Communication 1310: Fundamentals of Human Communication

Burns Lecture & Lab Sum 21 Page 1

Communication 1310: Fundamentals of Human Communication Academic Semester/Term: Summer 1 2021

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: Dr. Michael E. Burns Course section number, classroom & meeting time: COMM 1310 Section 501, ONLINE Instructor’s office number: CENT 321 Email: [email protected] Department phone: 512-245-5472 Burns’ Zoom Office Hours: Tuesdays 8:00-9:30 a.m. at this link: https://txstate.zoom.us/j/94044804885 Waiting room enabled on office hours. Also available by appointment if the listed times do not work for you. Lab Information: Please note that all lab work will be done online through discussions, participation assignments, and reading quizzes. Lab Information:

Section Lan Instructor Email Office Hours L01 Marty Katie Tigert [email protected] Wednesdays 2:30-4:00 p.m.

https://txstate.zoom.us/j/92853122358

L02 Tyshee Sonnier [email protected] Thursdays 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. https://txstate.zoom.us/j/93481338208

L03 Maya Blitch [email protected] Mondays 10:00-11:30 a.m. https://txstate.zoom.us/j/97779461699?pwd=Z01UMXE2NHZGcmhoeFAvMzlqZkRHUT09

L04 Jake Crandall [email protected] Mondays 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. https://txstate.zoom.us/j/98048821601

L05 Megan Watson [email protected] Wednesdays 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. https://txstate.zoom.us/j/8428700955?pwd=VCtXSGhrQkxETFRHK3Brenk0QTNCZz09

L06 Claire Stevenson [email protected] Tuesdays 9:30-11:00 a.m. https://txstate.zoom.us/j/97779461699?pwd=Z01UMXE2NHZGcmhoeFAvMzlqZkRHUT09 Passcode: Capitals


General Education Core Curriculum (Code 090) Component Area Option Communication Foundational Component Outcomes: Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.

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.” This course teaches the principles that are fundamental for every aspect of human communication. In our study of human communication, we will discuss a number of skills, ideas, concepts, and contexts. 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.

We will also 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 Textbook and Guidebook By being enrolled in this course, you will gain direct access to the electronic course materials through our course's Canvas page. The cost of your COMM 1310 e-textbook and e-guidebook has already been rolled into your tuition, so there will be no out of pocket cost to you and you will not need to search the bookstores to find what you need. The following link will direct you to a video that explains how to register for and access your learning materials: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYji2YGlpl. The campus bookstore has also sent you a welcome email that provides more information about the direct access program. The electronic access to the course materials will include the following:

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2018). Communication: Principles for a lifetime (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Fundamentals of Human Communication: COMM 1310 Student Guidebook 2019-2020. Boston: Pearson.

Course Grades:

Assignments Points Participation

Assignments 40 Discussions 60

Pre-Post Tests (online) 10 Reading Quizzes OR Final Exam 100 Written Assignment – The Diversity Reflection Paper 30 Informative Presentation 100

Outline, Turnitin, & Audience Adaptation 15 Speaking Notes 5

Group Problem Solving and Ethical Decision Project Problem Solving Report 40 Outline, Turnitin, & Audience Adaptation 15 Speaking Notes 5 Group Persuasive Oral Presentation 60 Group Member Assessment 20

Extra Credit + pts. (10 max)

Total Points 500

447 – 500 = A; 397 – 446 = B; 347 – 396 = C; 297 – 346 = D; and 000 – 296 = 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 even if you are one point from an A you have earned a B. Course Requirement Overview Course Requirement Policy. Course requirements MUST be submitted on time (by the deadline communicated by your instructor) in order to be accepted. Thus, we DO NOT accept late work. Any exceptions, determined on a case-by- case basis, will require extremely compelling, well-documented reasons. If you experience dire circumstances (e.g. accident, hospitalization, family death, etc.) you MUST provide documentation to your instructor via notification by the Dean of Students office.

Attendance. Because this class is conducted online, there is not a traditional attendance policy. Instead, you will earn a portion of your grade based on participation. COMM 1310 emphasizes cognitive as well as experiential learning, so it is important that you participate in every lesson. Each lesson will have participation points via a reading comprehension quiz, discussion forums, and other small assignments. All quizzes and participation assignments must be completed individually and in accordance with Texas State’s honor code policy. Both the quizzes and small assignments will contribute to your overall participation grade in the following way:

Discussions. You will be required to participate in various discussion forums over the course of the semester. You can earn up to 40 points for your participation in the forums. Your participation will be assessed in terms of your initial posts and follow-up posts responding to other students. More information about how your forum participation will be assessed will be provided on our CANVAS site.

Assignments. You will be required to complete six participation assignments throughout the course of the semester. You can earn up to 60 points for your completion of these assignments. More information about how your participation assignments will be assessed will be provided on our course’s CANVAS site.

Quizzes. You will take multiple quizzes throughout the semester that will assess your comprehension of the weekly readings. Each of the quizzes is multiple-choice and can be found with the Modules tab on our CANVAS site. The quizzes will add up to 100 points of your course grade. However, you have the choice of replacing your quiz grades with the optional final exam. If you aren’t happy with your performance on the quizzes, you may take the comprehensive final exam (worth 100 points) and replace these grades. Please see the study guide and sample exam items in the student guidebook for study preparation.

Final Exam. You have the option to take a comprehensive, final exam that will replace the comprehension quiz grades. If you opt to take the final exam, you will take it online through the Quizzes tab on our CANVAS site. The items are phrased in a multiple-choice format and are application based. Study guide questions for each chapter are located in the student Guidebook. The exam includes 50 multiple- choice items and is worth 100 points. The final exam will cover content from Chapters 1-15 and PUGSS.


Extra Credit. You may earn up to 10 Extra Credit points (Maximum). 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. You will earn NO points if you only complete either the pre-test OR the post-test. These assessments are only available in the modules tab of our course’s CANVAS site

Diversity Reflection Paper. You will be expected to participate in an online activity that requires you to engage in a multicultural experience and reflect on this in a paper assignment. This written report is worth 30 points. You will submit your paper to Turnitin via our course’s CANVAS page. The Similarity Index must be less than 20%, thus indicating that 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. Additionally, in order to submit your diversity reflection paper, you will first need to participate in the diversity reflection forum (worth 10 points). If you DO NOT participate in the diversity reflection forum, you will NOT be allowed to submit a diversity reflection paper. Thus, you would earn a zero on this assignment.

Group Problem-Solving and Ethical Decision-Making Assignment. You will work in teams of 4-6 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 a persuasive speech 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%; your report must consist of at least 80% of your original work. You can earn 140 points for this project.

Oral Presentations. You will develop, organize, and deliver two oral presentations. The first is an individual informative presentation (worth 120 points) and the second is a group persuasive presentation related to your problem-solving assignment. Turnitin will also be required for both speeches. The Similarity Index must be less than 20%; the content of your speech must consist of at least 80% of your original work. You will not be allowed to speak unless a suitable Originality Report has been turned in with your Initial 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). We will use Zoom to facilitate the oral presentations in this class.

According to Division of Information Technology, “Zoom is a web-conferencing tool. Its highly accessible features allow you to attend video or audio meetings, hold webinars, share presentations and transfer files, teach and attend online classes in real time, and much more. Meetings can be joined from desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Sessions can be recorded so those who cannot attend can still benefit from this tool.” More information about how to use Zoom is provided on the course CANVAS site.


Texas State University 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/uppsB07B10B01.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 in the syllabus.

Late Work Policy. We DO NOT accept late assignments. Any exceptions, determined on a case-by-case basis, will require extremely compelling, well-documented reasons. If you experience dire circumstances (e.g., accident, hospitalization, or family death) you MUST provide documentation via notification by the Dean of Students office.


Academic Honesty and Plagiarism. If you are not familiar with the definition or penalties for plagiarism and other violations of our honor code, please discuss this with me or visit http://policies.txstate.edu/university- policies/07-10-01.html. Plagiarism includes the appropriation of another’s work and the inadequately or inappropriately acknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written, oral, visual, or original performative work that is offered for credit. Examples include:

• submitting an assignment that was written during a prior semester or submitting the same assignment for more than one class simultaneously to include resubmitting substantial portions of previously written work for a current assignment, unless instructors in multiples courses are informed of and approve of the submission. Students should consult with their instructors if unsure of what work of their own they may use in preparing an assignment

• copying from another student’s paper partially or entirely or from any source without proper citation such as a book, article, notebook, video, or other source material, whether published or unpublished

• inserting a passage from the internet or any computer source into one’s paper without proper citation

• collaborating, without authorization, with another person during an examination or in preparing academic work. In some instances, instructors may indicate permitted forms of collaboration with other students. If the instructor does not indicate that collaboration is permitted, it should be understood that none is permitted. If you are caught plagiarizing, faculty WILL report the academic dishonesty to the Honor Code Council. We take plagiarism very seriously. Do NOT do it.

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 lecture OR lab. 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 CANVAS. 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 or grades during the last week of the semester or after the semester is over. Please be PROACTIVE and discuss your concerns with your instructor 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. 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. Course Support Services CANVAS. You will be required to use the course CANVAS site. You will use the course CANVAS 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 CANVAS, you need to have an active Texas State email account. For those without an active email account, activate your account online 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 CANVAS, go to the University webpage and click on the “CANVAS” link. You will use your username and password to gain access. Students are encouraged to check their Texas State email and CANVAS announcements regularly for updates throughout the semester.

Email. There is important information that will be communicated to you via email or CANVAS. It is imperative that you check your email and CANVAS 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 CANVAS.

Minimum Technical Skills. This course requires you to be able to navigate CANVAS and the tools located within the site. You will also need to have basic knowledge of Microsoft Word. This course involves assignments where you need to upload photos, record a video, and participate in live video-conferencing. Please be ready to use these skills through the semester.

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.

What you can expect from this course and your instructional team:

• We will be present online via email, CANVAS announcements, webinars, mini-lectures, etc. We will respond to your forums and email questions within 24 business hours.


• We will provide clear and detailed instructions, written and/or verbal, about meeting times, assignments, due dates, participation requirements, and any other expectations of you in this online course.

• We will provide timely (within 2-4 weekdays or sooner when possible), well-informed, constructive feedback on your course assignments and guidance that is individualized to your needs.

• We will provide a thoughtfully designed CANVAS course site that delineates the objectives you are expected to address and provides guidance on where, when, and how to complete assignments using the various CANVAS tools available in the site.

• We will provide thought-provoking readings and discussions throughout the course. What we expect from you:

• You will complete all assignments, forums, and tasks within each module. • You will endeavor to meet all deadlines stated in the syllabus and CANVAS site. • You will provide advanced notice if you see a deadline or other obligation that conflicts with another

professional or personal obligation that you are unable to reschedule. • You will invest the time required to produce high-quality work. • You will actively participate in online discussions by offering your critical analysis of new ideas and

linking them to your own experiences or to other related concepts and principles. • You will carefully attend to my verbal and written instructions before you submitting anything. This

includes double-checking written instructions before asking a question. • You will be open to new ideas and technologies. • You will be patient with technology and willing to solve technical problems proactively by seeking

assistance from me, or when necessary from CANVAS support or ITAC. • You will have access to Microsoft Word. • You will practice appropriate online etiquette, commonly referred to as netiquette. • You will notify your instructors as soon as possible if you require any special accommodations.

Campus Health, Wellness, and Safety 10 Guiding Principles for Health, Safety, and Wellness at Texas State Mask Up Cloth face coverings are required in all:

• public indoor spaces • private indoor spaces when physical distancing is not possible • outdoor spaces when physical distancing is not possible

The use of two-ply cloth face coverings is the cornerstone of our plan to combat the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings need to become second nature to all of us. Visit the Face Coverings & Masks page for more information. Make Space Physical distancing of at least 6 feet should be maintained whenever possible indoors and outdoors. TXST has modified on-campus operations in numerous ways to promote physical distancing: Learn more on the Physical Distancing page of the Roadmap Get Tested COVID-19 testing is critical in our efforts to keep our campuses healthy and safe. COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff consists of three components: testing people with symptoms, testing people with


NO symptoms, and testing people who have been exposed or are close contacts. Find testing locations at TX COVID-19 Test Collection Sites and Curative, Inc. Testing Sites Report to Bobcat Trace If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, report it to Bobcat Trace as soon as possible. When you do, you will receive guidance on isolation protocols, and the contact tracing team will begin to identify and notify close contacts. Wash Up Practice proper hand hygiene. Frequent hand washing is one of the most important things we must do to keep our community safe. When hand washing is not possible, hand sanitizer is a good substitute.

• Students will be issued personal hand sanitizer misters. • Students can refill these personal misters at hand sanitizer refill stations, which will be placed

throughout the campuses by the final weeks of July. These stations will be refilled nightly with hand sanitizer manufactured by Texas State’s College of Science and Engineering.

Cover Up Remember to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Review the CDC guidance on covering your mouth, sneezing and coughing. Clean Up Custodial staff have been trained on effective methods and provided protective equipment as needed for their jobs. LEARN MORE and WATCH A VIDEO about TXST on-campus sanitation and disinfecting practices

• Custodial services will spray classrooms nightly with a hospital-grade sanitizer using an electrostatic sprayer. The concentration is sufficient to kill the virus but low enough not to damage fabrics or corrode metal surfaces. The product is approved by the FDA and has long been utilized in hospitals.

• We have extended the classroom electrostatic anti-viral spraying to include shared spaces and private offices on our campuses on a regular basis.

• Cleaning supplies, including sprayers, cloths, and disposable gloves, will be placed in a container in each classroom in case there is an immediate need. Custodial services will clean and restock supplies as needed. The containers will also provide a few masks for those individuals who may have forgotten their masks that day.

Stay Home Sick persons must stay home and not come to either university campus or any university events. This includes anyone exhibiting symptoms who is not yet diagnosed with an illness.

• Students: Conduct a daily self-assessment. Sick persons must stay home. This includes anyone exhibiting symptoms who is not yet diagnosed with an illness. Notify your instructors as soon as possible that you'll miss class. Call your doctor or the Student Health Center for medical attention and COVID-19 testing, if deemed appropriate.

• Employees: Conduct a daily self-assessment. Sick persons must stay home. This includes anyone exhibiting symptoms who is not yet diagnosed with an illness. Employees must follow appropriate polices for providing notice when sick. The university provides several leave and benefit options for our employees, which have been enhanced with the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act provisions. If an employee shows up to work and is symptomatic, their supervisor must direct them to leave the workplace immediately and report the incident. Employees who come on university property while they have been directed to self-isolate or self-quarantine will be subject to discipline.


Check Yourself Each day, students and employees must conduct a basic self-assessment for symptoms of COVID-19 before they come to either university campus. This self-assessment is a critical step every Bobcat must take to keep our community safe. View the self-assessment. Below are some, though not all, of the university facilities or departments that are requiring mandatory on-site daily assessments, which include COVID-19 symptom and temperature screening, for all staff:

• Child Development Center (twice per day on staff and children) • Student Recreation Center • All Athletics Facilities (including Bobcat Stadium, exercise rooms, etc.) • Dining Services Facilities • University Police Department

Optimize Ventilation Indoor ventilation is being evaluated and optimized across our campuses. Many university departments are collaborating with Facilities Operations to evaluate and identify spaces where indoor ventilation improvements are warranted, following a set of guidelines being used by many large universities across the country. This optimization involves:

• Maximizing the amount of outside air introduced into our buildings • Decreasing temperature while maintaining humidity control • Optimizing space pressurization • Increasing air changes per hour • Installing HEPA filtration equipment with ultraviolet light treatment capabilities in all organized

classrooms. View the university’s HVAC guidelines here. Set Boundaries Facilities Operations is leading efforts to place physical barriers, such as plexiglass sneeze guards, in key areas where there is significant face-to-face interaction. Examples of facilities on-campus where new physical barriers have been installed include the Alkek Library, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Testing Center. Request Additional Modifications Students, faculty and staff at higher risk for complications from COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, can request additional working or learning modifications. To request these accommodations, visit these resources:

• Employee Special Request for Additional Workplace Modifications • Student Special Request for Additional Academic Modifications

BOBCAT PLEDGE Being part of our Bobcat community means we respect each other and commit to helping create a healthy and safe learning and working campus environment. Every student, faculty and staff member must take responsibility for practicing healthy behaviors and following the health and safety guidelines established by Texas State to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in the surrounding community. As a member of the Bobcat community, I PLEDGE TO: 1. RESPECT OTHERS

• Wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces • Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet where possible • Wear a face covering outdoors when physical distancing is not possible


• Stay home if sick, or if I have symptoms of COVID-19, or if I have had prolonged direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

2. RESPECT MYSELF • Wash my hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer frequently • Complete a daily self-assessment to check for COVID-19 symptoms • Seek medical evaluation if I am sick, or if I have symptoms of COVID-19, or if I have had prolonged direct

contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 • Avoid crowded activities or social gatherings where physical distancing is not possible or where others

are not wearing face coverings 3. RESPECT OUR TXST COMMUNITY

• If I test positive for COVID-19, or have had prolonged direct contact with someone who has tested positive, I will notify the Student Health Center

• Follow CDC and university guidance on testing, contact-tracing, self-isolation and quarantine when appropriate

• Practice these health and safety measures all the time, whether I am on campus, in the community, or at home

Please visit the Student Roadmap for more information on students’ return to campus. Statement on Civility and Compliance in the Classroom Civility in the classroom is very important for the educational process and it is everyone’s responsibility. If you have questions about appropriate behavior in a particular class, please address them with your instructor first. Disciplinary procedures may be implemented for refusing to follow an instructor’s directive, refusing to leave the classroom, not following the university’s requirement to wear a cloth face covering, not complying with social distancing or sneeze and cough etiquette, and refusing to implement other health and safety measures as required by the university. Additionally, the instructor, in consultation with the department chair/school director, may refer the student to the Office of the Dean of Students for further disciplinary review. Such reviews may result in consequences ranging from warnings to sanctions from the university. For more information regarding conduct in the classroom, please review the following policies at AA/PPS 02.03.02, Section 03: Courteous and Civil Learning Environment, and Code of Student Conduct, number II, Responsibilities of Students, Section 02.02: Conduct Prohibited. A Personal Note your Instructor: Welcome to TEAM BURNS! I am very excited to learn with you this summer. COMM 1310 is a course that provides you with life skills that will last much longer than the semester. We use the team metaphor because a team works together with structured rules, support, and cohesion. Through teamwork, we will all become more competent communicators. COMM 1310 can be a fun class if participation is present. I encourage you to speak your opinion, provide examples, and argue if you disagree with what the book, a teammate, or what I am saying. Communication is a potent force in our society, and it is important to understand the impact our communication has on others and ourselves. We may talk about controversial topics in this class. Remember, you do not have to agree with everyone’s opinion, but you do have to respect it. I want to ensure you as your Team Coach I am here to guide you through the learning process. Please feel free to ask me questions, explain your concerns, or log on to office hours and chat any time. My virtual door is open to more than just class topics. I am your biggest fan and want to see you succeed. TEAM BURNS also has several Assistant Coaches to help us out this semester. Your Lab Instructor is a great resource and you will enjoy learning with them. Treat my assistant coaches well. Together we will manage the team in an


organized, accurate, up-to-date, meaningful, and fun manner. We are excited to get to know you all this semester. I also want you to know that I have high expectations for students, and I know you are all capable of meeting and exceeding these expectations. For many of you this is your first college course and sometimes the adjustment to college is not easy, but we are here to help. You may not have needed to read and study in high school or for other courses, you will not succeed in COMM 1310 without reading and studying. This may also be your first online course. Online courses are just as rigorous as in person courses and require a different type of focus. Make sure you keep up with your work in this course. One you get behind in an online class, it is hard to catch up. There are four main rules for all TEAM BURNS members.

1. Always respect one another 2. Always support your teammates 3. Push your comfort zones 4. Have fun and enjoy yourself

Welcome to TEAM BURNS and remember this is as much your class as it is mine. Do not be scared to speak up if you think things are not working or if you have suggestions. Please visit me in office hours; I am happy to help with anything. GO BOBCATS! -BURNS-

Please see the following pages for your course schedule. Please read it carefully and follow it for every class lesson.


COURSE SCHEDULE The following course schedule is subject to change. Make sure you complete each task listed

next to the boxes by the date indicated. Assignments are due 11:59 pm unless otherwise noted. MODULE TO-DO LIST DUE DATE

Introduction o Read: Syllabus 6/1 o Watch: Course Introduction Video 6/1 o Quiz: Syllabus Quiz (6 points) 6/1 o Assignments: Pre-Test 6/1 o Discussion 1: Introductions

1. Initial Post (2 points) 2. Response Post (2 points)

6/1 6/2

Foundations of Human

Communication

o Read: Chapter 1 6/2 o Watch: Chapter 1 Mini-Lecture 6/2 o Quiz: Chapter 1 Quiz (6 points) 6/2

Self-Awareness and Perception

o Watch: Chapter 2 Mini-Lecture 6/2 o Quiz: Chapter 2 (6 points) 6/2 o Discussion: Perception Checking


6/2 6/3

Verbal Communication

o Read: Chapter 3 6/3 o Watch: Chapter 3 Mini-Lecture 6/3 o Quiz: Chapter 3 (6 points) 6/3

Nonverbal Communication

o Read: Chapter 4 o Watch: Chapter 4 Mini-Lecture

6/3

o Quiz: Chapter 4 (6 points) 6/3 o Discussion: Micro-Expressions


6/3 6/4

Listening and Responding

o Read: Chapter 5 6/7 o Watch: Chapter 5 Mini-Lecture 6/7 o Quiz: Chapter 5 (6 points) 6/7

Adapting to Others

o Read: Chapter 6 o Watch: Chapter 6 Mini-Lecture

6/7

o Quiz: Chapter 6 (7 points) 6/7 o Watch: Diversity Reflection Paper Assignment Video 6/8 o Discussion: Diversity Reflection Activity


6/8 6/9

o Assignment: Diversity Reflection Paper (30 points) THIS IS YOUR FIRST MAJOR ASSIGNMENT

6/13

Interpersonal Communication

o Read: Chapters 7 & 8 6/11 o Watch: Chapters 7 & 8 Lectures 6/11 o Quiz: Chapter 7 & Chapter 8 (6 points each) 6/11 o Assignment: Relational Development (10 points) 6/11


Managing Conflict/ PUGSS

o Read: PUGSS reading in Guidebook 6/14 o Watch: PUGSS Mini-Lecture 6/14 o Quiz: PUGSS (6 points) 6/14 o Discussion: PUGSS


6/14 6/15

Developing an Informative

Presentation

o Read: Chapters 11 & 14 6/16 o Watch: Chapter 11 & 14 Mini- Lecture 6/16 o Quiz: Chapter 11 & 14 (7 points) 6/16 o Watch: Informative Speech Assignment Video 6/16 o Assignment: Topic Selection (10 points) 6/16 o Speech Time Sign-Up 6/16

Organizing and Outlining a

Presentation

o Read: Chapter 12 6/17 o Watch: Chapter 12 Mini-Lecture 6/17 o Quiz: Chapter 12 (6 points) 6/17 o Discussion: Audience Adaptation Plan

1. Initial Post (6 points) 2. Response Post (4 points) 3. Follow-Up Post (4 points)

6/17 6/18 6/21

o Assignment: Informative Preparation Outline (15 points) 6/21 Delivering a Presentation

o Read: Chapter 13 6/22 o Watch: Chapter 13 Mini-Lecture 6/22 o Quiz: Chapter 13 (6 points) 6/22 o Assignment: Speech Analysis (10 points) 6/22 o Assignment: Informative Speaking Notes (5 points) 6/22 o Give Your Presentation (via Zoom) (100 points) 6/23-6/24

(Various Times)

Small Group Communication

o Sign up for a Group 6/23 o Read: Chapters 9 &10 6/24 o Watch: Chapter 9 & 10 Lectures 6/24 o Quiz: Chapter 9 (6 points) & Chapter 10 (7 points) 6/24 o Assignment: Group Topic Selection Worksheet – Submit

ONE per group (10 points) 6/24

Persuasive Speaking

o Read: Chapter 15 6/25 o Watch: Chapter 15 Mini-Lecture 6/25 o Quiz: Chapter 15 (7 points) 6/25 o Assignment: Group Process Report – Submit ONE per group

(40 points) 6/28

o Assignment: Group Preparation Outline – Submit ONE per group (15 points)

6/30

Group Persuasive Presentations

o Assignment: Group Persuasive Speaking Notes (5 points) 7/1 o Give Your Group Persuasive Presentation (60 points) 7/1


(Various Times)

o Assignment: Group Member Assessment Form (20 points) 7/1 Course Wrap-Up o Complete Post-Test (10 points) 7/1

*Optional Final Exam

Comprehensive: Chapters 1-15 and PUGSS Register by 6/30

Complete by 7/2

Documents

Communication 1310: Fundamentals of Human Communication