Assignments and Grading

Participation:

You are strongly encouraged to listen, observe, and participate actively in each virtual class meeting. Because our subject—human communication—occurs between and among people, each class session is treated like a communication laboratory where you will practice applying theory to your everyday communication patterns.  Participation will enhance your classroom experience.  Although not a “separate” part of the semester grade, students who participate on a consistent basis will be given consideration if in need of a tenth of point to raise their grade one letter grade. Roll call is taken when you participate, so be sure to participate to be counted presented!  

Course Assignments and Weight

1. 1. In class assignments and homework assignments: 
      • Various in-class and small homework assignments will be given throughout the semester.
      • You may make up one in-class graded activity if you missed class that day.  You must watch the recorded lecture and submit an approved version of the assignment for credit. 
      • Your lowest homework grade is dropped automatically. Your current homework average reflects the dropped grade.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            _____ X .20 =_____

2.  Quizzes - On-line chapter quizzes via Blackboard are required for most chapters. You may use your notes and textbook while taking the quizzes. You are only allowed two (2) attempts for each quiz so use them wisely. Quizzes are not accepted late.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               _____X .20 = _____

   3. Interpersonal Skills Assessment (2 demonstrations- 10% each):  Respond to two interpersonal case studies using perception checking and assertive messaging. Students will submit video recordings of their responses.  All required skills taught in class and textbook.                                            ____   X .20 = _____

4. Small Group Problem Solving Assignment: Work in teams while applying the Reflective Thinking Sequence to solve a problem.  Individuals are given individual feedback on their ability to communicate within a team setting.                                                                                                                 _____X .20 = _____

5. Persuasive/Informative speech*  Present a 6 minute formal speech using a visual aid to your class. Research and a bibliography is required. Students may use two note-cards for speech.

• Part I – speech outline                                                                                 _____X .05 = _____
• Part II – presentation                                                                                    _____X .15 = _____

  * The Persuasive/Informative speech must be presented in order to pass the class.  You may not skip the speech and still the pass the course, even if you have a “passing” numerical grade. You may not pass on your turn once speaking slots are assigned. You are expected to attend all classes in which speeches are given. A 10 point penalty will be deducted from your speech grade if you have an unexcused absence on any of those days.

Grading Policy

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.  Use of proper grammar and punctuation is 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 recorded in Bb.

Please track your points/grade throughout the semester. If you have concerns regarding your final class average, please talk to me during the semester. Waiting till your final grade has been posted will not help you. ☺ Remember if your average is an 89.4 on the day I calculate grades, you’ve earned a “B” in the class as such with other averages. If you wait until the last day of class to show concern about your grade, you are too late.

Assignment Points Tracking Table

Grading Schema

The e-textbook was included with your tuition & fees for this course. It is already available in Bb under the e-textbook tab. There is no need to purchase it unless you want a printed copy. See Bb for info.

Adler, R., Rodman, G., Du Pre’, A. (2020). Understanding Human Communication. (15th ed). Oxford Press. ISB#

Computer access and strong internet connection.

NOTES: This syllabus and daily schedule is a living document and prone to change as the semester progresses.   I will make a few adjustments as we go.

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

1. Foundations of Human Communication
   1. Apply the techniques of communication competency in a variety of settings.
   2. Develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs.
   3. Integrate self-monitoring strategies to increase personal communication competence.
   4. Analyze the role of perception in communication and employ various perception checking methods to enhance competency.
   5. Recognize the power of verbal and nonverbal messages and adapt messages effectively.
   6. Evaluate listening habits and practice effective listening skills.
   7. Identify the dimensions of cultural diversity and their influence on communication.
   8. Examine the influence of using communication technologies on human interaction.
2. Interpersonal Communication
   1. Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills.
   2. Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.
3. Small Group Communication
   1. Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication.
4. Public Speaking
   1. Develop, research, organize and deliver an effective formal pubic speech.

Course Skill 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.”

As a student, you can expect to acquire these abilities only if you honor all course policies, attend class, participate in class exercises and complete assignments in good faith and on time. Students may vary on their achieved competency levels regarding theses abilities.

Use of ACC email

All College email communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC email account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available on ACC’s website.

Distance Education

Although this course does meet virtually twice a week, all work will be submitted in the Blackboard (Bb) learning management system. This includes all assignments, quizzes, exams, projects and collaboration. Assistance with using Bb can be found here.  If you are new to distance education review the ACC Distance Education General Information available here.

Attendance/Class Participation Policy

This course emphasizes theoretical and practical aspects of communication, thus, it is important that you attend all virtual class sessions. Attendance will be taken daily as you participate.  So, if you do not participate, then you are marked absent.

You are expected to be logged into class on time and remain logged in for the entire period. Signing into class late (more than 15 minutes) or signing out more than 30 minutes early constitutes one absence. There is an additional attendance policy for speeches.

Excused absences are only recognized on speech day or for small group work. They require documentation verifying one of the following: a) required military service; b) you are hospitalized/ doctor’s note; c) funeral attendance for a member of your family; or d) your first enrollment in the course occurred after it began. You must plan accordingly to be successful!

Late Work/Missed Quizzes

Work is considered “late” if it is not submitted by stated time in Bb. You are responsible for announcements made and homework assigned during a missed class! Ask for the class recording in Bb to get caught up. Make-ups for the group problem-solving activity and the individual final speech are not allowed unless you have an excused absence as defined above. You are expected to contact me regarding a missed presentation or group project prior to your performance date otherwise no make-up work will be allowed.  QUIZZES are NOT accepted late.  

Turning in Assignments

Assignments & quizzes are due in Blackboard by 11:59 pm on the date specified in the course calendar or before class if due on the class day. The assigned due time will be Central Time. I recommend submitting assignments at least 24 hours before the due date—Murphy’s Law (what can go wrong, will) applies to technology, too! One minute late counts as late.

Virtual Etiquette and Distractions

Please refrain from distracting behavior during your virtual class session. For example, do not use your cell phone, smoke or vape cigarettes, or eat a massive meal on camera. You are responsible for making sure distractions are minimized by silencing your phones, shutting your doors if possible, and not playing music or the tv in the background. 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 or until the distraction can be managed. I reserve the right to withdraw students from the class for more than three violations.

ACC’s General Withdrawal Policy

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ 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 Withdrawal Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the course by the official withdrawal date (see above). Thus, if you stop attending class and do not officially withdrawal through the registrar’s office you will receive an “F” as your final grade. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

I reserve the right to withdrawal any student from the course for lack of attendance, lack of progress, disrespectful behavior in the classroom or via e-mail, disruptive behavior, or use of vulgar language as defined by the instructor.

Incomplete Policy Statement: Incompletes are given on rare occasions only in the event of extreme circumstances. 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 an “incomplete.” An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.  Please visit with me if the situation arises.

Testing Center Information:  The testing center will not be needed this semester. 

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.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

ADDITIONAL COLLEGE POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE ACC WEBSITE AND IN BLACKBOARD.

****Contractual Agreement****

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