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Objectives | Assignments | Textbook | Grading | Coursework | Other | Honors

Objectives

1. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of communication on our daily lives by:
   • Identifying and showing appreciation of the complexities of communication,
   • Showing an understanding of important communication theories,
   • Explaining the perceptual process and how it influences communication,
   • Explaining how communication influences self-concept
2. Present an effective public presentation by:
   • Analyzing the target audience,
   • Choosing and researching a topic,
   • Employing organization skills,
   • Using nonverbal skills to add emphasis and interest,
   • Creating and presenting visual aids,
   • Maintaining ethical standards.
3. Employ effective persuasive communication techniques in the various speech communication situations, public, interpersonal, and small group by:
   • Thinking critically,
   • Demonstrating awareness of the difference between fact and opinion,
   • Avoiding logical fallacies,
   • Using reason and evidence to reach well-founded conclusions,
   • Using key persuasive theories knowledgeably.
4. Identify and demonstrate proficiency in the use of skills necessary for competent interpersonal communication by:
   • Listening empathetically, discriminatively, and critically,
   • Paraphrasing for clarity,
   • Managing conflict productively,
   • Self-disclosing appropriately,
   • Using feedback to modify communication behavior.
5. Identify and demonstrate the ability to utilize the factors necessary for effective group decision making by:
   • Demonstrating awareness of the stages groups go through,
   • Taking on leadership and group members responsibilities as appropriate,
   • Employing systematic group problem-solving methods,
   • Demonstrating understanding of the nature of group consensus.
6. Clarify and show understanding and appreciation of the importance of diversity in speech communication by:
   • Employing an understanding of how nonverbal communication varies from culture to culture,
   • Showing awareness of the different expectations from communication behavior,
   • Showing appreciation of the various contexts in which communication occurs.

Assignments

Assignments and associated points. (PDF file)

Required Text

The required text for the class is an Oxford Custom Edition of the following two books (combined in a custom publishing edition for Highline Community College):

Adler, R.B. & Rodman, G. (2003). Understanding human communication, 8th ed., New York: Oxford University Press.

 

Adler, R.B., Rosenfeld, L.B. & Proctor, R.F. II (2001). Interplay: The process of interpersonal communication, 8th ed., New York: Harcourt College Publishers.

Grading

Your grade translates as follows:

   4.0     A       95-100          2.3     C+      78-78.9
   3.9             94-94.9         2.2             77-77.9
   3.8             93-93.9         2.1             76-76.9
   3.7     A-      92-92.9         2.0     C       75-75.9
   3.6             91-91.9         1.9             74-74.9
   3.5             90-90.9         1.8             73-73.9
   3.4             89-89.9         1.7     C-      72-72.9
   3.3     B+      88-88.9         1.6             71-71.9
   3.2             87-87.9         1.5             70-70.9
   3.1             86-86.9         1.4             69-69.9
   3.0     B       85-85.9         1.3     D+      68-68.9
   2.9             84-84.9         1.2             67-67.9
   2.8             83-83.9         1.1             66-66.9
   2.7     B-      82-82.9         1.0     D       65-65.9
   2.6             81-81.9         0.9             64-64.9
   2.5             80-80.9         0.8             63-63.9
   2.4             79-79.9         0.7     F       < 62.9

Course Work

Speeches

One of the objectives of the course is to assist you with the preparation and delivery of public speeches. To that end, you will prepare an informative and persuasive speech, and participate in a group presentation. Much of the course is designed to assist you in that preparation as well as to increase your communicator competency. All assigned speeches must be completed to pass this class.

Student Speech Evaluations

You will perform critiques and evaluations of other students' speeches on each of the scheduled speaking dates. The evaluations are conducted in class, so you must be present to receive credit.

Written Work

The outlines, evaluations and worksheet either complement or support the learning process of developing speeches.

Attendance

You receive two (2) points for each class you attend. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. At my discretion, attendance may be taken twice: once at the beginning of class (1 point) and once at the end of the class (1 point) for those 2 points. There is no need for excuses, doctor's notes, etc., as none of these are considered when taking attendance and counting "bodies in chairs."

The class has numerous activities that will dictate class participation by each student. These may include group discussions and presentations, evaluation of other students' speeches, and discussions of practical applications of communication theory. Although class participation will not be a part of your grade, regular attendance is. Both are recommended to enhance your understanding and, ultimately, your final grade.

In accordance with Highline Community College policy, if you have not attended 3 of the first 4 classes (+50%) of the quarter, you will be withdrawn.

Exams

Four exams will be administered through this course concentrating on communication theories presented in the required text. Exams are due on the day listed in the syllabus. Exam dates are subject to change with notification.

Extra Credit

Opportunities for extra credit may include contributing up to three (3) Applied Learning Assignments in addition to those assigned during the course. These will be at the discretion and/or direction of the instructor and may also include or be substituted with the activities at the end of each chapter in the required text. Maximum value of extra credit will be 30 points toward your final grade.

Other

Students with Special Needs

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability; if you have emergency medical information to share with the instructor; or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please provide the instructor with the Letter of Accommodation you have received from the Office of Access Services. Access Services is located in Building 6 in the Student Development Center.

Deadlines

Responsibility is the cornerstone of academia, "real life," and the working world. You are responsible for meeting deadlines for assignments, speeches, presentations and exams as listed in the syllabus. Late work will not be accepted. (Exceptions are medical emergencies or a death in the immediate family, with proof required.)

Speeches (Informative and Persuasive) and Group Presentations are due on the day and date assigned by random lottery. Make-up speeches and presentations are not permitted. No exceptions. Student "no-shows" (not attending, last-minute phone calls or voicemails indicating unpreparedness or non-emergency illness) on the day of their speech will receive a failing grade for the course. "The show must go on" — just like the "real world."

Because of the nature of this class, make-up speeches and incompletes cannot be accommodated. Rather, you should withdraw from the class, and register to take the class another quarter.

Academic Integrity

Each student is expected to observe academic honesty in the completion of their assignments. Academic dishonesty and plagiarism will result in no points being granted for the assignment. Occurrences of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade for the course and will be subject to discipline according to college guidelines. (WAC 132I-120-100)

Classroom Courtesy

As a courtesy to your fellow students and me, please turn off all mobile phones, pagers, and other "noisemakers" during class periods or at least set them to "silent" or "vibrate."

Please respect one another in class. Please do not have private conversations in class while others, including myself, are trying to speak. I will publicly ask you to stop and do my best to embarrass you.

There is usually one 10-15 minute break during the class period, and yes, the class lasts the full 2 hours and 20 minutes!

Honors

You may take this class to receive honors credit. Participation in the Honors Scholar Program is open to all students of all ages and backgrounds who have 12 credits of college-level work with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and who are seeking to develop individual initiative, to graduate with a 3.5 GPA or better, and to transition more effectively to a four-year school. For more information, please see the honors web site at http://flightline.highline.edu/honors/

To receive honors credit in this class, you must (1) complete one additional speech (informative or persuasive) on a communication topic or issue, (2) complete all three extra credit essay assignments, (3) complete all exams, and (4) complete the course with a 3.5 GPA or better.

Click here for the Honors Option form available for this class. (PDF file)