Course Syllabus

Professor: Dr. Sandra Cox                             Cell Phone: (435) 851-3751

Email: sandra.cox@snow.edu             Office:  LPB 206A                    Office Hours:     By Appointment

 

Required Textbook:  Wood, Julia T. Communication in Our Lives. fourth ed. Wadsworth Cengage Learning. 

 

Course Description: 

This introductory course investigates principles of communication theories and how to use these theories in practical application. The course content encourages students to analyze, assess and evaluate communication principles. Students will develop skills and techniques essential to effective communication in settings that include; intrapersonal (with oneself), interpersonal (face-to-face), small group and public speaking. Students will develop the ability to look at the big picture of human communicate and how it affects each individual's perception, cultural traditions and human philosophy.

Course Method

This is a communication course in which each student will have a share of both learning and teaching in a knowledge-sharing environment. Taking this class via an online format poses challenges for adequately displaying communication both interpersonally and through oral delivery.  Efforts have been made to create assignments that allow you to respond personally to other classmates through reviews, discussion posts, and through the conference options on Canvas.  

Please be mindful of the feedback you give to other students and ensure that you are using this as an opportunity to build your classmates up rather than tear them down.  Be aware that you will also receive comprehensive feedback from me on most assignments.  You will need to read these comments carefully and implement the concepts for your next assignment.  I grade on improvement in all my communication courses, and the online format requires that you really read and think about all comments you have been given in order to see this type of growth. 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop an awareness and appreciation of the complexities of the speech communication process.

2. Understand the principles of human communication theory by identifying the elements and interrelationship of the elements in a communication model.

3. Expand perception skills, comprehend the effects of self-concept on communication, and understand how meaning is created.

4. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of language in our communication.

5. Explain the importance of nonverbal communication and the value of interpretation of nonverbal messages.

6. Develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the role of empathy and equality in human communication.

7. Develop awareness and the ability to recognize propaganda.

8. Develop new listening habits and skills and a systematic method of listening behavior.

9. Develop a personal, constructive approach to dealing with conflict situations through speech communication strategies of conflict resolution.

10. Practice the principles of effective group communication, identify the various roles and norms in the group communication process, and understand the characteristics of leadership

 

Instructor Policies:

 

1. Late Work. I will accept late work up to one week after the due date. Each late assignment will receive only one-half. Assignments submitted more than one week after the due date will not be accepted and will receive no points. If you are gone, make sure to turn in your assignment before it is due.
2. Respect the classroom environment.

• Be open and tolerant of new ideas and experiences.
• Avoid academic dishonesty in all its forms. (See Snow College Academic Catalog)

Communication Department Policies

In the unusual case that a student has questions, concerns, or complaints regarding their instructor, the procedure is as follows: If the student feels comfortable speaking to the instructor regarding the issue, please go directly to the instructor to clear it up.  However, if the student does not feel comfortable communicating directly with the instructor or if a problem should arise, the student meets with the department chair.  Together the student and department chair will determine the next course of action. 

 

American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Any student with a documented disability bearing on the work required in this course needs to contact Katie Jean Larsen, our ADA Coordinator (435-483-7321), in our Academic Advisement Office to register your disability.  Ms. Larsen will send me the proper documentation and instructions on how to address your needs.

 Plagiarism

All academic work you submit in this course must be your work and must not have been submitted for academic credit in any other course unless you have written permission from the professor for whom you did the previous work and me.

As a citizen in an academic community, you are expected to submit your original work assignments and properly cited.  A student commits plagiarism when they borrow information without proper attribution or uses information, language, or work completed by others and submit it as one's work.  Any form of plagiarism will negatively affect your grade.

If you have any questions regarding whether the work you plan on submitting is acceptable for course credit, please get in touch with me.  I am happy to discuss any questions you have on this matter.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

It is a federal violation for a faculty member to discuss your academic record with anyone except an appropriate College official. Therefore, if your parents or other person wishes to discuss your academic performance, you must provide me with written permission.

 

A (94-100%)                 A- (90-93%)        B+ (87-89%)        B (83-86%)

B- (80-82%)                  C+ (77-79%)       C (73-76%)          C- (70-72%)

D+ (67-69%)                 D (63-66%)          D- (60-62%)        F (0-59)

 

 

Grade Percentage breakdown will not change.