Fall 2019 Course Syllabus Course: SPCH-1318- Section: 01 Interpersonal Communications

Instructor Information
Instructor	Mary Dubois
E-mail	duboismr@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6330
Office	Location: Education Annex - Room: 131 Hours: Tuesday & Thursday: Before and After Class or between 2:30-3:00
Department	General Education and Developmental Studies Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341 If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
Description	Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance, and termination in relationship contexts including friendships, romantic partners, families, and relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
Prerequisites	none.
Learning Outcomes	Upon successful completion of this course, students will: - Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles. - Demonstrate ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal interactions in mediated and face-to-face contexts. - Identify perceptual processes as they relate to self and others. - Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating, and applying communication theories in oral and/or written assignments. - Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of cross-cultural, co-cultural, gender and age influences on human communication. - Demonstrate ability to identify, evaluate, and apply conflict styles and conflict management techniques in dyads and/or groups. - Identify types of and barriers to effective listening.
Core Objectives	Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Textbooks	Loose-leaf textbook with LaunchPad access code: 9781319025557 McCornack, S. (2015) Interpersonal communication and you: An introduction. Boston: Bedford/st. Martins. Sealed Copy: 9781595620156 Rath, T. (2007). Strengths finder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press.
Lecture Topics Outline	I. Introducing Interpersonal Communication II. Considering Self III. Perceiving Others IV. Experiencing and Expressing Emotions V. Understanding Culture VI. Listening Actively VII. Communicating Verbally VIII.Communicating Nonverbally IX. Managing Conflict and Power X. Relationships with Romantic Partners XI. Relationships with Family Members XII. Relationships with Friends
Major Assignments Schedule	Tuesday/Thursday Class Fall 2019 AUGUST 27 Welcome! 29 Introduction to Interpersonal Comm SEPTEMBER 3 Chapter 1 5 10 Chapter 2 12 17 Chapter 3 19 24 Chapter 4 26 OCTOBER 2 Chapter 5 4 8 Chapter 6 10 15 Chapter 7 & 8 17 22 Chapter 9 24 29 Strengths Finder 31 NOVEMBER 5 Chapter 10 7 12Chapter 11 14 19 Chapter 12 21 26 Thanksgiving Break 28 Thanksgiving Break DECEMBER 3 5 10 Final Exam Session
Final Exam Date	December 10, 2019 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 10, 2019 - 10:00 AM
Grading Scale	1000 - 900 = A 899 - 800 = B 799 - 700 = C 699 - 600 = D 599 & below = F
Determination of Final Grade	Tests: 250 points or 25% Chapter Journals: 300 points or 30% Core Assignment: 250 points or 25% Movie Assignment: 100 points or 10% Homework/Participation: 100 points or 10%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	Late work is not accepted. Work must be typed and use correct grammar and spelling. Plagiarism is not tolerated. Minimum failure of the assignment for a first offense. Future offenses result in a grade of F for the course. Work not following the directions provided will not be graded. I will discuss grades and other sensitive subjects with you only in a one to one visit. Not via email or phone. Participation: Class attendance and participation is strongly encouraged. Attendance will be taken regularly. Your active participation in all class discussions and activities is very important to the success of this course and is expected. I measure class participation based on the following criteria: arriving to class on time; paying attention during short lectures; attentive watching and listening to screenings of films, songs, or other media; respectful listening when I or your peers are speaking; your ability to be fully engaged in your learning without texting, checking your phone or email, or participating in other digital distractions; your ability to stay awake, etc. It is expected that students will display mature behavior in the classroom. Be responsible for your actions and treat your classmates, instructor and yourself with mutual respect at all times. Failure to do so may result in your removal from the classroom. Important information: Blackboard: We will access and use Blackboard for this course. Various documents, videos, discussions, journals and assignments will be uploaded into Blackboard. All grades will be kept in the Blackboard "grade book". Please check it frequently as I post messages, documents and assignments regularly. All Students are required to access Blackboard. For help with accessing Blackboard : Need assistance, email HelpDesk@lamarpa.edu or call (409) 984-6150 Communicating with Professor Dubois: My preferred method of contact is email. •    Please email me at duboismr@lamarpa.edu I check email regularly. When you email, please include your first and last name and the class and section in which you are enrolled. •    If you do not receive an email reply from me within 24 hours please email again. Occasionally emails do not come through or put in clutter file and I want to be certain I get your message! •    DO NOT MESSAGE ME THROUGH BLACKBOARD! SEND ALL EMAILS TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS LISTED ABOVE. The instructor will deal with non-compliance of above issues and other situations which may arise on a case-by- case basis.
Attendance Policy	Attendance is expected daily and on-time. For consideration of an absence, students must email me before the start of class. Documentation will be required for an absence to be excused.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.