Communication 1310: Fundamentals of Human Communication. Academic Semester/Term: Spring 2017

Course description (from catalog): This course examines the speaking and listening principles and techniques that are fundamental for every aspect of human communication. The course develops basic verbal and nonverbal communication skills and knowledge in three specific contexts: interpersonal, small group and public speaking.

Instructor: Matthew Winn Course section number, classroom & meeting time: Section 265, ASBS 112, Tue & Thur 12:30-1:50 Instructor’s office number: CENT 306 C Departmental phone: 512-245-2165 Email: mwinn@txstate.edu Office Hours: Tuesday 11am-12:30

General Education Core Curriculum (Code 090) Component Area Option Communication Foundational Component Outcomes:

Students will examine ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.

Core Objectives/Competencies Outcomes:

Critical Thinking o Students will demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis,

evaluation and synthesis of information.

Communication o Students will effectively develop, interpret and express ideas through written, oral and

visual communication.

Teamwork o Students will recognize different points of view and work effectively with others to

support a shared purpose or goal.

Personal Responsibility o Students will relate choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Course Description and General Objectives

According to the authors of your textbook, “human communication is the process of making

sense out of the world and attempting to share that sense with others, through verbal and

nonverbal messages.” It is a process of not only perceiving and interpreting others’ verbal and

nonverbal messages, but also using these messages to stimulate appropriate meanings in the

minds of others.

This course teaches the principles that are fundamental for every aspect of human

communication. In the course of our study of human communication we will discuss a number

of skills, ideas, concepts, and contexts. To help stitch together the barrage of ideas and

information, we will organize our study around five principles. Together, these five principles

provide a framework for our discussion of the importance and pervasiveness of human

communication.

The five principles include:

Principle One: Be aware of how you communicate with others and how others communicate

with you.

Principle Two: Effectively use and interpret verbal messages.

Principle Three: Effectively use and interpret nonverbal messages.

Principle Four: Listen and respond thoughtfully to others.

Principle Five: Appropriately adapt messages to others.

Although the principles of human communication remain the same regardless of the context in

which they occur, the context affects the preceding principles and the communication process in

unique ways. In this course, we will examine and apply the five principles to three contexts

including Interpersonal, Small Group, and Presentational Speaking.

After completing COMM 1310, you will:

1. List, describe, and explain the five principles of human communication and identify

how they are integrated into the interpersonal, small group/team, and presentational

speaking contexts.

2. Analyze and appropriately manage interpersonal conflict by using the five principles of

human communication.

3. Identify and describe appropriate adaptive messages in intercultural communication

situations and demonstrate appropriate affective responses to intercultural

communication interactions.

4. Develop, organize, and deliver an informative presentation integrating the five principles

into your presentation.

5. Describe and demonstrate how to effectively and ethically use the five steps of group

problem solving (reflective thinking) while applying the five principles.

6. Develop, organize, and deliver a persuasive presentation integrating the five principles

into your presentation.

Course Requirements Points

Attendance (refer to policy below) +/- _____ points

Extra Credit + _____ pts. (5 max)

Pre-Post Tests (online) 10

Three Multiple Choice Examinations

Exam #1 (Chapters 1-6) 100

Exam #2 (Chapters 7, 8, PUGSS,11, 12, & 14) 100

Exam #3 (Chapters 9, 10, 13, & 15) 100

Written Assignment – The Diversity Board 40

Individual Oral Presentation

Informative Presentation

Initial Outline, Turnitin, & Audience

Adaptation Plan

Revised Outline

100

15

10

Problem Solving and Ethical Decision

Project

Problem Solving/Ethical Decision Report

Initial Presentation Outline

Revised Presentation Outline

Group Persuasive Oral Presentation Group Member Assessment

20

15

10

60

20

Total Points 600

537 – 600 = A; 477 – 536 = B; 417 – 476 = C; 357 – 416 = D; and 000 – 356 = F

Grades are determined on your accumulated total rather than a percentage. Also note that it is

your responsibility to complete ALL assignments/examinations in order to obtain a passing

grade in this course. Without credit for all exams/assignments it is impossible to accurately

evaluate student progress, and this will result in a failing grade. There is absolutely no

rounding-up if you are one point from an A you have earned a B.

Course Textbook and Guidebook

Our textbook and guidebook come in a bundle that is ONLY sold at our bookstores and online

with free shipping at this website: http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/communication-

package-texas-state-university-at-san-9781323451250

The bundle is the cheapest option for students because the guidebook and access codes are

discounted in the bundle. Books purchased on other websites or borrowed from past students

will not provide you access to the online textbook website we use for two assignments. If you

buy a used book, rent a book, or borrow a textbook from previous semesters you will not be

able to complete two assignments.

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2015). Communication: Principles for a Lifetime

(6th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Burns, M. E., & LeBlanc Farris, K. (2016). Fundamentals of Human Communication: COMM 1310

Student Guidebook 2015-2016. Boston: Pearson.

Bring your Textbook and Guidebook to EVERY class session.

Course Requirement Overview

Attendance. Your attendance will be factored into the final grade. Because COMM 1310

emphasizes cognitive as well as experiential learning, it is important that you attend every class.

We do not make the distinction between excused or unexcused absences. Because of this, TWO

absences will not affect your grade. Three or more absences will, however, lower your final

grade by 10 points for each day missing.

Students with excessive absences will be strongly encouraged to drop the course since a passing

grade will be difficult to attain. If you attain perfect attendance and your attendance remains

punctual, 10 “bonus” points will be added to your final course grade at the end of the semester.

Punctuality is defined as being no more than five minutes late at the beginning of class and

remaining until the class is officially dismissed.

Extra Credit. I will offer you opportunities to earn up to 5 Extra Credit points (Maximum) for

the entire semester. Pay attention to the dates when they are announced. It is up to you to take

advantage of these EXTRA opportunities to enhance your 1310 grade.

Pre-Post Tests. You will complete two online assessments in this course. These have been created

to determine your knowledge of communication principles coming into and upon completion

of the class. You will be assigned 10 points for completing BOTH online assessment

instruments. These assessments are only available on our course’s TRACS site.

Examinations. You will take three exams. Each exam uses multiple-choice format and is objective

and application based. Study guide questions for each chapter are located in the student

Guidebook. Answering these study guide questions as you work through the chapters will

prepare you for the exams. Each exam includes 50 multiple-choice items. Please bring a number

two pencil to all examinations. We will provide the answer sheets. If the final exam period is

over you when you arrive to class, you will not be allowed to take it.

Written Assignment: The Diversity Role Multicultural Assignment. An important component of

COMM 1310 is Awareness and Adaptation of others around us and how their DIVERSITY

influences communication between us. To help you understand this, you will be expected to

participate in a classroom activity that requires you to research, write, and engage in a

multicultural experience. This written report of your experiential learning is worth 40 points.

Turnitin will be required for this assignment. You will submit your paper to Turnitin via our

course’s TRACS page. The Similarity Index must be less than 20%, thus indicating that the

content of your paper must consist of at least 80% of your original work. If the Similarity Index

is over 20%, you will receive a zero on the assignment.

Group Problem-Solving and Ethical Decision-Making Assignment. You will work in teams of four-

six people to solve a problem affecting the Texas State campus community. Your group will use

the problem-solving steps developed by Dewey (Chapter 10) to complete this assignment. As

part of this problem-solving process, you will work with your group to discuss how your

selected solution will ethically impact your audience. Finally, your group will present the

problem and solution to your class using Monroe’s Motivated Sequence (discussed in Chapter

15). Turnitin will also be required for this assignment. The Similarity Index must be less than

20%; the content of your report must consist of at least 80% of your original work. If you use

information that comes from someone other than yourself, you must directly quote or

paraphrase that information. If you do not cite sources of information, you are plagiarizing.

Oral Presentations. You will develop, organize, and deliver two oral presentations. The first

presentation features an informative presentation that you deliver individually and the second

features a group persuasive presentation related to your problem-solving and ethical

decision-making assignment. Assignments, evaluation criteria, and evaluation forms are

located in the student Guidebook. Turnitin will also be required for both the Informative and

Group Persuasive speeches. The Similarity Index must be less than 20%; the content of your

speech must consist of at least 80% of your original work. If you use information that comes

from someone other than yourself, you must directly quote or paraphrase that information as

well as cite the source in your speech, outlines, and reference page. If you do not cite sources of

information, you are plagiarizing. You will not be allowed to speak unless a suitable Originality

Report has been turned in with either you Initial or Revised Outline. If you are asked to make

significant revisions to your Initial Outline, you may be asked to resubmit a Turnitin Report

(This process can take up to 48 hours.)

Texas State Student Honor Code

As members of a community dedicated to learning, inquiry, and creation, the students, faculty

and administration of our University live by the principles in this Honor Code. All students

enrolled in COMM 1310 will read the principles and sign the University Honor Code located in

the course Guidebook. These principles require all members of this community to be

conscientious, respectful, and honest.

We are conscientious. We complete our work on time and make every effort to do it right. We

come to class and meetings prepared and are willing to demonstrate it. We hold ourselves to

doing what is required, embrace rigor, and shun mediocrity, special requests and excuses.

We are respectful. We act civilly toward one another, and we cooperate with each other. We will

strive to create an environment in which people respect and listen to one another, speaking

when appropriate, and permitting other people to participate and express their views.

We are honest. We do our own work and are honest with one another in all matters. We

understand how various acts of dishonesty, like plagiarizing, falsifying data, and giving or

receiving assistance to which one is not entitled, conflict as much with academic achievement as

with the values of honesty and integrity.

The Pledge for Students

Students at our University recognize that, to insure honest conduct, more is needed than an

expectation of academic honesty, and we therefore adopt the practice of affixing the following

pledge of honesty to the work we submit for evaluation: “I pledge to uphold the principles of

honesty and responsibility at our University.”

The Pledge for Faculty and Administration

Faculty at our University recognize that the students have rights when accused of academic

dishonesty and will inform the accused of their rights of appeal laid out in the student

handbook and inform them of the process that will take place.

“I recognize students’ rights and pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and responsibility

at our University.”

ADDRESSING ACTS OF DISHONESTY

Students accused of dishonest conduct may have their cases heard by the faculty member. The

student may also appeal the faculty member’s decision to the Honor Code Council. Students

and faculty will have the option of having an advocate present to insure their rights. Possible

actions that may be taken range from exoneration to expulsion.

http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps/upps-07-10-01.html

Course Policies

The complete explanation of policies for this course can be found in the Guidebook. Make sure

you have read and are familiar with the policies covering Academic Honesty, Late Work, and

Research Participation. It is your responsibility to understand and adhere to the policies on

Academic Honesty. If you are not familiar with the definition or penalties for plagiarism,

please discuss this with me.

Special Circumstances. If you are a student with a disability who will require an

accommodation(s) to participate in this course, please contact me as soon as possible. You will

be asked to provide documentation from the Office of Disability Services. Failure to contact me

in a timely manner may delay your accommodations. For more information contact ODS by

phone (512) 245-3451 or refer to the Office of Disability Service’s Website: www.ods.txstate.edu.

We are happy to work with your accommodation.

Policy on Fairness. Texas State University is committed to social justice. We concur with that

commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open

communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Texas State does not discriminate on

the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Any

suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this course will be

appreciated and given serious consideration.

Policy on Civility: To create a basic supportive environment, you are requested to follow some

simple policies to ensure that all students have the opportunity to gain from their time spent in

class. Students are prohibited from engaging in any form of behavior that distracts from the

learning experience of others or disturbs the teaching function in class. Please review examples

of classroom misconduct as outlined in the Guidebook.

Policy on Grades and Attendance: Records on grades and attendance will be available on

TRACS. There will be a one-week window for discussing any assignment after grades have

been returned. There will NOT be an opportunity to discuss attendance grades during the last

week of the semester or after the semester is over. Please be PROACTIVE and discuss your

concerns with me within the appropriate time period.

Expectations. It is expected that students will adhere to the policies described in the syllabus.

Since this is a college course, the 1310 teaching team has high expectations about

appropriateness of behavior, level of discourse, the creation of a collaborative and supportive

climate, punctuality and attendance, and respect for persons. We expect that excellent work will

be turned in at all times. Superior work will earn a superior grade, while minimal effort will earn a

minimal grade. We encourage students to address concerns about class procedures and/or

assignments so our learning experience together can be enhanced.

Professionalism. To create an environment of enlightenment and equality, we must all conduct

ourselves in a professional manner. Professionalism includes completing assignments on time,

taking initiative in your own learning, exhibiting a positive attitude and enthusiasm, asking for

help when needed, and working effectively with others. To create a basic supportive

environment, please follow these policies in your classroom:

Please arrive to class on time and refrain from leaving and reentering during class

sessions

Turn off and put away all cell phones, pagers, headphones and other electronic

equipment upon entering the classroom

Excessive use of electronic devices for non-class related activities may result in being

marked absent for the day

“One Conversation At A Time.” Please listen respectfully to your peers and refrain from

talking while others are contributing to class discussion

Refrain from other activities during class discussions (i.e. reading the newspaper, text

messaging, laptop work, sleeping, etc.)

Do not enter the classroom during a presentation, wait for a break to come in

No tobacco products of any type

It is our goal that time together is an enjoying and enriching experience. If you like and enjoy

something, please speak up. If you are offended in any way, please do not remain silent. Please

maintain a respectful and courteous attitude toward the ideas of others, even if you do not

agree. We can, and will, learn from each other.

Course Support Services

TRACS. You will be required to use the course TRACS site. You will use the course TRACS site

for the following purposes: to retrieve course grades, assignments and evaluation forms, to

view lecture power points, access Pearson textbook material, and send/receive email related to

the course. In order to view all of this from TRACS, you need to have an active Texas State

email account. For those without an active email account, activate your account on-line by

visiting the following web site www.txstate.edu/computing/apps/newuser.html This web site

will walk you through the process. When logging on to TRACS, go to the University webpage

and click on the “TRACS” link. You will use your username and password to gain access.

Students are encouraged to check their Texas State email and TRACS regularly for updates

throughout the semester.

Email. There is important information that will be communicated to you via Email from your

Lecturer. It is imperative that you check your email daily and respond in a timely manner.

Indicating that, “I didn’t read my email” is NOT an excuse for being unaware of information or

feedback coming from your instructors. All students should take proper steps to protect their

password when logging into email or TRACS.

Withdrawing From the Course. It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from the course, if

necessary. Students should check the academic calendar for official drop dates. Students with

excessive absences will strongly be encouraged to drop, as a passing grade will be difficult to

obtain.

A Personal Note: I am very excited to be your instructor this semester and look forward to having each and every one of

you as my student. This class is very challenging but it will help give you extremely useful skills and

knowledge that you can utilize in your daily relationships with friends, family, significant others, as well

as in any career you choose to pursue. I will do everything in my power to ensure that each of you has a

very positive and informative experience within this course. I strongly believe that a fun and inclusive

classroom environment is very important to maximize learning and I look forward to creating this

environment with all of you. Please be proactive in any issues or problems that arise and feel free to talk

to me if you have any questions or concerns. I wish everyone the best for this Spring 2017 semester and I

look forward to a great semester with each and every one of you!

Best,

Matthew Winn

The course daily schedule is below! Please read it carefully and follow it for every class

period. Please also know that it is subject to change.

Tue./Thur. Spring 2017 Course Daily Schedule [subject to change]

Date Lecture/Lab Topic Have Read

Jan. 17 Lecture: Course Introduction

Complete Pre-Test before Jan. 29

Jan. 19 Lecture: Foundations of Communication & Awareness Chapters 1 & 2

Jan. 24 Lab: Communication and Perception

Jan. 26 Lecture: Understanding Verbal Messages Chapter 3

Jan. 31 Lecture: Understanding Nonverbal Messages Chapter 4

Feb. 2 Lab: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Skills and Assign Diversity Role Paper

Guidebook pp. 27-46

Feb. 7 Lecture: Listening and Responding and Adapting to Others Chapters 5 & 6

Feb. 9 Lab: Listening Lab / Diversity Board Assignment Workshop

Feb. 14 Lab: Skill Building – Principle 5: Diversity Role DUE: Diversity Role Assignment

Feb. 16 Lab: Exam One Chapters 1-6

Feb. 21 Lecture: Understanding Interpersonal Communication Chapters 7 & 8

Feb. 23 Lecture: Understanding Interpersonal Communication (cont.) Chapters 7 & 8

Feb. 28 Lab: Interpersonal Communication Skills

Lab: Managing and Structuring Interpersonal Conflict

Conversations: PUGSS

Guidebook pp. 71-77

March 2 Lecture: Review Informative Presentation Assignment Developing

Your Informative Speech

Guidebook pp. 103-137

Chapters 11 & 14

March 7 Lecture: Organizing and Outlining Your Presentation

Lecture: Delivering Your Presentation

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

March 9 Lab: Informative Outline Check & Workshop

March 14 SPRING BREAK NO CLASS

March 16 SPRING BREAK NO CLASS

March 21 Lab: Informative Presentations

March 23 Lab: Informative Presentations

March 28 Lab: Informative Presentations

March 30 Lab: Exam Two Chps 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, & GB pp.71-77 (PUGSS)

April 4 Lecture: Understanding COMM in Groups and Teams Chapter 9

April 6 Lecture: Group Problem Solving and Group Assignment Chapter 10

Guidebook pp. 172-206

April 11 Lab: Small Group COMM/Problem Solving Workshop

April 13 Lecture: Speaking to Persuade Chapter 15

April 18 Lab: Group Problem Solving Project/Presentation Workshop

April 20 Lab: Group Problem Solving Project/Presentation Workshop &

Why Communication?

Complete Post-test

April 25 Lab: Group Problem Solving Project/Presentation Workshop

April 27 Lab: Group Presentations

May 9 Exam Three: Tuesday May 9th at 11:00am-1:30pm Chapters 9, 10, 13, & 15