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ELEMENTS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION
Communication 120 Fall 2014 Section 8781; T/Th 2:00 pm – 3:20 pm Room 352
Elements of Human Communication
Lisa Stefani
Voice Mail (619) 644-7454 ext. 3926
Website: http://www.globalcommunicationonline.com
E-mail: Lstef28@aol.com
(Note: If you send me an e-mail, be sure to include the following subject line to avoid having your e-mail
deleted or sent to the spam folder: (Comm 120, Your name, Your section number)
The heart has eyes that the brain knows nothing of.
C.H. Parkhurst
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to interpersonal
communication that reflects the fascinating nature and important role of this topic
in our lives. We have relationships in all areas of our lives – work, home, school.
It would behoove us all to improve our interpersonal communication abilities. The
ultimate goal is to provide you with the motivation, knowledge, and skills to
improve your relationships with others. This course should offer you all three.
TEXTBOOK: Required
Sandlin, J. A. (2009). Now that’s Ridiculous! Nevada: Ready or Not Press.
Available at: http://www.readyornotpress.com
Optional:
Adler, R.B., & Proctor, R.F. (2014). Looking Out Looking In (14th). USA;
Thompson Wadsworth.
ASSIGNMENTS:
PART I
WHAT GOES IN . . . .
T August 19
Syllabus/ Roll Call/Books/Calendar/ Discuss Assignment: I saw it With My Own Eyes
Collage and Presentation
Readings: Chapter 1
Finalize roster/Start Chapter 1
Th August 21
T Aug 26
Th Aug 28
Lecture: Interpersonal Relationships
Readings: Chapter 2
Submit Chapter One Homework Assignment for Grading Feedback
Lecture: Intrapersonal Communication
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T Sept 2:
Th Sept 4
Finish Lecture
Lecture: Communication and Perception
Readings: Chapter 3
T Sept 9
Th Sept 11
Finish Lecture
Lecture: Communication and Managing Emotions
Readings: Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
T Sept 16
Finish Lecture
Readings: Chapter 7
Film, “The Doctor.”
Homework Assignments Chapters 1 – 7 due
Th Sept 18
T Sept 23
PART II
Finish Film, “The Doctor.”
MUST COME OUT . . .
Th Sept 25
Lecture: Language
Readings: Chapter 8
Chapter 9
T Sept 30
Th Oct 2
Lecture: Nonverbal Communication
Readings: Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Movie: “The Negotiator” Homework Assignments Chapters 8 – 11 Due
T Oct 7
Th Oct 9
Movie: “The Negotiator”
Movie: “The Negotiator” Discussion
T Oct 14
Collage Presentations
Readings: Chapter 12
Collage Presentations
Readings: Chapter 13
Th Oct 16
T Oct 21
Th Oct 23
Collage Presentations
Collage Presentations
T Oct 28
Collage Presentations
PART III
COMING TOGETHER AND FALLING APART
Th Oct 30
Lecture: In and Out of Love
Readings: Chapter 14
T Nov 4
Th Nov 6
Finish Lecture
Lecture: Ineffective Communication
Readings: Chapter 15
T Nov 11
Th Nov 13
HOLIDAY VETERANS DAY
Lecture: Non Defensive Conflict Resolution
Homework Assignment Chapters 12 – 15 Due
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T Nov 18
Th Nov 20
Finish Lecture
Lecture: Improving Communication
Readings: Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
PART IV
WHAT NOW?
T Nov 25
Th Nov 27
Practical Application Chapters 16 - 19
HOLIDAY THANKSGIVING
T Dec 2
Th Dec 4
Film: “The Story of Us” Homework Assignments Chapters 16 – 19 Due
Film: “The Story of Us”
Final Exam:
Cumulative; Chapters 1 – 19 and all lecture notes Thursday December 11, 2014.1:45 pm
– 3:45 pm
COLLAGE REQUIREMENTS
You will prepare an art collage based on the notion that “I SAW IT WITH MY
OWN EYES.” Information, and reading, from chapter 5, as well as supplemental
lecture material on visualization and the power of the brain will serve as
background conceptual material. You will use magazine pictures, art, and
drawings to complete this project. Minimum size requirement is 11 by 14 inches.
The idea behind the collage is for you to be able to clearly see what it is that you
want out of life. For example, if you want to become a doctor, I expect to see a
picture of a doctor on your collage. If you want to get your bachelor’s degree, I
expect to see a time schedule of when and how you will accomplish this. If you
want to get married and have a family, I expect to see a picture of a family. If you
want to drive a Mercedes, I expect to see one on your collage. You will give an
oral presentation of your collage to the class.
HOMEWORK PAPER REQUIREMENTS
Each chapter of your e-book, “Now that’s Ridiculous!” has homework questions.
After reading the chapter and attending the lecture, you will answer the questions
at the end of each chapter for submission. No “one line” answers please. No
“Yes” or “No” answers please. Answer each question completely and thoroughly.
Include, “For example . . .” and “For instance . . .” to substantiate your answers.
The assignments are designed to help you improve communication in your own
relationships. You are expected to complete every assignment in the e-book as
we go though the class. Assignments will be submitted at the completion of each
of the four sections of the e-book. They should be typed, double spaced and
follow the format of question/response in essay. These homework assignments
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are worth a total of 50% of your grade, so you don’t want to miss any or turn in
assignments with one sentence answers.
FINAL EXAM
Your final exam will cover Chapter’s 1-19 in your e-book, “Now that’s Ridiculous!”
and all lecture notes. The final is cumulative.
GRADING
Homework Assignments Chapters: 1-7
Homework Assignments Chapters 8-11
Homework Assignments Chapters 12-15
Homework Assignments Chapters 16-19
Collage and Presentation
Final Examination
20%
15%
15%
15%
20%
15%
ATTENDANCE
Mandatory. I will take roll every day. Excused absences require Doctor Note or
Work Note on Letterhead.
LATEWORK
Not accepted.
Accommodations for students with disabilities:
Student with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor
and contact Disabled Student Services and Programs (DSP&S) early in the semester so that reasonable
accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSP&S in person in room
11D or by phone at 619-644-7112 (voice) or (619- 644-7119) (TTY for deaf).
Supervised Tutoring Referral
Students are referred to enroll in the following supervised tutoring courses if the service indicated will assist
them in achieving or reinforcing the learning objectives of this course:
IDS 198, Supervised Tutoring to receive tutoring in general computer applications in the
Tech Mall
English 198W, Supervised Tutoring for assistance in the English Writing Center (Room
70-119): and or IDS 198T, Supervised Tutoring to receive one-on-one tutoring in
academic subjects in the tutoring center (Room 70-229, 644-7387).
Academic Integrity Statement Approved by the Senate:
The faculty, administration, and staff of Grossmont College, in creating a culture of academic excellence,
value honesty and integrity in all aspects of learning, working and participating in the college community.
Moreover, we believe that those who value learning would never view cheating (copying or otherwise
presenting work that is not one’s own) and plagiarism (presenting another writer’s ideas, materials, images
or words as one’s own without proper citation) as viable choices within an academic environment. It is
incumbent on faculty, in particular, to communicate expectations to students with regard to academic
honesty in each class and it is the responsibility of each student to understand the actions and behaviors that
constitute cheating or academic dishonesty within each class as well as in other venues on campus. Students
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are encouraged to ask questions of their instructors and are expected to read the college’s statement on
Academic Fraud (located in the class schedule). Penalties for actions inconsistent with classroom, library,
and college expectations for academic integrity range from a failing grade on an assignment, exam, pr
project (which may lead to a failing grade in the course) to, under certain conditions, suspension, or
expulsion from a class, program, or the college. For more information, please consult with your instructor or
contact the office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.
Subject Learning Objectives
At the end of the semester, students completing Comm 120 with a grade of C or better
will be able to:
1. Analyze conflict in an interpersonal relationship and apply methods of conflict
resolution. Assessment: Essay or assignment.
2. Analyze how the self concept is formed and its impact on relationships.
Assessment: Essay or assignment.
3. Evaluate language use and how it affects the relational climate as well as
intrapersonal communication. Assessment: Essay or assignment.
4. Demonstrate effective goal setting skills. Assessment: Collage preparation and
oral presentation.
5. Apply fundamental concepts of effective communication to real life situations:
Assessment: Essay or Assignment.
Important dates:
September 19: Last day to apply for P/NP for semester length courses.
November 7: Last day to drop semester length classes.