Spring 2026 Course Syllabus
Course: SPCH-1318 (Section: 73D, CRN: 11398)
Interpersonal Communications 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Dr. Michelle Davis
Email davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6341
Office Educational I - Room: 133
Office Hours Location: Virtual via Blackboard Collaborate

Office Hours:  Tuesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am - 11:00am and by appointment. 
Email is my preferred method of contact: davisml1@lamarpa.edu

I will respond to emails within 24 hours during the week and during Saturday office hours.  I do not check email on Sunday. 
Additional Contact Information N/A
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.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

This course uses an OER Textbook provided for you in the Blackboard section. The title of the text is Interpersonal Communication.
Additional Materials/Resources A secure and reliable Wi-Fi connection and ability to access Blackboard by computer (not just by phone).
The ability to record and upload to YouTube.
The ability to navigate Blackboard independent of the instructor- to download material, upload assignments and videos, and submit work. 
The ability to record video and upload to YouTube. 
Access to Microsoft Word. 
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
 1. Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles. 
 2. Demonstrate ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal interactions in mediated and face-to-face contexts. 
 3. Identify perceptual processes as they relate to self and others. 
 4. Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating, and applying communication theories in oral and/or written assignments. 
 5. Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of cross-cultural, co-cultural, gender and age influences on human communication. 
 6. Demonstrate ability to identify, evaluate, and apply conflict styles and conflict management techniques in dyads and/or groups. 
 7. Identify types of and barriers to effective listening.
Core Objectives
* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or 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.


 

Lecture Topics Outline

I.     Introduction to Communication
II.    Communication and the Self
III.   Emotions and Interpersonal Communication
IV.   Interpersonal Communication and Listening
V.    Conflict and Interpersonal Communication
VI.   Communication in Relationships
VII.  New Media and Interpersonal Communication
Major Assignments Schedule SPCH_1318_73D_202610_P00339312.docx
Final Exam Date May 12, 2026 - 8:0 AM   Through  May 12, 2026 - 10:0 PM
Grading Scale This course is graded using a point scale. 

1000 - 900 points = A
 899 -  800 points = B
 799 -  700 points = C
 699 -  600 points = D
 599 -  below        = F 
Determination of
Final Grade		 Exams:          150 pts total
Journals:       520 pts total
Projects:        250 pts total    
Discussions:    80 pts total
Course Policies
Instructor Policies  Ask questions. If something is unclear to you, please ask me. I am happy to explain things differently to you (and maybe the entire class), if you let me know your questions. 

I do not accept late work. Time management is key in an online course. 

Communicate with me if you have concerns about submitting an assignment on time.  "Life" tends to happen at the worst times. I will work with you as long as you communicate before an assignment is due.  

Please use correct grammar and punctuation when writing, even in your journals. 

Submit your work as a WORD Document, not a shared document.  .doc or .docx

Plagiarism is not tolerated in this class.  The journals you submit should be your own.  The use of AI is really not helpful when it comes to writing your opinion.  If you use outside courses, please cite using APA format.  

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. This is one of the most important policies to remember in college.  
Attendance Policy This course is 100% online. 

Students should log in to the class multiple times each week, preferably each morning and evening.   
Additional Information New Videos and additional information may be posted after the week's folder has opened. Each week's content should be viewed in its entirety. 
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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 Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern 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.
Department Information
Inmate Instruction
Chair:Dr. Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431