Course Textbook & Supplies

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Reflect & Relate

Edition: 6TH 22

ISBN:  9781319247584

Please note this textbook is First Day Access and no physical purchase of the book is necessary

• Computer access for Blackboard (Bb) quizzes and course materials
• Access to stable Internet 
• A Microphone
• Headphones

Course Assignments and Weight

The Communication Studies Department at Austin Community College requires that all students who take SPCH 1318: Interpersonal Communication successfully complete these minimum requirements. The assignments below meet the requirements set by Austin Community College.

1. Self-Assessment and Reflection Assignments (40 points, 10 points each): Students are required  to successfully complete four (4) Self-Assessment and Reflection assignments to heighten their  awareness of their interpersonal communication skills.  

Each reflection is required to directly relate class concepts to each student’s personal lives. It is not  merely defining and restating course information. Self-Assessment and Reflection Assignments are  designed for students to see course material in “the real world.” 

2. Interpersonal Culture and Gender Research Paper and Presentation (85 points): Students will  conduct research, interview, and present on relationships between individuals from different genders  and/or cultural backgrounds. Presentations will include a visual aid component and be 7 minutes in  length. 

3. Key Concept in Action (10 points): Students will pick one key concept and define it in their own  words. Additionally, students will find a media example that illustrates that concept. 

4. Analysis of Interpersonal Communication Principles and Theory (100 points): Students are  required to successfully complete one (1) Analysis of Interpersonal Communication Principles and  Theory assignment. Specific and detailed instructions will be given via Blackboard. 

• Students will be required to view the assigned show and apply at least two Interpersonal  concepts and at least one Interpersonal theory to the show. 

• Students will construct a 4-5 academic research paper discussing the Interpersonal concepts  and Interpersonal theory (100 points)

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5. Oral Demonstrations of Interpersonal Communication Skills (80 points, 40 points each): Students are required to successfully complete two (2) Oral Demonstrations of Interpersonal  Communication Skills. Detailed instructions will be given in Blackboard.  

• These oral demonstrations will be conducted either individually or  with an assigned class  partner. 

• Students will demonstrate their required skill on their assigned date in class. 

• Oral demonstrations will include and of the following:  

o Active Listening

o Collaborative problem-solving  

6. Exams (100 points each): Students are required to successfully complete three (3) exams in this  course. Exams will be taken in Blackboard. Exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false, short  answer/essay questions. 

7. Participation (50 points): Students are expected and required to be engaged in course content.  Participation assignments can include class discussions, analysis of interpersonal actions, and/or  additional journal entries via Blackboard or Panopto. Please note these assignments will be labeled  accordingly in Blackboard as Participation Assignments and are not optional assignments. Failure to  complete items will result in a 0. 

8. Attendance and Tardiness: Students will be allowed three unexcused absences. Any unexcused  absence over three will result in a deduction of 10 points from their grade. Three tardies equal one  absence. Tardy is arriving to class after the start of our class time. Students who are over 7 minutes late will be counted as absent for the day’s session. These will be tracked on Blackboard. Excused  absences are school sanctioned events and/or with medical documentation. 

9. Extra Credit (15 points): I may offer opportunities to earn up to 15 points of extra credit for the entire  semester. It is up to you to take advantage of these extra credit opportunities to enhance your grade.

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.