User Name and Password:
You must use a user name and password after the first week of class.
Without these you will not be able to access the course materials. The
format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page of
your course. If you still need assistance with your username and password
please go to this page and read the instructions:
http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm, to receive further
assistance.
In the box below please type, I understand that after the first week of
class I must use my assigned user name and password to access all SPCH 3
course materials including lecture notes and quizzes.
COURSE NUMBER: SPCH 3
COURSE TITLE: Interpersonal Communication
SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 3
Required textbooks and CD-ROMS:
Looking Out, Looking In by Adler and
Town (latest ed), Thomson/Wadsworth.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
by Covey
In the box below type: I have textbooks for SPCH 3 or
I will have it by the end of the first week of class.
Email Updates
One of the primary methods of contact in
an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student
names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of
extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by
the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide
information necessary for the students' academic success. The
information will also be used to send emails to the students from the
college administration. The emails sent by the college administration
will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve
our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to
college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on
the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The
college will not use this information to advertise any products and will
not share student email addresses with any other organization.
In the box below type the following information:
As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email
address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do
so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses.
Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and
from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until
it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the
college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration
system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand
a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also
understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional
assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my
email address.
Instructor Information
Name: Mr. Alatorre (As a matter of professionalism, please
refer to me as Mr. Alatorre in any correspondence).
Contact Information:
Please use the contact form located in the discussion group to
contact your instructor. Before asking or
submitting me questions regarding this course, MAKE SURE to review the syllabus
and entire online class in detail. Ninety-nine (99) percent of all student
questions can be answered by simply reading the class material.
Office Hours:
I read your emails Monday through Thursday and I will do my
best to respond to your email within 24-48 hours. I take the weekends off so no
emails will be replied to until Monday.
In the box below please type: I must use the contact form linked
on the main page of the course when contacting my instructor,
and I understand the time frames within which my instructor will
respond to me.
OFFICIAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A blend of the important areas
of interpersonal communication and the art of platform speaking. Theory
and practical skills are analyzed and practiced as they apply to all
forms of communication, including one-to-one situations, small group
situations, and public speaking situations. The creative processes of
informative and persuasive deliveries. Degree Applicable
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Although we regularly engage in interpersonal communication in
our everyday lives, we seldom step out of that everydayness to reflect on those
interactions. In this class, we'll examine theories, concepts, and research
associated with interpersonal communication. Class activities, assignments, and
discussion are designed to develop your knowledge of and skills in interpersonal
communication across contexts and the lifespan.
Purpose of the Course:
Apply practices of human interaction that will help the
student develop skills in communication and acquire an understanding of verbal
and non-verbal communication as a vital human skill and activity.
COURSE CONTENT:
I. Interpersonal Relationships and Communication
A. Why people communicate
B. The process of communication (models)
C. Communication principles
D. How to become an effective communicator
E. Small group interactions
II. Identity and Communication
A. Self-concept characteristics, development, and change
B. Identity “management”
C. Organization; outlining skill practice
III. Perception
A. The perception process
B. Judging accuracy, inaccuracy and (first and other) impressions
IV. Emotions
A. The definitions, types, and influences of emotions
B. Guidelines for expressing emotions
C. Managing difficult emotions
V. Language and Public Speaking
A. Language’s symbolic nature and the impact of language
B. Gender and language
C. Language and culture
D. Public communication including “ethos, pathos, and logos”
E. Organizational and outline skill practice
VI. Verbal and Non-verbal Communication
A. Characteristics of non-verbal communication
B. How "verbal" and "non-verbal" communication are different
C. Types of non-verbal communication
VII. Listening
A. Elements of the listening process
B. Gender and listening
C. Ineffective listening
D. Listening effectively
VIII. Communication and Relationships
A. Forming relationships
B. Self-disclosure and the alternatives
C. Application of additional outside readings
D. Communicating at work and in other settings
IX. Communication Climates
A. How climates promote or detract from relationships
B. Defensive and non-defensive communication
X. Managing Interpersonal Conflicts
A. Nature of conflict
B. Conflict styles
C. Resolution methods
Student Learning Outcomes and course goals:
1. Be able to critically evaluate communication and incorporate
nonverbal communication and listening skills.
Assessment methods: Examinations, End of Class Student Self
assessment
2. Distinguish effective interpersonal communication strategies
for personal and pubic conversations.
Assessment methods: Examinations, End of Class Student Self
assessment
3. Formulate interpersonal communication skills into effective
conflict resolution strategies.
Assessment methods: Examinations, and Student Self assessment
In the box below type the one objective/ SLO that interests you the most
from the list above and a personal objective of your own relating to
this class.
Prerequisite
Students should be independent learners, capable of setting
realistic goals and managing time wisely. Knowledge of word processing software
is required, as well as ability to navigate the Internet. This online
course uses an internet-based interface, so students should have the basic
skills (such as being able to operate a mouse, open and receive attachments,
etc.) that are required for successful completion of a course conducted solely
via the Internet. Students should be able to work through problems on
their own, while making lists of problems they cannot solve and need help with
which can later be addressed with the instructor. Students will be
required to complete all assignments successfully to pass the course.
DISCUSSION/PARTICIPATION
Because this class is based on human communication with one
another, your weekly assignments will be based solely on your discussion board
activity. You will earn points based on your discussion/participation in online
discussion and activities. To receive participation credit for a particular
week, you must post to the discussion board within that week. Late postings will
not earn points. In addition, you must respond to a minimum of two other
classmates discussion question postings, i.e., comment on what at least two
other discussants have posted, referring to each person by name. Each post must
be 300-400 words in length. Short and brief postings will not receive credit.
You must participate in the graded class discussions.
LEARNING AND/OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Any student who has a documented learning or physical
disability and wishes to access academic accommodations under the 1973
Rehabilitation Act or the Americans of Disability Act must contact the
instructor as soon as possible. The student must have appropriate documentation
of the disability and the need for the requested accommodation on file before
accommodations can be provided. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable
accommodations.
Coursework Due Dates
No late work is accepted at any time during the semester. If
you cannot submit your work by the required deadline, you will receive a zero.
Weekly Discussion Question and tests cannot be made up. A week begins on a
Monday starting at 12:01 a.m., and ends 7 days later on Sunday at 11:55 p.m.
Also, I cannot stress this enough--please take a detailed look
at the class schedule list of assignments the first day of class. If a test or
assignment is due on a holiday or vacation period, it is your responsibility to
take note of this at the beginning of the semester and submit your work prior to
the stated deadline. So plan your schedule accordingly.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES:
There are two primary ways to interact with others in this
class: individual email messages and through the discussion board. The
discussion board is for conversations about class readings and activities. You
must go to the discussion board main page to participate in those discussions.
ATTENDANCE
It is required of every student to show activity within the
course for the first three (3) days of class for attendance reporting
purposes. Also, attendance is required and is measured by the amount of activity
and effort you generate through the discussion board. You must post substantial
messages each week. Substantial means that you address the topic under
discussion through the discussion board and comment on what others have posted.
Although your messages in a particular week should reflect on what others have
said (unless you are the first to post), your secondary messages must comment on
what other participants have posted, referring to each person by name. Of
course, you can post more than what is required in any discussion board.
However, you can't get extra credit for posting extra messages. Simply put, if
you don’t post your discussions on time, you’re counted as absent. You will not
receive credit for late postings. It's usually helpful if you write your post in
a word processing program, edit and run spell check. Then copy and paste your
message into the "compose message" area of the appropriate discussion board. Do
Not post your messages as attached files. Student participation in regular
discussions provides a way to build community in an online class and allows us
to "connect" with others in the online learning environment. Discussions are
typically engaging, interesting, sophisticated, and challenging. I can't stress
enough the importance of participating in the class. This will have an affect on
your grade.
Assessment and Grading
All tests will be time sensitive closed book tests that cover
the reading assignments. Test questions will be in true/false form and
will be taken online. To eliminate potential misconduct, answers to the tests
will not be provided.
"BIG" TIP: ATTENDING CLASS
It's easy to put off working on an online class. If you don't
turn on your computer, the class doesn't exist. Some students find
checking on the discussions and messages and completing assignments easily fits
into time "windows" during the days. Others schedule a specific time each day to
"go to class." Whichever method works best for you, plan on devoting many small
bits of time to the class, rather than a few larger blocks of time.
EXTRA CREDIT
No extra credit will be available for this course.
In the box below type: I understand the course policies listed above
and agree to abide by them.
GRADING
Your final grade will be based on the following point system:
Discussion Questions 100 points
TOTAL 250 points
GRADING SCALE
250-225 A
224-199 B
198-174 C
173-152 D
152 or below F
GRADING CRITERIA
"A" work in this course requires student performance "above
and beyond" the call of duty. "A" work is truly exemplary, demonstrating a
thorough understanding of course material, appropriate application of relevant
concepts to the student's own and others' communicative experiences, and useful
insight into interpersonal communication.
"B" work is above-average, with the student completing all
assignments in a competent fashion. "B" work is characterized by a good
understanding of course material and a demonstrated ability to apply those
concepts to the student's own and others' interpersonal experiences.
"C" work is average and simply meets the minimum requirements
of the course. "C" work demonstrates a basic understanding of course material
and a fair ability to apply course concepts to the student's own and others'
interpersonal experiences.
"D" work is below average and does not fully meet the minimum
requirements of the course. "D" work is characterized by an incomplete
understanding of course material and limited ability to apply course concepts to
interpersonal contexts.
"F" work does not meet the minimum requirements of the course
in any way and is characterized by a lack of understanding of course material
and inability to apply course concepts to interpersonal contexts.
"I" (Incompletes) will only be considered if the student has
completed 75% of the course with a passing grade (C) and encounters some
unforeseen circumstances that prevent her/him from completing the class (e.g.,
medical emergency, called to active military duty). The student must provide
sufficient documentation concerning the circumstances. Feeling too
overwhelmed with this or other classes, moving to a new house/apartment, and job
pressures are not unforeseen circumstances.
Students earning higher grades tend to actively and
thoughtfully participate in discussions, start assignments early so they can ask
any questions for clarification, and have a "desire to perfect knowledge;" that
is, they want to know more about interpersonal communication.
In the box below type: I understand and agree to abide by the grading
scales listed above.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
By enrolling in this class, students agree to uphold and
practice academic honesty and integrity in all activities associated with this
class. All the work you complete for this class must be your own and may not be
work completed for another class. Academic integrity in this class is modeled on
Dartmouth College's Academic Honor Principle. Thus, each student "accepts the
responsibility to be honorable in the student's own academic affairs, as well as
to support the Principle as it applies to others."
For example, this means that you will not:
*accept assistance or give assistance to others on quizzes.
*submit any work that is not your own without full and
complete citation of all sources (more information in Sources: Their Use and
Acknowledgment).
*submit the same work for this class as for another class.
In practical terms, academic misconduct includes activities
such as plagiarism, forging an instructor's signature, stealing (including
downloading) quizzes, copying papers or tests from other students, or giving
others quiz answers. For this course, academic misconduct, at a minimum, will
result in a failing grade ('F') in the course.
In the box below type: I understand I must adhere to the highest
standards of academic integrity and that failure to do so can result in
failure of the course..
DISCLAIMER
The syllabus is not a contract between the student and the
instructor. Rather, it is a guide to assignments and grades. If changes
are made to the syllabus the instructor will provide as much advance
notice as practical. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS,
IF THEY DECIDE NOT TO COMPLETE IT. DO NOT DEPEND ON THE INSTRUCTOR TO
DROP YOU, IF YOU STOP ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING.
In the box below type: I realize that a syllabus is not a contract
between and instructor or student, but rather a tentative outline of the
course material.
ONLINE INSTRUCTIONS
YOU MUST FILL OUT THIS SYLLABUS IF YOU INTEND TO TAKE THE COURSE!
It is your responsibility to make sure the instructor has the all
the contact information stated at the top of this syllabus by the
start of classes!! It is your responsibility to email the instructor
if you have any problems or do not understand this syllabus.
It is your responsibility to confirm your enrollment either via
the Internet at
http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/
or by calling (760)252-2411 x7236 if you are
having problems accessing the course material. After you have
confirmed your enrollment go to
http://www.bcconline.com/orient/
and read the password link. Following this procedure will ensure you
are helped in the fastest manner possible.
By enrolling for this class, the assumption is that you possess
the necessary skills to read at the college level, to enter and
perform research on the internet, to email using proper email
etiquette, and to post to the discussions.
When emailing your instructor: (palatorre@bcconline.com)
include your full name. Send all email with the name of the course
in the subject line and Lesson # or the words: problem, question or
comment. Sign all email with your name as registered at school, or
else you will not receive a reply and your assignment will not be
graded.
You must briefly explain situation in the subject line, i.e.,
SPCH 3 -- Position Paper-- Problem. Email without an appropriate
subject line will be deleted and will not be read. With the current
high incidence of viruses and unsolicited email, I automatically
delete all email without appropriate subject lines.
Remember I do not usually answer email on the weekends, so 48
hours response time do not include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays. If an email stating problem, help, or question in the
subject line is sent on Monday through Thursday you can expect a
response within 24-48 hours. If an email stating problem, help, or
question in the subject line is sent on the weekends there may be a
longer turn around time.
Assignments will have a one week turnaround time, and you should
not expect an answer to a successfully submitted and completed
assignment before the end of the one week turnaround time period.
Receiving graded assignments before the above stated timelines have
passed does not guarantee that you will receive replies as quickly
in the future.
A posting place at the top of the discussion page indicates the
instructor’s message board to you. Be sure to check this each week
so that you don’t miss messages and clarifications; remember that
sometimes no instructor posting will have been made. Students are
not to post in the instructor's posting area. Should you have a
concern with your class please email me your question. It is not
appropriate for students to post their concerns in the instructor's
posting area. Students who post in the instructor's posting area
will receive a warning and their posting will be deleted unanswered.
Students who ignore the warning and post again to the instructor's
posting area will be dropped from the class.
At the conclusion of the class students may find out their grades
going on the Internet at
http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/.
I do not email or post student grades and will not respond to
inquiries about grades at the conclusion of the course.
In the box below type: I understand and agree to abide by the online
instructions written above.
You will not officially start this course until after you have
completed the orientation sessions at
http://www.bcconline.com/orient/.
No work should be completed until AFTER you have reviewed the
orientation area. The orientation area will answer many frequently
asked questions about online instruction and also provides tutorials
on common problems students encounter while doing online courses. If
you are experiencing technical difficulties and/or need to learn how
to use our courseware you should first check the orientation area to
see if it answers your technical question. If your technical
question is not answered on the website you may then email the
webmaster@bcconline.com
with your question.
If your question pertains to class materials you should email
palatorre@bcconline.com.
The webmaster cannot answer course related questions, and the
instructor does not answer technical questions. Remember that you
must state your full name, problem, question or concern and your
class name in the subject line when asking a question.
In the box below type:
- I understand there is one physical meeting
for this course (the final). If I am unable to take the midterm or
final on the main campus, or at Barstow College's Ft. Irwin site, I understand
it is my responsibility to find a
proctor and completely fill out the proctor form.
- I understand I
must fill out the syllabus in order to complete this course and that
completing the online orientation before beginning my course work is
mandatory.
- I realize that I should email the instructor with any
class related questions.
- I also understand that I should first check
the orientation area for answers to my technical questions and can
email the webmaster@bcconline.com my technical questions ONLY after
checking the orientation area for the answer to my question first.
There are several requirements in order to take the class:
An Internet browser to access web pages. Netscape 3.0, Internet
Explorer 3.0 or the equivalent is the minimum.
An email address to receive class materials. A free email
account such as Yahoo is acceptable.
The ability to structure your own time to do the readings,
weekly assignments and be prompt. There are no make-ups. Be sure to
schedule the exams in your personal scheduler. The exams are a
significant portion of your grade.
The ability to create and submit college level written
materials. Facility with using email, the discussion groups, the
web, and word processing. If you do not have Internet access you may
use the computer lab on campus; be sure to check times available for
each lab to coordinate with your schedule.
In the box below type: I understand and have the ability to meet the
requirements listed above. Further I have the necessary materials to
complete this course.
Online classes are administered under the Distance Education
division and as such there are no regular class meetings. Sometimes
the terminology and/or the breadth of the class may seem to be
daunting or overwhelming to you. If so, you may request a tutor by
clicking on the email address below.
In the box below type: I understand I may contact
bctutorial@bcconline.com
if I need to have a tutor for this course.
Disability Statement:
If you have a disability which may impact your success in this
course, you may contact the Office of Student Support (OSS)
to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which
you are entitled. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate
these procedures. The OSS department can be contacted by calling
760-252-2411 x7225 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing
oss@bcconline.com.
In the box below type: I understand that if I have or
suspect I have a disability I can contact the OSS program at the number
or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations.
Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the OSS
department.
After filling out this form, copy the confirmation
page and send it via email to
palatorre@bcconline.com.
