You are expected to follow the expectations listed below (in addition to the ones that you develop) when posting to the discussion area, completing online assignments, and when sending an email:

Expectation 1: Be nice! Make sure that you soften your language with emojis :) when appropriate. Do not try to control others by using demeaning or bullying behaviors. Only give constructive feedback--no criticisms of each other. 

Expectation2: Be involved! Interact with the rest of your classmates. I have built-in many opportunities to chat, interact, discuss, learn and play. 

Expectation3: Build each other up in our learning community. YOU have the power to inspire your classmates. Your voice is important to THEIR journey. You will have lots of opportunities to share your knowledge, help others, and strengthen our community as a whole. 

Expectation4: Speak YOUR truth. You should explore as you learn. Assume that everyone in the class thinks and acts differently than you. Adopt "cultural humility" as we learn about each other. Ask each other questions out of pure exploration for understanding the other person's comments.

Expectation5: Do not shame others. Each student's narrative (story) is valid and important. You can only speak your story don't interrupt other people on purpose. 

ACC’s General Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. You do, however, reserve the right to drop a student should you feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date 

. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veteran’s benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.  Access the ACC Withdrawals webpage for more information. 

Instructor General Withdrawal Policy

Your instructor reserves the right to withdraw you from this class if you accumulate excessive absences (see attendance policy) and/or miss assignments, engage in academic dishonesty, create a hostile or disruptive environment in the classroom, impede the ability of other students to do their best work on the group assignment, or in her judgment, the instructor believes it unlikely that you will complete the course with a passing grade. Dr. N will notify you by email communication if she initiates this action. Regular and timely class participation in Flip, Packback discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

I reserve the right to withdraw any student who has missed more than 2 classes or weekly discussions (starting after the third class) or has missed a major assignment. However, it is the student’s responsibility to drop/withdraw from the course.

Make sure that you talk with Dr. N before you drop the course–it probably is the best option to stay in the course and finish strong. She is happy to come up with a plan for your success. Most drops are avoidable. In Dr. N’s experience, all drops are expensive and slow students down in their degree plan.

Incomplete Policy Statement 

I may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if circumstances warrant.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date established by the college which is usually the subsequent semester, however, faculty need to check the ACC calendar due to Covid changes.

The department supports incompletes if a student has been an engaged student and encountered difficult circumstances preventing them from completing the course.

A student must have completed a minimum of 75% of the semester’s work and maintained a “C” average or higher for me to consider awarding an “incomplete.”

Course Evaluations

All course evaluations will be completed online.  Students may access the course evaluation when released by the college in the “Tools” section of their Bb course. Please encourage students to provide feedback on positive experiences in the classroom and any constructive feedback that would improve the experience for future students

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

****Contractual Agreement****

Student acceptance of the conditions and policies outlined in this document is implied by their continued enrollment in this course.

ACC College Policies & Student Support Services

The many ACC College Policies & Student Support Services are now accessed through a link on the left in your Blackboard course, or through https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies