ComSt 311
Communication Studies 311: Relational Communication
Dr. Mark V. Redmond Phone: 294-0183
Office: 338 Carver Hall Email:
Office Hours: M-W 2-3, TTH 11:00-12:00 Homepage: www.public.iastate.edu/~mredmond
& by appointment
Course Description A study of contemporary interpersonal communication theories and research. Emphasis on relational development research including initiation, maintenance, conflict management, and dissolution.
This particular course examines a set of contemporary academic articles covering a wide range of topics related to interpersonal relationships. The topics are dictated by the current activity of relational communication researchers. The research nature of the articles requires understanding research methodology and analysis.
Objectives
1. To increase understanding of contemporary relational communication theory and research.
2. To develop the ability to critically read and evaluate information.
3. To further the development of abstract and analytical cognitive skills.
Reading Packet: This course utilizes a reading packet consisting of contemporary research articles drawn from a variety of academic journals. A copy of this packet is available at the bookstore. In addition, the readings are available online through the university library (must be logged on to the university library to access), except for articles 1 and 17 (though 17 can be accessed through Google).
Readings and Daily Reading Reports (19 assessments at 4 pts each for 76 pts): Reading the material prior to the beginning of the class for which an article is assigned is a required. The success of each day’s class period depends upon every student coming prepared to engage in discussion.
Because preparation is critical to course discussion you will be asked to honestly report whether you have completed the day’s assigned reading at the beginning of the discussion of the article. You will indicate: 1) “Yes, I read and studied it completely,” 2) “I read it quickly but didn’t study it,” or 3) “I glanced at it or didn’t read it.” Those indicating (1) receive 6 points, those indicating (2) receive 4 points, and those indicating (3) receive 2 points for honesty. No early or makeup reports are permitted; missing reports receive 0 points.
Reading Validation. Those indicating #1 will be asked straightforward questions about the article. Failure to answer correctly will erase the original six points and potentially have the grade replaced with a 2 point deduction (-2 points) from your accumulated report grades. Some of those who indicate (2) will also be asked questions appropriate to the reading but not studying the article. Failure to answer correctly will erase the 4 points, and potentially be replaced by a 1 point deduction (-1).
Should widespread and sustained failure to read the articles occur, this system will be replaced with the use of mind-boggling multiple choice quizzes preceding each article discussion.
Research Reading and Quizzes: Understanding research methods and basic statistics is critical to successfully understanding the readings. ComSt 203 provided you with the foundation for this understanding and the first reading in ComSt 311 provides a review of some of this material. The first reading is a rudimentary summary of research methods and statistics used in studying interpersonal communication. You need to read and study this article thoroughly in advance of the second class period. You will be given a Daily Reading Report over this article. A quiz will also be given after our class review and discussion of the article (worth 19 points).
Examinations: (6 exams at 60 points each). These are 30 minutes exams (with 5 minutes added to complete unfinished answers) consisting of 3 essay questions. You are expected to write for 10 minutes on each question. Each exam covers three readings; there will be one question per reading.
Exam questions will be created during class by me with input from the class at the completion of each article discussion. Two questions will be created for each article. The exams will consist of one question for each article.
You will be allowed one review sheet of notes consisting of 30 words or symbols for each of the six questions. These note sheets are turned in with your exam. Exceeding the word limit will result in a proportionate lowering of your grade.
Class Participation: (20 points) All students are expected to participate in class discussion, offer opinions and criticisms of the articles under review, ask informed and insightful questions, and participate actively in any group discussions or activities. Sitting quietly during article reviews means you will not receive these points. Dominating the discussion and thus preventing other students from participating will also reduce a student’s grade. Students will be graded on how well they provide informed input and contribute to the group activities based on my observations during class time. Absences obviously reduce participation opportunities and the subsequent grade.
Grade Points: Research Methods Quizz (19 pts) 19 points
Reading Reports (19 at 4 pts each; 6 pts possible) 76 pts
Examinations: (6 at 60 pts each) 360 pts
Participation 20 pts
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 475 points
Bonus: Points exceeding 76 on Daily Reading Reports are bonus points added to the final point total.
Grading Scale
Your point total will be converted to a percentage of the total points available with final course grades assigned according to the following percentages scale:
100-93 = A 89-87 = B+ 82-80 = B- 76-73 = C 69-67 = D+ 62-60 = D-
92-90 = A- 86-83 = B 79-77 = C+ 72-70 = C- 66-63 = D 59- 0 = F
Disability Accommodation: Plan to meet with me soon if you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course. Please request that a Disability Resources staff send a SAAR form verifying your disability and specifying the accommodation that you will need.
Additional Policies:
1. Any problems you encounter during the term or concerns about grading should be raised as soon as possible after the return of a given assignment. Waiting a significant time after an issue or problem reduces my willingness and your opportunity to make corrections or accommodations.
2. You are responsible for understanding and following all course requirements.
3. You are responsible for keeping track of the course schedule and any changes made to the schedule.
4. You are expected to have read the material assigned for a given class period and be prepared to conscientiously participate in activities and discussion.
5. Showing respect to fellow students and me includes not reading unrelated class materials (e.g. , The Daily) during class, not talking at inappropriate times, not arriving late, not sleeping (especially snorers), not packing up early to leave, and acting responsibly in group activities.
6. Laptops may be used only for note taking; otherwise they should be shut off when class begins. Those seeking to use laptops for note taking need to get my permission and sign an agreement indicating they will only use it for note-taking during class time. Violation invalidates future use.
7. Be sure to shut off your cell phone prior to the beginning of class; unless you have special a need.
8. Cell phones are to be placed on your desk if it is necessary for you to visit the rest room during class.
Tentative Calendar
(This calendar is likely to change. YOU are responsible for staying informed as to changes)
DATE TOPIC READING
Aug 24 T Course introduction. Interpersonal communication and relationships defined.
26 Th Research methods and stats. First Reading Report #1
31 T Research methods continued. Friendship turning points. #2
Sept 2 Th Friendship turning points continued. Research Quiz
7 T Friends and family effect. #3
9 Th Friends and family # 3 continued.
14 T Communicating dislike of friend’s romantic partners. #4
16 Th Self-disclosing highly personal information. Exam # 1 (2, 3, 4) #5
21 T Self-disclosing in highly personal relationships. #6
23 Th Predicted outcome value in ongoing relationships. #7
28 T Predicted outcome value #7 continued. Defining dating and dating goals. #8
30 TH Dating continued (#8) Exam #2 (5, 6, 7)
Oct 5 T Reciprocity and dating—favors and date request compliance. #9
7 TH Unfulfilled standards in dating relationships. #10
12 T Unfilled standards #10 continued. Idiomatic communication. #11
14 TH Idiomatic communication #11 continued. Exam #3 (8, 9, 10)
19 T Perceptions of online romance. #12
21 TH Online romance #12 continued.
26 T Mobile communication and romantic relationships. #13
28 TH Mobile communication #13 continued. Hurtful messages and face threat. #14
Nov 2 T Honest but hurtful messages #14 continued. Exam #4 (11, 12, 13)
4 TH Forgiving partner transgressions . #15
9 T Transgressions #15 continued. Stability of long distance relationships. #16
11 TH Long distance relationships #16 continued.
16 T Unrequited love and face work. Exam # 5 (14, 15, 16) #17
18 TH Unrequited love #17 continued.
Thanksgiving Break
30 T Coping with breaking up. #18
Dec 2 TH Coping with break ups #18 continued.
7 T Sibling communication across the lifespan. #19
9 TH Sibling communication # 19 continued.
17 F Friday, Dec. 17 from 9:45-11:45. Tentative Final Exam Period Exam # 6 (17, 18, 19)
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