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ELEMENTS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION

Communication 120 Fall 2011 Section 4391; T/Th 500-615pm

Elements of Human Communication

Lisa Stefani

Voice Mail (619) 644-7454 ext. 3926

Website:

E-mail:

(Note: If you send me an e-mail, be sure to include the following subject line to avoid having your e-mail deleted or sent to the spam folder: (Comm 120, Your name, Your section number)

The heart has eyes that the brain knows nothing of.

C.H. Parkhurst

The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to interpersonal communication that reflects the fascinating nature and important role of this topic in our lives. We have relationships in all areas of our lives – work, home, school. It would behoove us all to improve our interpersonal communication abilities. The ultimate goal is to provide you with the motivation, knowledge, and skills to improve your relationships with others. This course should offer you all three.

TEXTBOOK: Required

Sandlin, J. A. (2009). Now That’s Ridiculous! Nevada: Ready Or Not Press. Available at:

Optional:

Adler, R.B., & Proctor, R.F. (2011). Looking Out Looking In (13th). USA; Thompson Wadsworth.

ASSIGNMENTS:

PART IWHAT GOES IN . . . .

T August 23Syllabus/ Roll Call/Books/Calendar

Readings: Chapter 1

TH August 25Finalize roster/Start Chapter 1

T Aug 30Lecture: Interpersonal Relationships

Readings: Chapter 2

Th Sept 1Lecture: Intrapersonal Communication

T Sept 6:Finish lecture; Film, “The Doctor.”

TH Sept 8Finish Film, “The Doctor.”

Readings: Chapter 3

T Sept 13 Lecture: Communication and Perception

Th Sept 15Finish Lecture

Readings: Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

T Sept 20Lecture: Communication and Managing Emotions

Readings: Chapter 7

Th Sept 22Finish Lecture

Discuss Assignment: I Saw it With My Own Eyes Collage and Presentation

T Sept 27Homework Assignments Chapters 1 – 7 due

PART IIMUST COME OUT . . .

Th Sept 29Lecture: Language

Readings: Chapter 8

Chapter 9

T October 4Lecture: Nonverbal Communication

Readings: Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Th Oct 6Homework Assignments Chapters 8 – 11 Due

T Oct 11Movie: “The Negotiator”

Th Oct 13Movie: “The Negotiator”

T Oct 18Collage Presentations

Readings: Chapter 12

Th Oct 20Collage Presentations

Readings: Chapter 13

T Oct 25Collage Presentations

Readings: Chapter 14

Th Oct 27Collage Presentations

Readings: Chapter 15

T Nov 1Collage Presentations

PART IIICOMING TOGETHER AND FALLING APART

Th Nov 3Lecture: In and Out of Love

T Nov 8Finish Lecture

Th Nov 10Lecture: Ineffective Communication

T Nov 15Lecture: Non Defensive Conflict Resolution

Th Nov 17Finish Lecture

T Nov 22Homework Assignment Chapters 12 – 15 Due

Readings: Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Th Nov 24HOLIDAY THANKSGIVING

PART IVWHAT NOW?

T Nov 29Lecture: Improving Communication

Th Dec 1Homework Assignments Chapters 16 – 19 Due

T Dec 6Film: “The Story of Us”

Th Dec 8Film: “The Story of Us”

Final Exam: Cumulative; Chapters 1 – 19 and all lecture notes Tuesday December 13, 2011. 530-730pm

COLLAGE REQUIREMENTS

You will prepare an art collage based on the notion that “I SAW IT WITH MY OWN EYES.” Information, and reading, from chapter 5, as well as supplemental lecture material on visualization and the power of the brain will serve as background conceptual material. You will use magazine pictures, art, and drawings to complete this project. Minimum size requirement is 11 by 14 inches. The idea behind the collage is for you to be able to clearly see what it is that you want out of life. For example, if you want to become a doctor, I expect to see a picture of a doctor on your collage. If you want to get your bachelor’s degree, I expect to see a time schedule of when and how you will accomplish this. If you want to get married and have a family, I expect to see a picture of a family. If you want to drive a Mercedes, I expect to see one on your collage. You will give an oral presentation of your collage to the class.

HOMEWORK PAPER REQUIREMENTS

Each chapter of your e-book, “Now That’s Ridiculous!” has homework questions. After reading the chapter and attending the lecture, you will answer the questions at the end of each chapter for submission. No one line answers please. Answer each question completely and thoroughly. The assignments are designed to help you improve communication in relationships. You are expected to complete every assignment in the e-book as we go though the class. Assignments will be submitted at the completion of each of the four sections of the e-book. They should be typed, double spaced and follow the format of question/response in essay. These homework assignments are worth a total of 50% of your grade, so you don’t want to miss any or turn in assignments with one sentence answers.

FINAL EXAM

Your final exam will cover Chapter’s 1-19 in your e-book, “Now That’s Ridiculous!,” and all lecture notes. The final is cumulative.

GRADING

Homework Assignments Chapters: 1-720%

Homework Assignments Chapters 8-1115%

Homework Assignments Chapters 12-1515%

Homework Assignments Chapters 16-1915%

Collage and Presentation20%

Final Examination 15%

ATTENDANCE

Mandatory. I will take roll every day. Excused absences require Doctor Note or Work Note on Letterhead.

LATEWORK

Not accepted.

Accommodations for students with disabilities:

Student with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabled Student Services and Programs (DSP&S) early in the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSP&S in person in room 11D or by phone at 619-644-7112 (voice) or (619( 644-7119 ) (TTY for deaf).

Supervised Tutoring Referral

Students are referred to enroll in the following supervised tutoring courses if the service indicated will assist them in achieving or reinforcing the learning objectives of this course:

IDS 198, Supervised Tutoring to receive tutoring in general computer applications in the

Tech Mall

English 198W, Supervised Tutoring for assistance in the English Writing Center (Room

70-119): and or IDS 198T, Supervised Tutoring to receive one-on-one tutoring in

academic subjects in the tutoring center (Room 70-229, 644-7387).

Academic Integrity Statement Approved by the Senate:

The faculty, administration, and staff of Grossmont College, in creating a culture of academic excellence, value honesty and integrity in all aspects of learning, working and participating in the college community. Moreover, we believe that those who value learning would never view cheating (copying or otherwise presenting work that is not one’s own) and plagiarism (presenting another writer’s ideas, materials, images or words as one’s own without proper citation) as viable choices within an academic environment. It is incumbent on faculty, in particular, to communicate expectations to students with regard to academic honesty in each class and it is the responsibility of each student to understand the actions and behaviors that constitute cheating or academic dishonesty within each class as well as in other venues on campus. Students are encouraged to ask questions of their instructors and are expected to read the college’s statement on Academic Fraud (located in the class schedule). Penalties for actions inconsistent with classroom, library, and college expectations for academic integrity range from a failing grade on an assignment, exam, pr project (which may lead to a failing grade in the course) to, under certain conditions, suspension, or expulsion from a class, program, or the college. For more information, please consult with your instructor or contact the office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

Subject Learning Objectives

At the end of the semester, students completing Comm 120 with a grade of C or better will be able to:

  1. Analyze conflict in an interpersonal relationship and apply methods of conflict resolution. Assessment: Essay or assignment.
  2. Analyze how the self concept is formed and its impact on relationships. Assessment: Essay or assignment.
  3. Evaluate language use and how it affects the relational climate as well as intrapersonal communication. Assessment: Essay or assignment.
  4. Demonstrate effective goal setting skills. Assessment: Collage preparation and oral presentation.
  5. Apply fundamental concepts of effective communication to real life situations: Assessment: Essay or Assignment.

Important dates:

September 2: Last day to drop without a W and last day to apply for a refund

September 23: Last day to apply for credit/no credit for semester length courses.

November 10: Last day to drop semester length classes.