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.

This Course will also require you to use Packback Discussion Platform to write your papers and discussions. Access is free.

• Computer access for Blackboard
• Notebook
• Access to a stable Internet connection
• Access to a microphone and Web camera

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.

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 (4) 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 , Critical Thinking and Written Communication Assessment Scenario

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 as a Mentor/Coach: 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. 

Video Assignment: Assertive Communication Create a short video (1-2 minutes) demonstrating your understanding of assertive communication. Your video should include:

1. A scenario: Choose a hypothetical situation where assertive communication is necessary (e.g., a roommate conflict, a disagreement with a coworker, or a difficult conversation with a family member).
2. Assertive dialogue: Write and perform a dialogue that showcases assertive communication. Use "I" statements to express your feelings and needs, and avoid blaming or accusing the other person.
3. Nonverbal cues: Pay attention to your nonverbal communication, such as your tone of voice, body language, and eye contact. These cues can reinforce your assertive message.

Relational Mapping Assignment (Timeline with explanation) –Padlet 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: 

6% 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. If students don’t turn on camera, they will earn only a 3.

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 2 weeks 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

Our Packback Discussion Schedule

Note: Curiosity Questions are due Wednesday

Opens                                Closes

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 9ol 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.” 

Have or acquire the necessary technical skills.