COURSE SYLLABUS

COMM 550: Interpersonal Communication 4 Credits Online Spring Term 2010, April 12-June 30 (Holiday: Memorial Day-May 31) Last Updated: February 18, 2010

Good interpersonal relationships require effective communication. From political rhetoric to the most intimate dialogue, we know that what we say and how we say it matters deeply. Principles and rules of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication are largely unspoken in our culture. This class demystifies the communication process and helps students to understand the complex nature of relationship, to develop basic interpersonal communication concepts, and to apply them to everyday life.

None.

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. formulate an awareness of, and self-consciously experience, intrapersonal processes.
2. become aware of, describe, and improve one’s own communication styles and strengths.
3. differentiate between theoretical approaches to interpersonal communication and evaluate their usefulness.
4. integrate a new paradigm of communication that sees reality as co-created by communication.
5. appraise the nature of conflict for yourself and others.
6. explore and discuss strategies for dealing with interpersonal conflict.
7. develop and demonstrate perceptual and listening effectiveness.
8. apply principles of effective nonverbal and verbal communication.
9. assess the influence of culture on interpersonal communication.
10. discuss the influence of communications technology on interpersonal communication.

Textbook(s):

1. Adler, Ronald B. et al. Looking Out, Looking In, 13th ed. Wadsworth Thomson Learning Publishers. ISBN: 0-495-79621-2
2. Braithwaite, Dawn and Julia T. Wood. Case Studies in Interpersonal Communication, Wadsworth Thomson Learning, 2000. ISBN: 0-534-56538-7
3. Theories Packet: available online in Course Introduction

Textbooks are available via GSC's online bookstore, MBS Direct at: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/gsc.htm (The course-CRN number for ordering this textbook is: COMM550-30228). Textbooks can also be purchased from MBS via phone, mail or fax. For additional information, visit the Online Bookstore section of the college web site.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the learner's responsibility to have purchased all required course materials before the start of the course. Learners are expected to meet all course expectations even if the shipment of a required textbook or other learning resource is delayed. Be sure to choose the shipping option that will get your text/resource delivered in a timely manner.

There are no face-to-face sessions for this course. If you have never taken an Online Interactive Course (OIC) at the college, we highly recommend that you attend one of the 2-hour Blackboard Orientation sessions available throughout the state. If you choose not to attend a face-to-face session, you are encouraged to complete the Online Orientation with audio at your own convenience.

Late Work
Work submitted late will be marked down 5% each day it is late. In addition, work will not be accepted for grading if it is more than two weeks late. Regarding late Discussion Board Postings: students may not post to a specific Module’s Discussion Board after the Module has ended. Computer Problems and Saving Work
Computers are known to break down and do other unpredictable things. You are responsible to take all precautions and have contingency plans in place in case of such mishap. Computer problems are NOT valid excuses for late work. It is recommended that you create and save back up files to either a CD or another electronic storage device for every piece of work you complete for this class. Saving duplicate copies of your work to an external device will ensure that a computer glitch or a glitch in cyberspace won’t erase your efforts.

Extended Sickness and Personal Circumstances
Success in this course requires regular and consistent participation. If you find yourself in a situation in which this is a problem, you should contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss your ability to complete the course. If necessary, you will be encouraged to meet with your advisor to discuss your options which may include withdrawing from the course and retaking it when your circumstances have improved.

Learners will demonstrate their learning through the following activities and assignments.

Participation

Participation in our online environment means actively engaging in discussion forums related to class readings and concepts. In each module I will post several chapter-related discussion questions. You will respond to these questions thoughtfully since your answers will reflect your opinions, ideas and reactions about the case studies assigned for reading that week. Based on your posting others in our class will contribute to the comments. During the week, you are to respond to the posting of one other student forming discussion threads. The key to making this interaction meaningful is not how many times you post but rather it’s the quality of your thinking and reflection. Your participation grade is based on that reflection and your interactivity with your cohorts each week. It is worth 20% of your grade.

Coat of Arms Assignment

Group Assignment

In this activity you will be asked to work with several partners to develop a group assignment. Your group will select one of three topics which you will develop through research and discussions together. You will draw conclusions based on your discussions and one of your group members will be responsible for collating the data and then submitting the assignment in the provided link. This group project counts as 20% of your grade. (Each member of your group receives the same grade for this assignment.)

Please read full instructions about this project on the Group Project pages in the Introduction section of our course.

The topics are:

1. How does the American Flag communicate?
2. Is music communication?
3. Do cell phones and text messages enhance communication?

Final Project (Reflection) Paper

You will be responsible for researching a topic in an interpersonal communication scenario and then presenting a written report of your research. This written document will utilize the information that you have learned through our textbook “Looking Out, Looking In” and the case study readings. It will also integrate the theories presented in your module notes In short, this paper will describe your reflections on the course material and what you have learned. You will submit this assignment during the last week of the course and it will count as 25% of your grade. Please read full instructions about this project on the Final Paper pages in the Introduction section of our course.

Quizzes

A quiz will be available for completion at the end of each module. You will be responsible for completing the quiz and submitting it in a timely manner when you complete your module. The value for quizzes is 15% of your total grade.

Description:

Granite State College has a Virtual Library (http://www.granite.edu/current-students/virtual-library/) available 24/7 with access to the full-text of thousands of journals and professional periodicals, an online Reference Room, selected Internet resources, writer’s resources, research and citation help, and a collection of tutorials. The databases are password protected.

See GSC Library tab in MyGranite for username and password. In addition, the Library Info link in the course menu provides direct links to research databases, Research FAQs and more.

Academic assistance to students is available at GSC Centers at no additional charge in such areas as basic skills preparation in reading, writing and math; study skills and research and citation help. Academic Resources staff members work closely with faculty and students toward academic success. A whole range of tools is available, including study and time management tips, APA and MLA citation assistance, access to learning resources online, and feedback on course writing projects. To contact an Academic Resource and Information Coordinator, see the Academic Resource Link on the Resources page in the course menu or go directly to http://bbresources.granite.edu/course_docs/acad_resources.htm.

For assistance with issues related to accessing the MyGranite portal, GSC email, Webrock, online courses or other technical issues related to any of the Blackboard tools, please visit the GSC Technical Assistance Center (http://bbresources.granite.edu/techassist/help.htm) for answers to the most frequently asked questions or to submit an online help request form. Or call 1-888-372-4270 (Hours: M-F, 8:30-5:00, messages checked twice daily on weekends. Extended hours for the week before start of the term and first week of the term: M-Th, 8:00-7:00.)

Granite State College will provide qualified individuals with disabilities the same educational opportunities available to persons without disabilities. When an individual's documented disability creates a barrier to educational opportunities, the College will attempt reasonable accommodation to remove the barrier. If you need assistance, we recommend that you make contact early to ensure that your requests can be reviewed prior to the start of each term. If you wish to apply for accommodations, contact your academic advisor or the Dean of Learner Services in Concord. See the complete Granite State College policy in the current college catalog for further details.

An academic community is based on honesty and integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable at Granite State College. Faculty and students have a joint responsibility to ensure the integrity of learning.

All work that you submit must be your own except in those instances when your instructor gives specific permission to collaborate. When quoting, summarizing or explaining ideas that are based on another's work, whether in print or online, make sure to cite references appropriately. Plagiarism is using another's words or even paraphrasing another's work without giving proper credit through the use of citations.

For Granite State College's complete academic honesty policy, see the current college catalog.

Membership in society implies minimal norms for civil behavior towards one another. It is Granite State College’s expectation that all members of our college community treat faculty, staff, and fellow learners with respect. Learners need to be knowledgeable of and comply with college policies. Each individual is accountable for his/her actions and for the consequences of any behavior that is inconsistent with these values and expectations.

Assessment is an ongoing process that enables the College to improve its programs, courses, and teaching methods. Institutional evaluation may be embedded in tests, exams, and other measurements of student learning. As members of a learning community, students, faculty, and staff will be expected to participate in the important process of assessment on occasion. Confidentiality of any data that identify participants is maintained.