COM 240.81
Winter 2016
Meets: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 – 9:49 a.m.
from 02/09/2016 to 05/05/2016
Location: Hillsdale Campus – Room #17
Instructor: Mrs. Tennille A. Fenstermaker
Phone:
JC – Hillsdale Center – leave a message 517-437-3343
(*I teach in Jackson on Monday and Wednesday mornings, and
again here in Hillsdale on Friday mornings.)
Home 517-254-4620 (please don't call before 7:30 AM or after 9 PM)
Cell 517-398-0025 (please don't call/text before 7:30 AM or after 9 PM)
Email: fenstertennilla@jccmi.edu – I check my JC email about every other day so if you
need immediate response, text or call me.
----------------------- -----------Course TEXT:
Human Communication the Basic Course 13th Edition by Joseph A. DeVito
ISBN-13: 978-0-205-94486-6
ISBN-10: 0-205-94486-8
(Available at the JCC Bookstore)
Other Items You Will Need:
Flash drive
ONE two-pocket folder for handouts and your notes (NOTE: Keep EVERYTHING
until the end semester)
A notebook used solely for journaling
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JCC CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:
“Communication 231 will introduce students to the basic principles of
communication including interpersonal messages, small group dynamics, and public
speaking. In this course, students will examine basic verbal and nonverbal elements
affecting communication between individuals in family, peer group, and work
contexts. Specific units of discussion include intrapersonal perspective, conflict
resolution, self-disclosure, message generation, intercultural messages, and
nonverbal communication. The course is designed to prepare students to be effective
communicators in a diverse global society.”
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to Communication Fundamentals, a three credit – one semester course
focused at strengthening your understanding and utilization of communication skills.
No matter if you are a communication major or if you are taking this class as an
elective… you have valid reasons to be sitting in this classroom. I hope it is a journey
that will become a stepping stone in your continued education at Jackson College - and
beyond.
Communication is inevitable – so it is good to learn to do it as effective and efficiently as
possible. Students will learn the basic principles of speech communication including
speech development and delivery, interpersonal messages, non-verbal messages, and
small group dynamics. The course is designed to prepare students to be effective
communicators in a diverse global society.
Student speeches will be evaluated for effectiveness. Delving a bit deeper – we’ll also
cover perception, cultural awareness, conflict resolution, intrapersonal perspective, selfdisclosure, nonverbal communication, and relational dynamics. The course, book,
conversations, and homework will be a guide to explore and learn about how we
communicate. As we learn about where we learned to communicate (the how’s and
why’s), it will help us become more successful as an employee, student, friend, parent,
spouse, citizen, and public speaker.
CLOSURES/CANCELLATION:
Please see the attached calendar for predetermined dates that class will NOT be held.
Also, listen to the local radio station, WCSR 92.1, for unscheduled cancellations due to
weather.
ADOs:
The board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance
certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. Several of these Associate Degree
Outcomes (ADOs) are addressed in this class, including:
ADO 2: Speak clearly, concisely and intelligibly
ADO 9: Work productively with others, recognizing individual contributions to group
success
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YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Attendance: Much of this course involves participation. It is vital for you to be a part
of this process. Consider attendance mandatory. Extenuating circumstances and
unavoidable absences should be discussed with me in advance. You are REQUIRED to
be present on the day of exams and on the day of your scheduled speech. Students
with perfect attendance will be awarded extra bonus points towards their
final grade. Chronic absenteeism will result in dismissal from the course.
Assignments: Unless otherwise noted, assignments are due at the beginning of the
class period. That means if you are turning an assignment in online or via email, it needs
to be turned in by the start of class. Late work is unacceptable. Because class time is
tightly scheduled, there are no make-up speeches.
In all speeches, strive for a smooth and compelling delivery. You should practice
effective use of voice and movement throughout the course. Each subsequent speech
should reflect improvement in some fashion.
To prepare for class, you are expected to read the text and other assigned readings; hand
in daily work on time; respond to your classmates’ work and speeches; and actively
participate in group and class discussions.
Tests and Exams: Tests over the reading assignment are periodically given in class.
Be prepared. Also, there will be a written mid-term exam as well as a written final exam.
Groups: Periodically, you will be assigned to a group. Your group will work together on
assignments and group projects. All members of a group are expected to participate in
the successful completion of the assignments and tasks and will be evaluated by their
group concerning their contribution.
-----------------------------MY RESPONSIBILTIES:
As your professor, I will do everything I can to assist you in improving your speaking
ability. I’ll listen and respond to your speeches and ideas. I will introduce concepts that
may help you become a better speaker, lead class discussions, form groups, share
speeches with you, and most importantly, encourage you.
-----------------------------GRADING: Your final grade will be totaled as follows:
40% Speeches: The speeches you turn in MUST be accompanied by some form of
writing (outline, formally written out, etc.). This writing is expected to contain correct
grammar and mechanics. When giving speeches, you will be graded on content, both
verbal and non-verbal criteria, as well as time.
30% Daily writings, class assignments, journal entries, forums: The in-class
work and activities have specific purposes. They are practice pieces and ways to generate
ideas. Your daily work helps me better understand your thoughts and reactions to the
text, the class, and your peers. Also, your journal entries are CRUCIAL to your success in
this class. You’ll be expected to complete a variety of topics and evaluate how
communication plays a role in your daily life and record your findings in your journal.
15% Attendance and Participation: Participation in class discussions and groups
are vital for the success of this class. If you are continually absent, this course is
invaluable. As your instructor, I need your help, your experience, and your voice to
make this class work.
I understand that emergencies and occasional conflicts arise. If you miss a class, it is
your responsibility to find out what you missed and how you can make up the work.
First, check with another student to see what you missed then approach me. Also,
contact me by phone if you anticipate missing a class so I can plan accordingly.
Multiple absences will lower your grade.
In order to fully participate in class, you must come prepared. That means both
reading and writing the assigned tasks. Many of the planned activities will not work if
students come to class unprepared.
I strongly believe that students learn from each other, that I learn from students, and
that your contributions to class are essential. The success and liveliness of this class
depends on your willingness to speak up, share thoughts and ideas, and to help others.
Therefore, part of your grade is based on attendance and participation.
15% Tests/Exam: Occasionally, I will give a pop quiz over the assigned readings.
Please be prepared to answer the comprehension questions. We will have a written midterm exam and a written final exam, primarily over the assigned readings.
Grading Scale:
4.0 = 100% - 95% = A
3.0 = 84% - 80% = B
2.0 = 74% - 70% = C
1.0 = 64% - 60% = D
0= 54% - 0%= F
3.5 = 94% - 85% = B+
2.5 = 79% - 75% = C+
1.5 = 69% - 65% = D+
.5 = 59% - 55% = D-
A Final Note:
I truly hope you learn more about communication and, more importantly, learn
more about yourself through this course. I want you to feel as though you have
something to offer...because you genuinely do have something to offer. And I want you
to share that through your speaking.
My ultimate goal, as a professor, is to assist you in becoming a better, more
confident speaker. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns. Good
luck!
Tentative Schedule
February 9, 11 – wk 1 – Chapter 1; Journal #1
February 16, 18 – wk 2 – Chapter 2; Brown Bag Speech
February 23, 25 – wk 3 – Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6; Journal #2
March 1, 3 – wk 4 - Spring break – no classes
March 8, 10 – wk 5 – Mock Interviews; Chapters 7-8; Journal #3
March 15, 17 – wk 6 - Cultural Speech; Chapter 9
March 22, 24 – wk 7 – Mid-term exam; Chapter 10; Journal #4
March 29, 31 – wk 8 – Film Scene Analysis; Chapter 11
April 5, 7 – wk 9 – Song Lyric Analysis; Journal #5
April 12, 14 – wk 10 – Family Culture Project
April 19, 21 – wk 11 – Final project prep; Journal #6
April 26, 28 – wk 12 – Final projects; Journal #7
May 3, 5 – wk 13 – Final exam
*Subject to change