Friday, August 26, 2016

Syllabus



COM-101 Intro to Human Communication

Fall 2017: M/W 9:30am/2pm
Room: R-210 & 213/S-122
Professor: Erin Gonzalez
Email: gonzalee@sunysuffolk.edu
Office hours: By appointment only


Course Description and Objective

This course is designed to improve your skills as a communicator and to enhance your understanding of the human communication process.  Attention will be given to the significance and complexities of communication in general and communication as it takes place within interpersonal, small group, and public contexts.  Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1)      Exhibit comprehension of various communication concepts (such as perception, interpersonal relationships and listening) through oral and written exercises and performance on exams.
2)      Prepare outlines, carry out audience analyses (such as gender/cultural factors), research and deliver various speeches (including but not limited to informative and persuasive).
3)      Demonstrate an ability to evaluate speeches critically.
4)      Demonstrate an ability to function effectively in small group problem solving and decision making situations.
5)      Understand the use of emerging technology where appropriate to enhance the communication skills taught in class.

Required Material

Floyd, Kory. (2017). Communication Matters McGraw-Hill.

Guidelines

Attendance: You are responsible for informing me, the instructor, of the reason for an absence and for doing so in a timely fashion. You, whether present or absent, are responsible for obtaining all material presented and for completing all course assignments on time. If you miss up to three (3) classes then your overall class grade will not be affected, but for every absence after those it will be. Also, please do not be late – multiple tardies will result in your attendance grade going down. Lastly, please be courteous to your fellow students, and don’t walk into class during a speech. If you’re late, wait outside until the speech is done, then come in quietly.   

Participation: Participation is very important. Giving examples when asked, helping out other students, and being an overall active part of this course are just some ways that you could raise this part of your grade. This class will have many times where you will be in dyads or small groups; your involvement during these exercises will affect your participation grade as well.  

Late Papers: Papers handed in or emailed after the due date and time will receive a drop in their grade. Every actual day (not class day) the work is late one grade will be deducted. Also, you must take tests on their assigned dates.

Plagiarism: DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Plagiarism means copying passages directly from the text of study guide or any other source, without quotation marks and citations. Summarize or paraphrase the information. If you paraphrase by rearranging the order of a sentence or words, then give credit for the source. No credit will be given for plagiarized papers.

Miscellaneous: Cell phones must be turned off during class time. Please no talking or texting unless advised to (especially during a speech). If you need to make a call, please do so quietly outside of the classroom. Do not rely on spell check. Read chapters before coming to class!

Assignments:
-          There will be two (2) prepared speeches that will need to be completed. One is a speech concerning yourself, and the other a persuasive speech. More will be discussed as the semester progresses.
-          Three (3) tests will be given throughout the semester. They will consist mostly of multiple choice & T/F. Tests cannot be taken after scheduled date.
-          A paper will be assigned regarding self-concept (from Chapter 3).
-          A movie paper will be due concerning interpersonal communication.
-          During the semester there will be much group interaction and group exercises. Because of this, at home preparation may be needed.
-          All work must be typed
  

*** You MUST present on the day you are assigned. You will not be allowed to make up the speech. If there is conflict, let the professor know in advance so that the necessary changes can be made.
***Speeches must not be read completely in manuscript form; you will automatically earn a C or less for your speech if you do so.

***grammar and punctuation will be taken into consideration when grading***

Grading:      

Test #1                                                         50 pts                                                A             =             450-500
Test #2                                                         50 pts                                                B+          =             440-449
Test #3                                                         50 pts                                              B             = 400-439                                       
Self-Concept Paper                                    100 pts                                                C+          =             390-399
Movie Paper                                               100 pts                                                C             =             350-389
Persuasive speech                                      100 pts                                                D+          =             340-349
Participation/Attendance/Punctuality     50 pts                                                    D             =             300-339                                   
                                                                                                                                F              =             0-299
                                                            _________              
   500 points





Tentative Schedule

                                                                                                               
W   09/06 – First Day Introduction                   
                                                                                                               
M    09/11 – Ch. 1 (First Look)                                                          
W    09/13 – Ch. 3 (Perception) – Self Concept Paper handout                                             
                                                                                                               
M    09/18 – Ch. 3 (Perception)
W    09/20 – Ch. 3 (Perception)

M    09/25 – Ch. 5 (Nonverbal)
W    09/27 – Ch. 5 (Nonverbal)

M    10/02 – Ch. 6 (Listening)
W    10/04 – Test #1
 
M    10/09 – Ch. 7 (Communicating in Relationships)
W    10/11 – Ch. 7 (Communicating in Relationships)

M    10/16 – Ch. 8 (Intimate Relationships)
W    10/18 –

M    10/23 – Ch. 8 (Intimate Relationships)
W    10/25 – Ch. 8 (Intimate Relationships)

M    10/30 – Group Discussion
W    11/01 – Test #2 (Ch 6-10)

M    11/06 – Ch. 11 (Beginning your Speech)
W    11/08 – Ch. 11 (Beginning your Speech)

M    11/13 – Ch. 15 (Persuasive speeches) – Create groupsInterpersonal Comm Paper Due
W    11/15 – Ch. 12 (Research)

M    11/20 – Work in groups
W    11/22 – No Class

M    11/27 – Work in groups
W    11/29 – Ch. 13 (Visual aids) Ch. 12 (Organization)
                                                                     
M    12/04 – Icebreaker Speeches 
W    12/06 – Work in groups

M    12/11 – Ch. 13 (Delivery) – Watch Persuasive Speech videos
W    12/13 – Work in groups

M    12/18 – Persuasive Speeches
W    12/20 – Persuasive Speeches – Last day of class 



***At any time the professor has the right to change the policies given in this syllabus***

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