COM 252 Monday & Wednesday Syllabus (Updated 2/9)

COM 252 Interpersonal Communication
Prof. Tamara Arrington
Department of Communication 243 Grehan Bldg.
University of Kentucky
Spring 2009 Syllabus – MW sections

Email: arrington_tamara@yahoo.com Office hours: M & W 2:00-3:15

Course Blog: com252uk.blogspot.com

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Dr. Deanna Sellnow 235 Grehan Bldg.
859.257.2886 Deanna.Sellnow@uky.edu

Required Materials:
Adler, R.B., & Proctor II, R.F. (2008). Looking Out, Looking In, (12 ed.). California: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.
ISBN: 0-495-83335-5

Students must purchase Scantron Forms #882-ES from any UK Bookstore for taking some quizzes and the midterm and final exam. Exams submitted on Scantron Forms that do not meet the aforementioned requirement will not be graded and the student will receive a grade of zero.

E-mail Account: It is required that all students have a working e-mail account.

The benefits you receive in this class are directly proportional to your efforts in keeping up with the assigned reading and actively participating in class to build trust, cooperation, support and mutual respect.

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS

Many individuals believe that “communication” is so basic that it is taken for granted and not thought about seriously. Unfortunately, this attitude tends to result in such difficulties as misunderstandings, conflict, avoidance, and stereotyping. We will examine basic concepts, theories, and research findings relevant to initiating, developing, modifying, maintaining, and terminating relationships with an eye to the role of communication in the process. Lecture, discussion, in-and out-of-class observations, and “applied” assignments will be used to increase student knowledge and behavioral competence in interpersonal communication.

Interpersonal Communication is designed to increase your understanding and implementation of effective interpersonal communication behaviors and skills. Throughout the semester will examine basic verbal and nonverbal concepts affecting the communication process between individuals in various interpersonal contexts. This course requires you to participate in written and oral activities designed to develop and improve interpersonal skills and will actually improve the quality of your life if you keep an open mind and participate actively! Topics may include: an introduction to interpersonal communication theory, relationship and conversation management, effective listening, conflict management, ethics in communicating, communication climate, and cultural/gender differences in interpersonal communication.


Competencies and Objectives
Interpersonal communication introduces students to the complex interaction of social and psychological forces operating in human communication. The course is designed with a dual approach consisting of both theory and application that allows students opportunities to critically evaluate the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and the communication issues surrounding human interaction in various contexts.

At the conclusion of the course it is expected that students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in several core areas. Specifically, students should demonstrate an increased understanding of:
1. The options and alternatives for action in a wide variety of interpersonal situations.
2. Individual preferences and an increased appreciation for the differences of others.
3. The dialectical tensions that arise as students use communication to satisfy conflicting personal needs.
4. How the process of perception affects communication behavior.
5. The ethical dimensions of interpersonal communication.
6. The importance of nonverbal communication in successful interpersonal interactions.
7. Defensive and supportive communication climates.
8. Competence and an ability to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of interpersonal strategies used in various interpersonal relationships.
9. Why and how relationships develop and the role communication plays in determining the nature and quality of interpersonal relationships.
10. Conflict in interpersonal communication and the application of conflict management principles.
11. Competencies related to communication with individuals from other cultures and co-cultures.

In addition, COM 252 addresses the following University Studies Program Competencies:
1. Writing: To communicate effectively using standard written English.
2. Reading: To understand, analyze, summarize and interpret a variety of reading materials.
3. Integrated Learning: To think critically and make connections in learning across the disciplines.
4. Creative Thinking: To elaborate upon knowledge to create thought, processes, and/or products that are new to the students.
5. Ethics/Values: To demonstrate an awareness of ethical considerations in making value choices.

COM 252 can be taken to fulfill the Oral Communication Skills Requirements in the University Studies Program. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact Dr. Deanna Sellnow at 257-2886 or the USP Office at 257-3027.
General Requirements
You are expected to:
1. Be on time for all class meetings.
2. Interact productively in class discussions and group activities.
3. Be prepared daily for discussions and quizzes by reading all assigned material BEFORE the day it is listed on the course schedule.
4. Successfully deliver a group presentation.
5. Submit all written assignments TYPED at the BEGINNING of the class period on the designated due date.
6. Complete all major assignments (presentations, class assignments and tests). FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE GROUP PRESENTATION WILL RESULT IN AN ‘E’ FOR THE COURSE - regardless of your accumulated point total. Failure to complete any major assignment will result in a drop of one letter grade for each assignment missed.
7. Read your email at a minimum of 3 times per week.

Classroom Civility
There are certain basic standards of classroom civility that should be adhered to, particularly on a communication course. Civility does not eliminate appropriate humor, enjoyment, or other features of a comfortable and pleasant classroom community. Classroom civility does, however, include the following:
1. Displaying respect for all members of the classroom community, both your instructor and fellow students.
2. Attentiveness to and participation in lectures, group activities, workshops, and other classroom exercises.
3. Avoidance of unnecessary disruptions during class such as texting, having private conversations, reading the newspaper, and doing work for other classes.
4. Avoidance of racist, sexist, homophobic, or other negative language that may unnecessarily exclude members of our campus and classroom community.

If a student consistently exhibits behavior that disrupts the class or contributes to a negative communication climate, action will be taken, including forced withdrawal from the course. In addition all university students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. You can access this five-part document at http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/DeanofStudents/conduct.htm

Reasonable Accommodation
If you have a special need that may require an accommodation or assistance, please inform the instructor as soon as possible. We cannot accommodate needs if we do not know what they are, so please notify your instructor right away.

Help Available: If you need assistance with oral presentations, contact Cyndy Miller at CHMiller12@aol.com or call 859-257-6137.
If you need help with other skills (writing, time management, etc.), contact The Thomas D. Clark Study, 5th floor in W. T. Young Library, or call 257-3156, or go to: www.uky.edu/ugs/study/.

Department of Communication Policies
Research Policy: The Department of Communication is committed to involving undergraduate students in scholarly research so that they may understand the importance of generating new knowledge at the University of Kentucky as a Research I institution. Students in this class are expected to participate in one research study (approved by the University IRB and assigned for this course). The study may take up to one regularly scheduled class period during the term.

Academic Integrity: We expect that all of the individual assignments you complete for COM 252 (and in all of your other courses) are always your own work. Please read the information on plagiarism and cheating from your UK Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/) and talk with your instructor if you are uncertain about what this entails. If you have any questions about whether you may be plagiarizing in your work for COM 252, please be sure to contact your instructor well in advance of the due date for your assignment. Any work that is found to be plagiarized will result in a minimum of a “0” for the assignment, and may result in failure of the course and bring reported to University authorities. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated.

COM 252 Policies
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices: Students are required to stow away and silence all cell phones and electronic devices. If you are seen texting during class, you will be asked to leave. Non adherence to this policy may result in a deduction of points. Moreover, violating this policy during quizzes/exams will result in the student receiving a grade of zero on the exam and subject to other penalties (as described above).

Attendance: ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. Class attendance and participation are important in accomplishing the goals of this course. Reading, class discussions, group workshops, and in-class activities increase both your understanding if interpersonal communication theory and the development of your interpersonal communication skills. In order to receive credit for attendance you must attend for the ENTIRE class period. Failure to do so will result in an absence for the given class session.
Please arrive to class on time.

Tardiness is unprofessional and displays disrespect toward your instructor and classmates. Consequently, you can expect to have 25 points deducted from your final grade for EACH tardy or early departure more than 2 times over the course of the semester.

Moreover, do not expect your instructor to cover any missed material specifically for you. If you are a few minutes late for a class, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the instructor has not marked you absent for the day. This must be done on the day you are late. Otherwise, it holds as an unexcused absence.

Because class meets twice a week, you will be allowed 2 unexcused absences. For each subsequent unexcused absence over the maximum allowed, 25 points will be deducted from your final grade. You cannot make up work missed for unexcused absences – you simply receive a zero.

You are given these ‘free’ absences for a special situations for which you have to miss class but would not otherwise receive an official excuse. Do not use these “freebies” for blowing off class and then come to the instructor later (after you have gone over the limit) when you have special circumstances and expect an excuse. The freebie allows for an emergency. Please don’t abuse this option.
The Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook defines an excused absence as the following:
1. Illness of the student or serious illness of a member of the student’s immediate family;
2. The death of a member of the student’s immediate family;
3. Trips for members of student organizations sponsored by academic unit, trips
for University classes, and trips for participation in intercollegiate athletic events;
4. Major Religious holidays.
For any officially excused absence, you are responsible for presenting official written documentation for the absence. For university-sponsored absences, this notification is to be given to the instructor prior to the absence. For other excused absences, this documentation must be presented within one week of the absence. *Note: yellow date-stamped slips from UK student health center are not accepted as excused absences.
If you have excused absences in excess of one-fifth of the class contact hours, you shall have the right to petition for a “W” or the faculty member may require the student to petition for a “W.” See sections 5.2.4.1 and 5.2.4.2 of the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further clarification.

Assignments/Due Dates: Being absent does not excuse you from submitting homework on time. Even though missing class may be unavoidable, it is still your responsibility to submit all assignments on or before the designated due dates. If you know in advance that you will be missing, it is your responsibility to communicate with me PRIOR to the class session you will be missing. In the event of an emergency, please contact me by e-mail as soon as possible.

LATE HOMEWORK IS NOT ACCEPTED AND WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF ZERO.
Moreover, there is NO EXCUSE for submitting assignments late when you know in advance that you will be missing class. In the event of an unanticipated EMERGENCY – and if it is feasible – students who provide proper written documentation for their absence may have up to two days after the absence to submit written assignments. Please note that this policy ONLY applies to University approved absences. Moreover, please be aware that some assignments (e.g., in-class exercises) cannot be made up.

Instructor’s Absence:
In the event of an emergency and the instructor is late for class, please remain in the classroom for 15 minutes. In the event of an emergency and your instructor has cancelled class, an email will be sent to you if at all possible and the department office will be notified to post a notice on the classroom door. In case of inclement weather, please check the local news and the website for cancellation notices.

Contacting Your Instructor:
Please use email as a primary means of contact. Allow 36 hours response time. Do not send repeated messages as this will only confuse the process and possibly delay a response further. Use basic courtesy when emailing. Do not add my email to your distribution list for jokes and other assorted “web junk”.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This course combines lectures by the instructor, class discussion of assigned textbook readings, group work, audio/video presentations emphasizing certain communication concepts and skills, oral presentations by students, quizzes, exams, and classroom activities which all contribute to your overall understanding of interpersonal communication. Out-of-class work will include written exercises (class assignments), library research of communication concepts and planning of activities that are presented in a group workshop. Assigned chapters should be read before class so that you will be able to make a contribution to the class discussions and activities and perform well on the quizzes and exams.

Oral Skill Opportunities
Since this is an oral communication skills course, we want to provide you with many opportunities to develop these skills. Aside from general class participation, such opportunities may include performance and/or evaluation of role-playing activities, one major in-class presentation, dyadic communication case studies, and group discussions.

Written Work

NO Emailed assignments are accepted, unless otherwise required by the assignment instructions. Emailed work will not be graded, will be deleted, and will not receive a response.

You will be expected to use current APA 5th Edition style guidelines for all written work. Use of appropriate grammar is very important. Your written work will be evaluated on both content and mechanics. Good writing should be reasonably free of mistakes and without composition errors, which are called gross errors (sentence fragments, run-on sentences, subject-verb disagreement, misspelled words, and typographical errors which result in such errors). PROOFREAD your papers; do not leave it up to your computer software. If you are not able to perform these basic written requirements, your instructor may REQUIRE you to schedule appointments with the University Writing Center. In such cases, you will be required to provide your instructor with written documentation of your appointment.

All of your work MUST BE TYPED (using no more than 12 point type with margins not exceeding 1 inch on the top, right, and bottom, nor 1.5 inches on the left) and double-spaced--unless otherwise indicated by the instructor. Handwritten work (except for worksheets that must be filled out) will not be accepted. Multiple pages MUST be stapled in the upper left-hand margin and each assignment should include the following heading, located on the first page, upper left-hand side:
Name
COM 252-(Section #)
Assignment (e.g., Exercise #1)
Date
Submit all written assignments at the beginning of the class period on the designated due date. Failure to meet written work guidelines will result in a grade penalty.

Participation
Participation in this class is an ungraded basic expectation. Students are expected to question, probe, and challenge the course material, the professor, and their peers in the spirit of learning and enriching understanding. Personal attacks, demeaning comments, and overly confrontational scenarios are not tolerated.

FERPA & Privacy
It is against the law for your professor to talk to anyone else (that includes your parents) about your enrollment or work in this class. It is also against the law for me to release your grades or graded work to anyone else except you (that includes best friends and roommates). In addition, I cannot email grades – you must either get them in class, during office hours, or online.

What This Course is Not
We will be discussing communication as it relates to a number of issues, even sensitive issues. But it is not the behaviors themselves that will be the focus, but rather, the communication that underlies the situation. It is inappropriate (and dangerous) to use the course as individual therapy to help you solve serious personal, relational, or family issues such as abuse in all its forms (substance, emotional, physical, or sexual). If you do need help, your professor will be glad to refer you to the counseling center on campus or elsewhere.


GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

EXAMS – 150 points
Midterm Exam – 75 pts.
Final Exam – 75 pts.
These exams/tests cover the course readings, lectures, & class exercises.

QUIZZES – 100 points
There are 10 pre-scheduled quizzes that cover readings and course material (they may cover readings you have been assigned but have not yet been covered in class). These will be during the first 10 minutes of class (or online) and can only be made up with a written excused absence. If you arrive late to class and the quiz has already been distributed and completed by any students, you will not be given the opportunity to take the quiz. Quizzes may be given on an unassigned (“pop quiz”) basis at the instructor’s discretion.

GROUP PRESENTATION – 150 points
(100 points individual, 50 points group)
In order to address and assess the five University Studies Program Competencies met by COM 252 (writing, reading, and integrated learning, creative thinking, ethics/values) students will complete a major application component for this class that combines research, critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills. Each student will pose a research question about and conduct extensive scholarly research on an interpersonal communication topic that has particular personal interest/relevance to his/her life and/or relationships. Students sharing similar areas of interest will form groups and present their findings to the class in a Critical Research Symposium. Critical Research topics are chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. You are encouraged to begin thinking about your Critical Research topic very early in the semester. Examples of previous student-selected topics and accompanying written outlines will be shared with the class prior to midterm.

Grade will include scholarly research articles, statement of problem, individual research papers, individual outlines, a group paper, a group outline, group and individual assessments, PowerPoint, and individual/group presentations.

Group project assignment details will be posted on the course blog.

APPLICATION EXERCISES - 100 points
Application Exercises: Students will be assigned several exercises designed to enhance their skills, knowledge, and understanding of interpersonal communication theories and concepts. Application Exercises will include in-class and out of class exercises which illustrate concepts/theories discovered in the readings. A written component is included in each of these exercises, and students must adhere to written work guidelines as outlined in the syllabus.
1. Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory & Improving Self-Concept Responses – 25 pts
2. Meez.com Avatar Creation & Response – 25 pts
3. “The List” Relationship Requirements– 25 pts
4. Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument & Reaction Essay – 25 pts

Detailed guidelines and grading criteria for all graded assignments are posted on the course blog at com252uk.blogspot.com.

Determination of Final Grade
The final grade will be determined by adding the total points earned for each of the graded assignments and referring to the grading scale. The final grade is based on number of points accumulated—NOT PERCENTAGES. No extra credit is offered in this course. Final grades are not rounded up and are NOT negotiable.

POINT DISTRIBUTION
Quizzes 100 points
Midterm Examination 75 points
Final Examination 75 points
Application Exercises 100 points
Critical Research Symposium 150 points

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 500 POINTS

GRADING SCALE
A 450-500
B 400-449
C 350-399
D 300-349
E 0-299


DAILY SCHEDULE
(Any changes will be announced in class, and/or emailed to the class and/or posted on our class website. Additional due dates for project materials will be announced and emailed to the class.)

READINGS/ASSIGNMENTS

January

W 1/14 Syllabus/Course Overview

M 1/19 MLK Holiday - No Classes

W 1/21 COM 252 Pre-testing in Computer Lab

M 1/26 Quiz 1
Intro to IPC/Activities
Ch1: Intro to IPC, Effective Com, Principles & Misconceptions

W 1/28 Our First Relationship(s), H. Harlow’s “The Nature of Love” The need for
personal relationships
Social vs. Personal Relationships
Groups Finalized for Critical Research Symposium Project

February

M 2/2 Quiz 2

W 2/4
Ch 2: Communication and Self Concept/Characteristics of your Self Concept
The Development of the Self via Interaction/Managing Impressions
Class exercise: Take Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory
Improving the Self Concept

M 2/9
Application #1 due: SE Inventory & Improving SC Worksheet
Ch 3: The Process of Perception & Accuracy & Inaccuracy of Perception

W 2/11 Quiz 3 (over Ch.2 and Ch. 3)
Ch 4: Emotions: Thinking & Feeling/Expressing Feelings
Discuss Group Project/Requirements/Working Effectively in Groups/Code
of Conduct

M 2/16 Quiz 4 (over Ch. 4)
Application #2 due: Meez.com Avatar & Response Essay
begin Ch 5: Language
Documentary: The N Word: Divided We Stand

W 2/18 Class discussion of documentary
Due: Group Statement of the Problem/Topic & Rationale

M 2/23 Quiz 5 (over Ch. 5 and documentary)
Conducting research & topic refinement

W 2/25
Ch 6: Nonverbal Communication/Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication

March

M 3/2 Catch-up day, take student questions re: midterm exam
Due: All Research Articles for Project

W 3/4 MIDTERM EXAM

M 3/9
Ch 7: Listening vs. Hearing & Becoming a more effective listener

W 3/11

M 3/16 & W 3/18 No Class-Spring Break

M 3/23 Quiz 6

W 3/25 Due: Individual Papers for Critical Research Symposium
Ch 8: Relational Dynamics

M 3/30 Quiz 7

April

W 4/1 Due: Application #3 The List
Ch 9: Intimacy & Self-Disclosure in Relationships
Benefits & Risks of Self-Disclosure/Alternatives
Lying and Deception
In-class exercise: Love Styles

M 4/6 Quiz 8

W 4/8 Due: Group Paper for Critical Research Symposium
Ch 10: Communication Climates
Confirming & Disconfirming Messages

M 4/13 Quiz 9

W 4/15 Individual Outlines Due
Ch 11: Managing Conflict
Take Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument

M 4/20 Quiz 10
Due: Application #4
Due: Group Outline & PowerPoint
Effective Oral Presentations (Content, Structure, & Delivery)

W 4/22 Critical Research Symposiums - 2 groups present

M 4/27 Critical Research Symposiums - 2 groups present
W 4/29 Critical Research Symposiums - 2 groups present

Final Exams:
12:30 section - exam is 5/6 at 1:00
3:30 section - exam is 5/4 at 10:30


* Final course grades posted on MyUK on 5/11 at noon.