Communication Studies 101 Sample Syllabus

Course Description:  CMST &101 (formerly Speech 100)is a survey of fundamental principles in speech communication theory, verbal and nonverbal language, effective listening, and small group discussion.

Student Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of communication theory.
• Assess their effectiveness in communicating with persons of different cultures.
• Recognize the factors of self-concept and perception and how they influence communication. 
• Explain the influences of language and nonverbals on speech communication.
• Distinguish between and define the elements of effective listening and their counterparts.
• Apply group communication skills and knowledge to the small group environment.
• Explain and demonstrate the various types of leadership.
• Work with difficult group members through conflict management.

Assignments:

Examinations and quizzes equal 30-40% of the course grade

There will be at least 3 examinations (some instructors may prefer quizzes that address smaller portions of the material).  Examinations will be a choice of either 1) multiple choice and/or true false 2) an essay or short answer style test or 3) a combination of the above mentioned styles.  Examinations will cover the readings, lectures and supplemental materials.  Some textbook material may not be covered in class but you are still responsible for it during the examination. Be prepared to participate in the review!

For grading standards of examinations, see the grading policy later in the syllabus.
Unannounced quizzes may become the order of the day.  Keep up on your reading and classwork.  These unannounced quizzes will make up no more than 1% of the grade.

Group Interaction equals 20-30% of the course grade.

Each class member will be evaluated on how effectively they participate in groups.  Group membership is an active role, hence the evaluation will be based on observable contributions to the group.  There is a large degree of subjectivity on this type of evaluation.  With that in mind, each member should be practicing effective group cooperation in a goal-oriented atmosphere.

Writing Assignment equals 30% of the course grade

The express purpose of written assignments is to present an opportunity for the student to explore a communication situation, discuss it thoroughly using the terminology of the discipline and show a clear understanding of the concepts associated with the situation.  Written work will be evaluated according to standards established in the grading criteria for English 101 papers.  It is advisable to use it as a check list for your papers.

Miscellaneous Work/Participation/ In-class Activities equal 10-15% of course grade.

This percentage may be attained through in class activities or participation-oriented activities or anything else at the discretion of the instructor.

Course Policies:

Attendance:

Attendance and respectful participation in class is the way you can positively influence your grade.  Late arrival to class is a disruption to your classmates and your instructor.  Late arrival can be treated as an absence.  You are expected to be on time and to attend the complete time.  Should you miss class, it is your personal responsibility to get notes or handouts from classmates or to see the instructor during office hours for handouts.  Your instructor will neither repeat lectures nor give you a private lecture.  Role will be taken either by roll sheet passed around class or by the instructor in some other fashion.  It is your responsibility to sign the sheet each day you attend.  Absences will hurt your grade at the end of the quarter.  More than 5 absences will result in your grade being lowered a complete level.

Late Work:

Papers:  All late papers are discounted 10% of the total points per paper per calendar day.  You are responsible for your work; part of that responsibility is managing your time well.  Doctor's appointments, advising appointments, computer breakdowns, printer collapses, etc., are not valid reasons for missing class or deadlines.  If you know you will be absent, hand in your work early.

Exams and Quizzes:  No provision will be made for make-up exams or quizzes.  Please do not ask for exceptions.

Oral and Group Presentations:  Oral presentations will be scheduled in advance and each student is expected to be ready to meet that schedule.  No make-ups.

Written Work:

Your assignment is to be submitted on time and should follow standard rules for college compositions.  You may want to consult the current writing handbook used by the English Department.  While content is the most important part of any speech course writing assignment, errors in grammar or punctuation, poor organization of material, lack of support for details, and careless proofreading will make it difficult for your reader to follow your ideas and will reduce the grade based on the standards set forth in the TCC criteria for grading of papers.  If you are unsure about your writing skills, visit the Writing Center in Building 7.  It is a free service and the assistants are all experienced in English 101.  Always make a copy of your submitted work.

Withdrawals:  Students may withdraw from classes before the 30th calendar day of the quarter following the procedures set forth by the Registration Office.  See your class schedule for dates.

Incompletes:  Don't ask.  It is not in your best interest to request an incomplete.

Plagiarism and Cheating:

Plagiarism is defined as the conscious use of a source with the intent to deceive.  The source may be either a published piece of material or the work of another student.  All papers assigned are to be a student's own work.  All work must be cited.  Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course.  See the TCC Catalog for more details.

Cheating is defined as not doing your own work.  This includes behavior such as submitting the same or very similar written work as another student, copying another student's answers on a test, and brining in inappropriate materials to an exam.  The consequences of cheating may range from failing an assignment to failing the course.

Students with Disabilities or Special Needs

Students requiring special accommodations due to disability must provide documentation to the college's disabilities specialist 6 weeks prior to attending TCC.  Requests for accommodations in this course must be presented in writing before the second week of the class.  The disabilities specialist will notify me of the adaptations for which the student is eligible.  The student and I will decide how to provide those accommodations and see that they are consistent with the American Disabilities Act and college policy.

Schedule of Events

Assignments Listed by Unit

Unit I

What's Wrong with the Gift? 
Instructions: 
1.  Take the first week of class to research on your own what is wrong with the gifts listed.
2.  Identify the reason the gift is unacceptable in its cultural setting.
3.  Write your answers in the space provided.
Turn in :  p. 186.  You may neatly write on the sheet the answer and the explanation for why each gift is appropriate.

Library aids:  These texts are on reserve at the reference desk or can be found at most public libraries:
1. Dos and Taboos
2. Kiss Shake Hands or Bow
3. Culturegrams

In-Class Activities.  5 points apiece.  Cannot  be made up or substituted.
1.  Communication Styles Survey
2.  Alligator River Story

Quiz:  Short answer quiz over communication model and perception
Quiz:  Short answer quiz over culture and self-concept

Part II:  The Message

In-Class Activities
  Fact and inference activities
  Impressions
  American Tongues
  Dictionary Dabble
  20/20

Short Answer Quizzes
  Listening Quiz - 30 points
  Nonverbal Quiz - 40 points
  Language Quiz - 30 points

Part III:  Interpersonal Communication

In-Class Activities.  5 points per day.
  Self-disclosure survey
  Conflict management

Interpersonal Paper 
Turn in a typed 5-7 page analysis of a relationship from a film of your choosing. 
Instructions:
1. Select a relationship from a film.
2. Select a model from class or text.
3. Use the model or theory to explain and analyze your chosen relationship.
4. Use examples from the film to illustrate your points.
Grading:
1. Follow the grading criteria set forth in the front of the text.
2. I am interested in a well-supported analysis.
3. I am interested in seeing you use the vocabulary of the unit.
4. I am interested is seeing whether or not the theory is understood well enough to be clearly explained and applied in your own words.

Short Answer Quiz - 100 points.  May be a mix of short answer, identification, and multiple choice.

Part IV:  Small Group Communication

In-Class Activities
  Defending Your Life

Small Group Project and Presentation

Group Project:  Worth 100 points (up to 75 points for the presentation; up to 25 for the journal)
Due the last week of the quarter.
Turn-in:  Each group will make a presentation and each individual will turn in a journal.  Each group should turn in a packet of information that will be distributed later in the quarter.
Instructions:
1. Select a group of 5-6 people to work with (group should not exceed 6).
2. Select, as a group, a culture that is interesting to you.
3. As a group, prepare a presentation, 20 minutes in length, about that culture.
4. Give the presentation to the class.
5. Maintain a journal that chronicles your group's progress.
Grading:
1. Presentations will be graded on creativity, accuracy of information, and organization.  Feel free to refer to the grading criteria in the text.  Everyone should be actively involved.
2. Groups will get a total number of presentation points and then divide those points among themselves as they see fit.
3. Journals will be graded separately and should meet written work grading criteria.

Grading Scale

You will receive grade updates periodically throughout the quarter.  Do not hesitate to stop by and discuss your grade with me at anytime.