syl101

COM-101

INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH COMMUNICATION

Fall, 1998


   
      
         Professor:  Dr. Mark D. Nelson
         Office:  201-F Phifer Hall			 
         Phone:  (205) 348-8071
         Office Hours:  T-F  8:30-9:30 & by appt.   
         E-Mail: mnelson@ccom.ua.edu
      
      
         Graduate Assistant:  Jamie Sisk
         Office:  210-I Phifer Hall
         Phone:  (205) 348-5995

REQUIRED TEXT:

Tubbs, S. L. & Moss, S. (1994). Human Communication. New York: McGraw-Hill.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

General introduction to the field of speech communication as a way of understanding how humans coordinate social meaning and achieve communicative goals. The focus is on identifying the foundation of human communication and the functions of communication in everyday situations.

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

As part of the social science core curriculum, this course presents students with a comprehensive theoretical base, an understanding of how modern communication has evolved and continues to change and grow, and a grasp of its immediate and long-term applications to their lives. The course involves understanding how people behave in general and in particular when (a) creating, exchanging, and interpreting messages and (b) coordinating social meaning towards communicative goals. The approach combines theory, fundamental concepts, and important skills in order to do the following:

1. Help students understand the different ways in which communication has been viewed and the parameters of the field.
2. Help students understand the powers and limitations of different perspectives.
3. Help students see the value in using multiple perspectives in evaluating their communication experiences.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY:

"A university is a place where the universality of the human experience manifests itself."--Albert Einstein

In keeping with the spirit of Einstein's viewpoint, the Department of Speech Communication is committed to providing an atmosphere of learning that is representative of a variety of perspectives. In this class, you will have the opportunity to express and experience cultural diversity as we focus on issues such as: shifting cultural identities, the effects of culture, and cross-cultural communication. In addition, some assignments and daily activities have been designed to encourage individuality and creative expression. You are encouraged to not only take advantage of these opportunities in your own work, but also, learn from the information and ideas shared by other students.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Reading assigned material.
2. Regular class attendance and participation in class discussions.
3. Satisfactory completion of examinations, discussion pieces, homework, and pop quizzes.

AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES:

Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with the Office of Disability Services, 348-4285. Thereafter, you are invited to schedule appointments to see me during my office hours to discuss accommodations and other special needs.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT (U. OF A. FACULTY HANDBOOK):

Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically-related matter and any knowing or intentional help or attempt to help, or conspiracy to help, another student commit an act of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, each of the following acts when performed in any type of academic or academically-related matter, exercise, or activity:

1. Cheating--using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or computer-related information.
2. Plagiarism--representing the words, data, works, ideas, computer program or output, or anything not generated in an authorized fashion, as one's own.
3. Fabrication--presenting as genuine any invented or falsified citation or material.
4. Misrepresentation--falsifying, altering, or misstating the contents of documents or other materials related to academic matters, including schedules, prerequisites, and transcripts.

The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct.

ATTENDANCE/LATENESS:

Regular attendance is the expectation. You will be allowed six (6) absences, consisting of any combination of excused (i.e., medical, university business, or death in the family) AND unexcused (i.e., long weekend, car trouble, tired) reasons, during the course of the semester. If you miss more than six (6) classes, your final grade will drop one letter grade for each absence over six (6). Students who anticipate missing more than this number during the semester are not encouraged to enroll. Those involved in intercollegiate activities (e.g., athletics, debate, band, etc.) must provide the instructor with advance notice of absences and take full responsibility for any work missed. Should reasons require a lengthy hospital stay or recuperation period, a medical leave is suggested. Timeliness to class is also the expectation, therefore, three tardies will constitute one absence. At the end of the semester, a substantial bonus will be given to those students who have perfect attendance. By "perfect attendance" I mean no absences of any kind (excused or unexcused) and no tardies.

CLASS PARTICIPATION:

It is essential that you read the course materials before they are discussed in class. Your participation will ensure that the class remains interesting.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:

All written work (e.g., discussion pieces) must be typed. All papers should be proofread before being submitted. If you find an error in the final minutes before turning in the assignment, neatly cross out the error, and correct it in pen.

GRADE REEVALUATION:

If you think that a grade should be reviewed, you may request, in writing, that the paper be re-graded. To do this, you must submit, to the instructor, the original paper and a memo that details your reasons for requesting the re-grade. This request must be submitted within one week after the paper is returned. The instructor will read your request and determine whether or not the paper merits a review. Keep in mind that this will be a true re-grade. If the instructor finds the paper to be less effective than the original grade indicated, the grade may be lowered. If the paper is better than the original grade indicated, the grade will be raised. Or, the grade may remain unchanged.

SOME IMPORTANT POLICIES:

1. Students who do not attend the first three meetings of a MWF class or the first two meetings of a TR class may be administratively disenrolled.
2. Students must earn a "C" or better in all required and elective courses in the major. A "C" or better is required in all external courses required by the major whether they serve as a prerequisite to a major course or are simply required by the major. This means a "C" of any kind.
3. Please do your part to maintain the appearance of this room. SMOKING, EATING, AND DRINKING ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THIS ROOM. That means you should not bring food or liquids into the room. Please do your part to make sure that no one else does this during class or at any other time.

ASSIGNMENTS/EVALUATION:

80% Exams (400 points total)

The format of all four exams may be a combination of multiple choice, true-false, short answer and essay questions. The exams will cover all assigned readings, lectures, and classroom discussions. Each exam will be equally weighted as follows:

1. 100 points--Exam 1--chapters 1, 2, 3.

2. 100 points--Exam 2--chapters 4, 5, 6, 8.

3. 100 points--Exam 3--chapters 14, 7, 9.

4. 100 points--Final Exam--COMPREHENSIVE

No make-up exams will be given (instructor's discretion may be used in some instances). If you miss an exam, the grade on your comprehensive final exam will be used to replace any exam(s) missed.

10% Two (2) Discussion Pieces (100 points each)

A discussion piece is a written presentation (2-3 typed pages each) in which students expand upon a particular conceptual idea and defend their positions. Discussion pieces are not simply reports or duplications of class content because they ask students to make connections, inferences, and judgments beyond those made in the text and lecture. Papers will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Engagement with assignment- Does the paper address the assignment directly?

2. Accuracy and appropriateness in the use of course material- Does the paper reflect an accurate understanding of the material?

3. Development of ideas- Are ideas sufficiently explained and supported?

4. Organization- Is the paper appropriately and clearly organized?

5. Composition- Is the paper clearly written?

Specific topics for each assignment will be provided. To receive credit for your thought pieces, you must participate in a small group discussion with other members of the class.

10% Pop Quizzes/Homework.

Periodically, unannounced quizzes will be administered to assess your understanding of assigned readings. These quizzes will typically be given at the beginning of class. Additionally, homework assignments will periodically be collected and graded.

Students who are late to class or absent from class will not receive credit for pop quizzes or homework missed.

_____

100%

EXTRA CREDIT:

You are NOT guaranteed the opportunity to earn extra credit. If, however, the opportunity arises, you may earn extra credit in the following two ways:

1. Research Participation

This is an opportunity for you to develop an understanding of communication research and to learn how communication theories are applied in real situations. You may be asked to participate in studies (e.g., filling out questionnaires, observing nonverbal behaviors, giving comments about campus life, etc.) that tap into many of the theories discussed in class.

2. Attend Communication Sponsored Events

This is an opportunity for you to observe and sometimes participate in the extracurricular and leadership-building events sponsored by the faculty and students in the College of Communication. Your instructor will inform you of these events as they become available.

It is an unfortunate fact of life (due to schedule conflicts and other reasons) that these extra credit opportunities may not be available to all students.

GRADING SCALE:

100-98% = A+ 89-87% = B+ 79-77% = C+ 69-67% = D+ 59-00% = F

97-94% = A 86-84% = B 76- 74% = C 66- 64% = D

93- 90% = A- 83- 80% = B- 73-70% = C- 63-60% = D-

GRADE RECORD FORM:

______________________________________________________________________________

EXAM #1: __________ EXAM #2: __________ EXAM #3: __________ EXAM #4: __________

(A) Total:__________divided by "4" =__________ multiplied by ".8" =__________

DISCUSSION PIECE #1: __________ DISCUSSION PIECE #2: __________

(B) Total:__________ divided by "2" =__________ multiplied by ".1" =__________

QUIZ/HOMEWORK GRADES:___________________________________________________________

(A)__________ + (B)__________ + (C)__________ = ___________ (Final Grade for SC-101)

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE

8/26 Course Orientation

8/28 Building Community//Building Perspective

8/31 The Process of Human Communication Chapter 1

The Importance of Human Communication, What is Human Communication,

A Model of Human Communication,Various Communication Contexts.

9/2 Human Communictation Continuation

9/4 Person Perception Chapter 2

Perceiving People and Objects, Forming Impressions, Variables of Accurate Perception.

9/7 NO CLASS--LABOR DAY

9/9 Person Perception Continuation

9/11 Discussion Group #1

9/14 The Verbal Message Chapter 3

Words and Meaning, Language Formation and Development, The Language-Thought Connection

9/16 The Verbal Message Continued

9/18 Discussion Group #2

9/21 The Verbal Message Continued

9/23 The Verbal Message Continued

9/25 EXAM #1

9/28 The Nonverbal Message Chapter 4

Interpreting Nonverbal Messages, Spatial and Temporal Cues, Visual and Vocal Cues, Deception.

9/30 The Nonverbal Message Continued

10/2 Discussion Group #3

10/5 The Nonverbal Message Continued

10/7 The Nonverbal Message Continued

10/9 Discussion Group #4

10/12 Listening Chapter 5

Importance of Listening in Relationships, Types of Listening, Active Listening.

10/14 Listening Continued

10/16 Discussion Group #5

10/19 Relationships in Process Chapter 6

Theories of Human Attraction, Relationship Characteristics, Relationship Lifecycles,Conflict

10/21 Relationships in Process Continued

10/23 Discussion Group #1

10/26 Interviewing Chapter 8

Types of Interviews in Various Disciplines, Structures and Techniques.

10/28 Interviewing Continued

10/30 EXAM #2

11/2 Ethics Chpater 14

The Ethical Principles of Aristotle, Kant, Bentham, Mills, and Rawls,

The Ethical Issues of Lying, Secrets, Whistleblowing, and Leaks

11/4 Ethics Continued

11/6 Discussion Group #2

11/9 Two-Person Communication Chapter 7

Social Norms and Roles, Characteristics of Quality Relationships, Self-Disclosure, Assertiveness

11/11 Two-Person Communication Continued

11/13 Discussion Group #3

11/16 Small Group Communication Chapter 9

Small Groups from Various Disciplines, Theories of Conformity and Social Influence,

Dynamics, Structure, and Effectiveness

11/18 Small Group Communication Continued

11/20 EXAM #3

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE continued

11/23 Public Communication Chapter 10

Theories and Pragmatics Regarding Speaker, Audience, and Message

11/25 Public Communication Continued

11/28 NO CLASS--THANKSGIVING

11/30 Organizational Communication Chapter 11

Theories and Functions of Human Communication in the Context of Organizations

including TQM, Structures and Power Theory

12/2 Organizational Communication Continued

12/4 Discussion Group #4

12/7 Intercultural Communication Chapter 13

Culture as Learned; Cultural Distinctions; Obstacles; Barriers; Individual, Social, Political, and Cultural Effects

12/9 Intercultural Communication Continued

12/11 Discussion Group #5

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

Tuesday, September 1, 1998 Last day to ADD a course.

Wednesday, September 23, 1998 Last day to DROP w/out grade determination.

Tuesday, October 20, 1998 Last day to DROP a course w/out special permission.

Thursday, December 17, 1998 Final Exam is @ 8:00 a.m.

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE

CLASS MEETING TOPIC/ACTIVITY READINGS

8/20 Course Orientation

8/22 Community Hunt

8/25 The Process of Human Communication Chapter 1 8/27 Continuation

8/29 Person Perception Chapter 2

9/1 NO CLASS--LABOR DAY

9/3 Person Perception Continuation

9/5 Discussion Group #1

9/8 The Verbal Message Chapter 3

9/10 Continuation

9/12 Discussion Group #2

9/15 The Verbal Message Continued

9/17 Continuation

9/19 EXAM #1

9/22 The Nonverbal Message Chapter 4

9/24 Continuation

9/26 Discussion Group #3

9/29 Continuation

10/1 Continuation

10/3 Discussion Group #4

10/6 Listening Chapter 5

10/8 Continuation

10/10 Discussion Group #5

10/13 Relationships in Process Chapter 6

10/15 Continuation

10/17 Discussion Group #1

10/20 Interviewing Chapter 8

10/22 Continuation

10/24 EXAM #2

10/27 Ethics and Communication Chapter 14

10/29 Continuation

10/31 Discussion Group #2

11/3 Two-Person Communication Chapter 7

11/5 Continuation

11/7 Discussion Group #3

11/10 Small Group Communication Chapter 9

11/12 Continuation

11/14 EXAM #3

11/17 Public Communication Chapter 10

11/19 Continuation

11/21 Discussion Group #4

11/24 Organizational Communication Chapter 11

11/26 Continuation

11/28 NO CLASS--THANKSGIVING

12/1 Intercultural Communication Chapter 13

12/3 Continuation

12/5 Discussion Group #5

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

Tuesday, August 26, 1997 Last day to ADD a course.

Wednesday, September 17, 1997 Last day to DROP w/out grade determination.

Tuesday, October 14, 1997 Last day to DROP a course w/out special permission.

Wednesday, December 10, 1997 Final Exam is @ 8:00 a.m.

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE

CLASS MEETING TOPIC/ACTIVITY READINGS

1/10 Course Orientation

1/13 The Process of Human Communication Chapter 1 1/15 Continuation

1/17 Person Perception Chapter 2

1/20 NO CLASS--M.L.K. DAY

1/22 Person Perception Continuation

1/24 Discussion Group #1--Workday

1/27 The Verbal Message Chapter 3

1/29 Continuation

1/31 Discussion Group #1--PRESENTATION

2/3 The Verbal Message Continued

2/5 Continuation

2/7 Discussion Group #2--Workday

2/10 The Nonverbal Message Chapter 4

2/12 Continuation

2/14 Discussion Group #2--PRESENTATION

2/17 Continuation

2/19 Continuation

2/21 EXAM #1

2/24 Listening Chapter 5

2/26 Continuation

2/28 Discussion Group #3--Workday

3/3 Relationships in Process Chapter 6

3/5 Continuation

3/7 Discussion Group #3--PRESENTATION

3/10 Interviewing Chapter 8

3/12 Continuation

3/14 Discussion Group #4--Workday

3/17 Ethics and Communication Chapter 14

3/19 Continuation

3/21 EXAM #2

3/24 Two-Person Communication Chapter 7

3/26 Continuation

3/28 Discussion Group #4--PRESENTATION

4/7 Small Group Communication Chapter 9

4/9 Continuation

4/11 Discussion Group #5--Workday

4/14 Public Communication Chapter 10

4/16 Continuation

4/18 NO CLASS--HONORS DAY

4/21 Organizational Communication Chapter 11

4/23 Continuation

4/25 Discussion Group #5--PRESENTATION

4/28 Intercultural Communication Chapter 13

4/30 Continuation

5/2 Continuation and review for final exam

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

Wednesday, January 15, 1997 Last day to ADD a course.

Thursday, February 6, 1997 Last day to DROP w/out grade determination.

Wednesday, March 5, 1997 Last day to DROP a course w/out special permission.

Tuesday, May 6, 1997 Final Exam is @ 8:00 a.m.

SC-120

Introduction to Speech Communication

Classroom Inventory Form

Please fill out the following information. Some of the information may be used in a class exercise. Please write "privacy" by any items you would like to be kept private.

Name:________________________________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:_________________________________________________________________

If employed, where do you work?__________________________________________________

What is your favorite food?_______________________________________________________

What is the most interesting place you have visited?____________________________________

What do you do to relax?_________________________________________________________

What are your career objectives?____________________________________________________

If you have children, how many?___________________________________________________

Name someone you admire?_______________________________________________________

Name a goal you would like to accomplish?___________________________________________

What exciting thing have you done in the last 2 years? _________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Where were you born?____________________________________________________________

What is your academic major?_____________________________________________________

MEMORANDUM

TO: Eva McMahan

FROM: Mark Nelson

RE: SC-101 Guest Lecture

DATE: January 6, 1997

Please let me know if you will be available to present a guest lecture in SC-101. If you are available, I will forward a chapter outline to you--then you will know the students' frame of reference (if they read). The topic and dates are listed below.

Topic:

Two-Person Communication

Available Dates: (select one)

March 24, 1997

March 26, 1997

Thanks for your help!

MEMORANDUM

TO: Tom Harris

FROM: Mark Nelson

RE: SC-101 Guest Lecture

DATE: January 6, 1997

Topic:

Organizational Communication

Available Dates: (select one)

April 21, 1997

April 23, 1997

Thanks for your help!

MEMORANDUM

TO: Carrie Crenshaw

FROM: Mark Nelson

RE: SC-101 Guest Lecture

DATE: January 6, 1997

Topic:

Intercultural Communication

Available Dates: (select one)

April 28, 1997

April 30, 1997

Thanks for your help!

SC-101

INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH COMMUNICATION

SUMMER, 1997

Instructor: Mark Nelson

Office: 201-F Phifer Hall Phone: (205) 348-8071

Office Hours: M-F 8:30-10:00 a.m. & by appt. E-Mail: mnelson@ccom.ua.edu

REQUIRED TEXT:

Tubbs, S. L. & Moss, S. (1994). Human Communication. New York: McGraw-Hill.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Help students understand the different ways in which communication has been viewed and the parameters of the field.

2. Help students understand the powers and limitations of different perspectives.

3. Help students see the value in using multiple perspectives in evaluating their communication experiences.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY:

"A university is a place where the universality of the human experience manifests itself."

--Albert Einstein

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Reading assigned material.

2. Regular class attendance and participation in class discussions.

3. Satisfactory completion of assignments/evaluations.

AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES:

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT (U. OF A. FACULTY HANDBOOK):

1. Cheating--using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or computer-related information.

2. Plagiarism--representing the words, data, works, ideas, computer program or output, or anything not generated in an authorized fashion, as one's own.

3. Fabrication--presenting as genuine any invented or falsified citation or material.

4. Misrepresentation--falsifying, altering, or misstating the contents of documents or other materials related to academic matters, including schedules, prerequisites, and transcripts.

ATTENDANCE/LATENESS:

Regular attendance is the expectation. You will be allowed two (2) unexcused absences, (i.e., long weekend, car trouble, tired) during the course of the semester. Excused absences are a rarity, and are at the subjective opinion of the instructor. If you miss more than two (2) classes, your final grade will drop one letter grade for each absence over two (2). Students who anticipate missing more than this number during the semester are not encouraged to enroll. Those involved in intercollegiate activities (e.g., athletics, debate, band, etc.) must provide the instructor with advance notice of absences and take full responsibility for any work missed. Should reasons require a lengthy hospital stay or recuperation period, a medical leave is suggested. Timeliness to class is also the expectation, therefore, three tardies will constitute one unexcused absence. At the end of the semester, a substantial bonus will be given to those students who have perfect attendance. By "perfect attendance" I mean no absences of any kind (either excused or unexcused) and no tardies.

CLASS PARTICIPATION:

It is essential that you read the course materials before they are discussed in class. Your participation will ensure that the class remains interesting.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:

All written homework (e.g., discussion pieces) must be typed. All papers should be proofread before being submitted. If you find an error in the final minutes before turning in the assignment, neatly cross out the error, and correct it in pen.

GRADE REEVALUATION:

SOME IMPORTANT POLICIES:

1. Students who do not attend the first two (2) meetings of class will be administratively disenrolled.

2. Students must earn a "C" or better in all required and elective courses in the major. A "C" or better is required in all external courses required by the major whether they serve as a prerequisite to a major course or are simply required by the major. This means a "C" of any kind.

3. Please do your part to maintain the appearance of this room. SMOKING, EATING, AND DRINKING ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THIS ROOM. That means you should not bring food or liquids into the room. Please do your part to make sure that no one else does this during class or at any other time.

ASSIGNMENTS/EVALUATION:

80% (400 points) Exams

The format of all four exams will be a combination of multiple choice, true-false, short answer and essay questions. The exams will cover all assigned readings, lectures, and classroom discussions. Each exam will be equally weighted as follows:

1. 100 points--Exam 1--chapters 1, 2, 3.

2. 100 points--Exam 2--chapters 4, 5, 6, 8.

3. 100 points--Exam 3--chapters 14, 7, 9.

4. 100 points--Exam 4--COMPREHENSIVE

Make-up exams will only be given for excused absences. Excused absences are a rarity and at the subjective opinion of the instructor.

20% (100 points) Pop Quizzes/Homework.

Periodically, unannounced quizzes will be administered to assess your understanding of assigned readings. These quizzes will typically be given at the beginning of class.

Additionally, homework assignments will be collected periodically and graded. Homework assignments will typically take the form of a discussion/thought piece in which students expand upon a particular conceptual idea and defend their positions. Thought pieces are not simply reports or duplications of class content because they ask students to make connections, inferences, and judgments beyond those made in the text and lecture.

Students who are late to class or absent from class will not receive credit for pop quizzes or homework missed.

_____ ____________

100% 500 Total points

GRADING SCALE:

100-98% = A+ 89-87% = B+ 79-77% = C+ 69-67% = D+ 59-00% = F

97-94% = A 86-84% = B 76- 74% = C 66- 64% = D

93- 90% = A- 83- 80% = B- 73-70% = C- 63-60% = D-

______________________________________________________________________________

GRADE RECORD FORM

EXAM #1: __________ EXAM #2: __________ EXAM #3: __________ EXAM #4: __________

QUIZ/HOMEWORK GRADES:___________________________________________________________

EXTRA CREDIT: __________

TOTAL POINTS: __________(Divided by 500) = ___________ (Final Grade for SC-101)

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE:

CLASS MEETING TOPIC/ACTIVITY READINGS

7/14 Course Orientation and Community Hunt

7/15 The Process of Human Communication Chapter 1

7/16 Person Perception Chapter 2

7/17 The Verbal Message Chapter 3

7/18 Continuation Chapter 3

7/21 Continuation Chapter 3

7/22 EXAM #1

7/23 The Nonverbal Message Chapter 4

7/24 Continuation Chapter 4

7/25 Listening Chapter 5

7/28 Relationships in Process Chapter 6

7/29 Interviewing Chapter 8

7/30 EXAM #2

7/31 Ethics and Communication Chapter 14

8/1 Two-Person Communication Chapter 7

8/4 Small Group Communication Chapter 9

8/5 EXAM #3

8/6 Public Communication Chapter 10

8/7 Continuation Chapter 10

8/8 Organizational Communication Chapter 11

8/11 Intercultural Communication Chapter 13

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

Thursday July 17, 1997 Last day to ADD a course.

Friday, July 25, 1997 Last day to DROP w/out grade determination.

Friday, August 1, 1997 Last day to DROP a course w/out special permission.

Wednesday, August 13, 1997 Final Exam is @ 8:00 a.m.

Friday August 15, 1997 Summer Commencement