SPCH 1318 - Interpersonal Communication

Instructor: Dr. Shae Adkins Office: ACAD 264D

Phone/ Voice Mail: (281) 765-7937 Email: shae.j.adkins@lonestar.edu

Office Hours: 12:00-1:30 p.m. M-Th Prerequisite: None

Or By Appointment

Required Textbook: Beebe, S.A. et al. (2017). Interpersonal communication: Relating to

others. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
ISBN13: 978-0-13-420203-7; ISBN 10:0-13-420203-1

Course Description: Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship

development, maintenance, and termination in relationship contexts
including friendships, romantic partners, families, and relationships
with co-workers and supervisors.

Objectives: Upon completion of the course the student will be able to

1. Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles.

2. Demonstrate ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal
interactions in mediated and face-to-face contexts.
3. Identify perceptual processes as they relate to self and others.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching,
evaluating, and applying communication theories in oral and
written assignments.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of cross-cultural, co-
cultural, gender, and age influences on human communication.
6. Demonstrate ability to identify, evaluate, and apply conflict styles
and conflict management techniques in dyads and/or groups.
7. Identify types of and barriers to effective listening.
8. Demonstrate understanding of visual communication as it pertains
to communication competence.

Assessment: 20% Paper (Movie Analysis)

45% Three Exams (Exam I: 15%, Exam II: 15%, Exam III: 15%)
35% Daily Grades (Quizzes and Module Engagements)
Course Policies: 1. Students are responsible for understanding D2L and dealing with
any technical issues that may arise. Do NOT call or e-mail the
instructor with these kinds of issues. Please contact the Help Desk (the
link is on the D2L homepage) if you experience problems.

2. All course assessments and assignments (unless otherwise instructed)

are due by the date and time indicated in D2L. Do NOT ask for
extensions. Do NOT send assignments to your professor’s e-mail
after the assignment deadline; they will not be accepted.

3. The best way to contact your professor is through D2L e-mail accessed
through your mylonestar account. Outside e-mails cannot be verified
and may not be received. It is recommended that you log into the
course daily to ensure you stay on track.

4. There are no make-ups for work in this class. You have ample time
to complete assignments and assessments if you practice good time
management. You also have opportunities for extra credit, so no grades
will be dropped.

5. All written materials submitted to the instructor and/or the class must be
typed in an acceptable fashion. A standard format would be paperwork
consisting of 12 point font, 1 inch margins, double-spaced.
Assignments must come in a doc or docx format or be directly
posted to a discussion board when applicable. For discussion
boards, please refer to the “Discussion Board Etiquette” found in the
latter part of this syllabus.

6. For written assignments (including discussion board posts), always

answer the questions and/or address all the criteria for an assignment in
a coherent manner (i.e., be organized, use detailed examples). In
addition to proper grammar and appropriate language, demonstrate a
good understanding and application of terms used in the notes/lessons
and your textbook.

7. Avoid plagiarism and collusion (see more detail below). All material,
not originally your own, must be cited properly using the APA style
guide. Additionally, there should be no collaboration among students
on any course work.

8. According to the LSC- Student Handbook, “disruptive activity that

hinders other students’ learning or deters an instructor from effective
teaching will not be tolerated under any circumstances.” The instructor
will drop a student if (s)he disrupts the academic process, including
being disrespectful to the instructor and/or classmates. Take special
care when sending e-mails and responding to discussion board
items.
 9. A student will be dropped for lack of sufficient academic progress (i.e.,
missing or failing two or more consecutive assignments) with the
course or failing to log into the course for two weeks or more.

10. Do not assume anything. If some aspect of the course is uncertain, it

is your responsibility to clarify it.

Classroom Behavior: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on

College property or in an online environment. Students may receive
disciplinary action up to and including suspension, if they violate
System or College rules, disrupt classes, or interfere with the
opportunity of others to obtain an education. Students who pose a threat
to the safety of others will be subject to immediate withdrawal from the
classroom, campus environment, and/or online environment, as well as
face subsequent criminal charges, as appropriate. Please refer to the
Student Code of Conduct located online at
http://www.lonestar.edu/3579.htm for additional information.

It is the policy of this class to provide students with an appropriate and

adult learning atmosphere. Questions and comments should be brought
forth in a respectful and orderly manner. We thrive on class discussion
and questions.
If for any reason you, the student, have difficulty with course work,
lectures, exams, projects, another student or the instructor please follow
proper protocol when dealing with the situation. Proper protocol is to
speak with the instructor first and if you feel that your needs/concerns
have not been addressed then you need to speak with the Chair of the
Speech Department: Wade Hescht at 281-618-5641. The instructor will
also take the same procedure when dealing with a student.

Online Etiquette: Politeness and appropriateness are expected when communicating in

the course. When it doubt, err on the side of uber-caution when you are
composing a message whether it be an e-mail or in a discussion board.
When reading someone else’s message, try to remember that written
communication is easily misconstrued, so if you find yourself reacting
poorly to someone’s message, request clarification of their meaning
before you get upset and respond with a hostile message.

Academic Integrity: Lone Star College-North Harris is committed to a high standard of

academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a part of
the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and
independent effort. Failure to uphold these standards includes, but is
not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or projects,
cheating on exams or assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and
misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for a
course. Cheating includes looking at or copying from another student's
exam, orally communicating or receiving answers during an exam,
 having another person take an exam or complete a project or
assignment, using unauthorized notes, texts, or other materials for an
exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or
any part of an exam. Plagiarism means passing off as his/her own the
ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving proper credit by
documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report,
or project that someone else has prepared, in whole or in part.
Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on assignments designed to
be completed independently. These definitions are not exhaustive.
When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or
misrepresentation, disciplinary action may include but is not limited to
requiring you to retake or resubmit an exam or assignment, assigning a
grade of zero or "F" for an exam or assignment; or assigning a grade of
"F" for the course. Additional sanctions including being withdrawn
from the course, program or expelled from school may be imposed on a
students who violate the standards of academic integrity.

ADA Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-
discrimination statute that provides civil rights protection for person
with disabilities. If you have a disability that requires
accommodation(s) to participate in this course, please contact the LSC-
North Harris Learning Accommodations Center as soon as possible
(Winship-120, (281) 765-7940). The Center will provide you with the
documentation I need to provide your accommodation(s). Failure to
handle this in a timely manner may delay your accommodations.

Equal Opportunity It is the policy of the Lone Star College System to provide equal
Statement: employment, admission and educational opportunities without regard to
race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, veteran's status, sexual
orientation, or disability.

Lone Star Colleges strive to provide an excellent learning environment

free from harassment or intimidation directed at any person’s race,
color, creed, national origin, gender, age, veteran's status, sexual
orientation, or disability. Any form of harassment will not be tolerated.

Internet & E-mail: The System provides computing and network resources to students.
You are encouraged to use the computers, software packages, and
electronic mail (e-mail) for educational or System-related activities and
to facilitate the efficient exchange of useful information. However, the
equipment, software, and network capacities provided through the
district computer services are and remain the property of the System.
Use of the equipment and networks is to comport with the policies and
procedures of the System and access may be denied to any student who
fails to comply with the System’s policies and procedures regarding its
use.
 Access to the System’s e-mail and similar electronic communications
systems are a privilege and certain responsibilities accompany that
privilege. All users are expected to demonstrate the same level of
ethical and professional manner, as is required in face-to-face or written
communications. Threatening, anonymous, or forged messages will be
treated as a violation of this policy.

Software Policy: Law strictly prohibits unauthorized copying of software purchased by

Lone Star College-North Harris for use in laboratories. Lone Star
College-North Harris administration will take appropriate disciplinary
action against anyone violating copyright laws.

Computer Virus Computer viruses are, unfortunately, a fact of life. Using removable
Statement: devices on more than one computer creates the possibility of infecting
computers and diskettes with a computer virus. This exposes the
computers of the college, your personal computer, and any others you
may be using to potentially damaging viruses. The college has
aggressive anti-virus procedures in place to protect its computers, but
cannot guarantee that a virus might not temporarily infect one of its
machines. It is your responsibility to protect all computers under your
control and use and ensure that each diskette you use, whenever or
wherever you use it, has been scanned with anti-virus software. Since
new viruses arise continually, your anti-virus software must be kept
current. And, since no anti-virus software will find every virus, keeping
backup copies is extremely important.

Six Drop Rule: Students who enrolled in Texas public institutions of higher education as
first-time college students during the Fall 2007 term or later are subject
to section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, which states that an
institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop
(withdraw with a grade of “W”) from more than six courses, including
courses that a transfer student has previously dropped at other Texas
public institutions of higher education that have already been counted
against their six drop limit. Each student should fully understand this
drop limit before you drop any course. Please see a Counselor or
Advisor in our Student Services area for additional information and
assistance.

Emergency For Lone Star College System (LSCS) is committed to maintaining the
School Notifications safety of the students, faculty, staff, and guests while visiting any of
Closure our campuses. See http://www.lonestar.edu/LoneStarAlert.htm for
details.

All current LSC students and employees are automatically opted-in to

our emergency alert system with their LoneStar.edu email address as
the primary communication source. Personal contact information must
 be updated in myLoneStar to receive emergency text messages or
notifications to a personal email account.

If you want to receive emergency text messages to your cell phone,

you MUST login to myLoneStar and update your official student or
employee personal information record with your cell phone information.
If you want to receive notifications to a personal email address, you can
add additional email addresses to your personal information record.

Tutoring Services: Lone Star College-North Harris is committed to student success. To

facilitate this, visit http://www.lonestar.edu/learning-nharris.htm for
more information regarding our tutoring services or visit the Learning
Center in Academic Building Room 200.

The Assistive The Assistive Technology Lab is available for students who benefit from
Technology Lab: its various technologies to convert text to speech, magnify items, convert
text to Braille, etc. To contact the Assistive Technology Lab directly,
please call Jonathan Taras at (281) 765-7940 or visit the lab in Winship
Building Room 120B.

Library: The Lone Star College-North Harris is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors
of the Library Building and contains information resources for both
college students and community members. Librarians are available to
assist with research. The Library has books, online information
databases, computers, free wireless internet, and many more
information/research related amenities to ensure student success.
For Library hours and contact information, please
visit http://www.lonestar.edu/library/info.htm or call (281) 618-5707.
 Discussion Board Etiquette

The Discussion Board is an important part of communication in an online course. If all

participants agree to follow principles of civility and professionalism, the discussion board can
be a great opportunity to express opinions, share ideas, and receive feedback from peers who are
engaged in the same learning objectives.

Before Posting

 Make sure to carefully read the directions for the discussion board assignment. Often
times, there are multiple components that need to be addressed.

When to Post and When to Reply

 Discussion postings should be distributed throughout each Module Engagement's time

frame. Initial postings should be submitted early in the Module, and additional postings
added to the discussion in response to peers' replies, as well as peers' initial postings.
Your responses to peers should expand on the ideas of others, ask questions, and enhance
and expand the class discussion.

Remember: Your posts and replies should not and cannot be posted all on one day or only
at the beginning or only on the last day of the Module Engagement. With discussion
boards, initial posts are due four (4) days before the replies are due. If you post your initial
response after the deadline, no credit will be awarded for it.

Delete the Extra

 When writing a reply to a post, delete all extraneous information except the specific
phrase, sentence, or comment to which you are replying. This not only helps the reader
know what you are replying to, but also helps him or her save time by not wading
through a long post, or worse, the entire included thread. It also makes it quicker for
classmates to download or print a particular posting.

Summarize, Quote, or Refer

 Another way to help readers engage in your responses is to give a frame of reference in
your post by quoting or summarizing the content to which you are responding. For
example, “When Nick wrote he always formatted his posts the same way I began to think
. . .” is much easier for the reader to follow and understand than “Yep, me too, that’s why
I . . .” To look at it a different way, some participants choose to arrange their discussion
board by unread posts only—the quote gives them their frame of reference for the topic
of the thread.
Me, Too, I Agree!

 The me-too post certainly is a frustration in the online environment and does not add any
depth to the discussion or learning. In a study by Stodel, Thompson, and MacDonald
(2006), “Learners got frustrated with the constant agreements and comments such as
‘Good point’ and ‘I agree’; feeling it made the conversation overly positive and fake.”
Therefore be sure to post substantive ideas and avoid the "I agree" posts which just
clutter up a discussion board.

Tone and Courtesy in Writing

The "tone" is extremely important part of online communication. When you read your message
out loud, does it sound the way you would speak to another student in the classroom?

 Think through and re-read your comments before you post them.

 Humor can be difficult to convey in text, so make sure everyone realizes when you are
trying to be funny. It is easy for messages to be misinterpreted since there are no physical
gestures or voice inflections that accompany the text.

 Be open to be challenged or confronted on your ideas or prejudices, while challenging

others with the intent of facilitating growth. Do not demean, harass or embarrass others.

 Disagree with ideas, but be nice. Refrain from inappropriate language and derogatory or
personal attacks such as flaming.

 Make a personal commitment to learning about, understanding, and supporting your

peers.

 Assume the best of others in the class and expect the best from them. Encourage others to
develop and share their ideas.

Check Previous Postings Before You Post

Remember to read what has previously been posted by others to avoid repeating comments.

 Make sure you are posting under the appropriate heading or thread.

 Stick to the topic; if you wish to pursue an unrelated idea with a classmate, move your
communication to e-mail so that others don't spend time on non-essential topics.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

 When necessary, cite your references or refer to your corresponding text and
notes/lessons to help bolster your position.
Grammar, Spelling and Fonts

The Discussion Board is part of a college course, so your writing style should conform to the
rules of standard English. Here are some guidelines for all messages posted to the course's
Discussion Boards and course-associated emails:

 Avoid slang (e.g., "Wassup?," "Yo," and so forth).

 Don't use profanity.
 Use standard spelling:
o you (not u)
o are (not r)
o to or too (not 2)
o you're (not ure)
o right (not rite)
o I (not i)
 Avoid emoticons and acronyms:
o JK, LOL
 Use the spell check! Mistakes in spelling and grammar reflect poorly on you, and they're
not acceptable.
 Stick to standard fonts -- Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, 12 or 14 pt. -- and colors -
- black or blue.
 DON'T WRITE THE ENTIRE POSTING WITH YOUR CAPS LOCK ON. It's really
annoying.

Adapted from:

Lehmann, K. & Chamberlin, L. (2009). Making the move to eLearning: Putting your course
online. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education Publishers.

Stodel, E. J., Thompson, T. L., & MacDonald, C. J. (2006). Learners' perspectives on what is
missing from online learning: Interpretations through the community of inquiry
framework. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning,
7(3). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/325/743

University of Wisconsin – Stout. (2014). Schedule of online courses, online certificate

programs, and graduate degree. Retrieved
https://www2.uwstout.edu/content/profdev/rubrics/discuss_etiquette.html#your
Calendar:

Week 1 Course Overview

6/1-6/7 Chapter 1 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
F-TH Chapter 2 - Interpersonal Communication and Self
Chapter 3 - Interpersonal Communication and Perception
Syllabus Quiz Due Wed. 6/6/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
Module 1: Engagement 1 Post Due Thu. 6/7/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST

Week 2 Chapter 4 - Interpersonal Communication and Diversity

6/8-6/14 Module 1: Engagement 1 Replies Due Mon. 6/11/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
F-TH Module 1: Engagement 2 Post Due Mon. 6/11/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
Module 1: Engagement 2 Replies Due Thu. 6/14/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
Chapter 5 - Listening and Responding Skills
Chapter 6 – Verbal Communication Skills

Week 3 Module I Chapter 1-4 Quizzes Due Fri. 6/15/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
6/15-6/21 Module 2: Engagement 1 Due Mon. 6/18/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
F-TH Examination I Due Tue 6/19/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
Chapter 7 - Non-Verbal Communication Skills
Chapter 8 - Conflict Management Skills
Module 2: Engagement 2 Due Thu. 6/21/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
Chapter 9 - Understanding Interpersonal Relationships
Chapter 10 – Managing Relationship Challenges

Week 4 Module 3: Engagement 1 Post Due Mon. 6/25/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
6/22-6/28 Chapter 11 - Interpersonal Relationships: Friendships and Romance
F-TH Chapter 12 - Interpersonal Relationships: Family and Workplace
Module 3: Engagement 1 Replies Due Thu. 6/28/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
Module 3: Engagement 2 Due Thu. 6/28/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST

Week 5 Module II Chapter 5-8 Quizzes Due Fri. 6/29/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
6/29-7/5 Examination II Due Tue. 7/3/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
F-TH Movie Analysis Paper Due Thu. 7/5/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST

Week 6 Module III Chapter 9-12 Quizzes Due Fri. 7/6/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
7/6-7/11 Examination III Due Tue. 7/10/18 by 1:00 p.m. CST
F-W
Notes:

 For each week, read the chapters assigned in the textbook and open the lessons in
D2L associated with them. The lessons are created in SoftChalk and include concepts
highlighted from the chapter, videos, links, images, etc. The custom content enables
students to better interact with the learning material and become more engaged.
 Each module engagement and the movie analysis paper have specific instructions
and rubrics. Even though these assignments have specific dates they open, students can
view them at any time and begin working on them well before they are due.
 Exams. There are 50 questions on each exam. From the time you begin the exam, you
have two hours to complete it. For test security, you will only see one item at a time
and cannot backtrack. Once you open the exam, you cannot save and come back to it.
o Examination I will cover Module 1 chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
o Examination II will cover Module 2 chapters 5, 6, 7, 8
o Examination III will cover Module 3 chapters 9, 10, 11,12
Discussion Boards Opens Posts Due Replies Due
Module 1: Engagement 1 Fri 6/1/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Posts by Thu 6/7/18 @ Replies by Mon 6/11/18 @
CST 1:00 p.m. CST 1:00 p.m. CST
Module 1: Engagement 2 Fri 6/8/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Posts by Mon 6/11/18@ Replies by Thu 6/14/18 @
CST 1:00 p.m. CST 1:00 p.m. CST
Module 3: Engagement 1 Fri 6/22/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Posts by Mon 6/25/18 @ Replies by Thu 6/28/18 @
CST 1:00 p.m. CST 1:00 p.m. CST

Dropboxes Opens Submissions Due Note

Module 2: Engagement 1 Fri 6/15/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Mon 6/18/18 @ 1:00
CST p.m. CST
Module 2: Engagement 2 Mon 6/18/18 @ 12:00 Thu 6/21/18 @ 1:00 p.m.
a.m. CST CST
Module 3: Engagement 2 Mon 6/25/18 @ 12:00 Thu 6/28/18 @ 1:00 p.m.
a.m. CST CST
Movie Analysis Paper Mon 7/2/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Thu 7/5/18 @ 1:00 p.m.
CST CST

Quizzes Opens Closes Note

Syllabus Quiz Fri 6/1/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Wed 6/6/18 @ 1:00 p.m.
CST CST
M1: Chapters 1-4 Fri 6/1/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Fri 6/15/18 @ 1:00 p.m.
CST CST
M2: Chapters 5-8 Fri 6/8/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Fri 6/29/18 @ 1:00 p.m.
CST CST
M3: Chapters 9-12 Fri 6/15/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Fri 7/6/18 @ 1:00 p.m.
CST CST

Exams Opens Closes Note

M1: Exam 1 Fri 6/15/18 @ 12:00 Tue 6/19/18 @ 1:00 p.m. Week 3
a.m. CST CST
M2: Exam 2 Fri 6/29/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Tue 7/3/18 @ 1:00 p.m. Week 5
CST CST
M3: Exam 3 Fri 7/6/18 @ 12:00 a.m. Tue 7/10/18 @ 1:00 p.m. Week 6
CST CST

*All deadlines are at 1:00 p.m. CST. Please pay close attention to due dates. With discussion
boards, initial posts are due four (4) days before the replies are due. If you post your initial
response after the deadline, no credit will be awarded for it.