CST 110 Introduction to Communication (Hybrid)
Northern Virginia Community College, Spring 2013
Instructor
Amber Shaffer Koeckritz
Section
021
Email
akoeckritz@nvcc.edu
Day/Time
M 12:30 – 1:45
Hybrid Work in Blackboard
Phone
703-764-7395
Location
CM 245
Office
CM 322
Office Hours
M/W 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
T
12:30pm – 2:30 pm
Email/Telephone Communication Policy: All email communication
must us the student’s VCCS email address. Instructor will return emails
or voicemails within 48 hours.
Other times by appointment only
Text:
Seiler & Beall (2010). Communication: Making Connections (8 th Ed.).
ISBN 978-0205691265
Course Description:
Examines the elements affecting speech communication at the individual, small group, and public
communication levels with emphasis on practice of communication at each level.
Lecture 3 hours per week.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
 comprehend and apply communication principles in personal, small group, and public situations
 report increased self-confidence in communication settings
 express their ideas with verbal fluency
 apply knowledge of nonverbal communication in sending and receiving messages
 demonstrate critical thinking competencies
 demonstrate the ability to organize information
 adapt messages and behaviors to different communication contexts
 employ appropriate listening and responding behaviors
 demonstrate understanding and respect for cultural and social diversity
Course Prerequisites:
Fluency in Standard American English. Recommend proficiency in reading and writing at English 111 level.
Required Resources:
Reliable Internet access with a high-speed connection that can download and play a variety of multi-media content
Printer, white standard letter-sized paper, stapler, notebook paper, writing instrument
Important Note on Class Content:
This course will discuss taboo and sensitive class topics that may include romantic dating, marital
infidelity, sex, prejudice and racism, various political points of views, illegal substances and abuses,
sexual orientation, and religion. Discussion will be academic in nature, but please consider another
course if you feel these topics might be offensive.
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Course Policies:
Attendance Policy - Your grade is partially based on your participation in this class which requires
attendance (both in class and online). I understand that emergencies happen, but missing class
means missing important participation and it will affect your grade. The best excuse in the world
doesn’t change the fact that a person who is absent misses the content and experience of the course.
Arriving late or leaving early is also disruptive to the learning environment, and two late arrivals or early
departures will equal one absence. Department policy requires any student that misses more than 25%
of the class meetings will fail the course. A student’s grade will be lowered by one letter grade for
every absence beyond two.
Online Attendance – Because half of the learning for this course occurs online, this hybrid course
requires that you log into blackboard at least once per week to meet the online attendance
requirement. Each week that you do not login to Blackboard will result in a 5 point deduction from
your participation score.
Assignments - All written assignments will be typed using a standard 12 pt. font (Times New Roman,
Verdana, Arial, Garamond, etc.), spacing between 1.15 (default) and 2.0, and stapled in the upper left
corner. Number your pages make sure to include your name and class session (i.e. CST 110-020) on the
first page. Any specific criteria or differences will be noted in the instructions for each assignment. All
written assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the face-to-face class period. If you have to
miss a class, please email the assignment before our class meeting as proof of completion and submit
the paper assignment to my mailbox or office before our next class meeting. Emailed assignments will
not be graded. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, style, and clarity do count.
Late Work – All assignments not turned in by the posted due date will receive a grade of zero. Due to
the course schedule, students must be present for the Informative Speeches and Group Presentation in
order to receive a grade for the assignments. Students not present will receive a grade of 0 and there
will be no makeup for these assignments.
Class Discussion Prep - Read the chapters assigned in the textbook before our scheduled class
meetings and be prepared to discuss the topics covered. Come to class prepared with notes and
questions for discussion.
Group Work - Be prepared to get to know yourself and your classmates better. Active participation is
necessary, it is not enough to simply attend class. We will be working extensively in small groups. If you
chose to meet with your group outside of class you are advised to do so in a sensible and safe
location. In addition, you are not required to share personal contact information with other students.
Expectations of Classroom Behavior:
NOVA is a place for learning and growing. You should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this
campus. In order to meet this objective you should let your instructor, his supervisor, the Dean of
Students or Provost know if any unsafe, unwelcome, or uncomfortable situation arises that interferes
with the learning process.
NOVA is committed to providing a learning environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas
and information. The following expectations for the campus community are designed to accomplish
these goals:
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1.
That all backgrounds and cultures be respected. That a free and civil exchange of ideas takes
place, so everyone in a class feels welcome to participate.
2.
That all members of the class arrive on time, leave the class only on breaks or in case of
emergency, and leave classrooms and all college property in good condition.
3.
That distraction is kept to a minimum. Cell phones and other electronic devices are turned off and
put away during class. Texting during class is considered rude and you will be asked to leave for
the remainder of the class and will be counted absent for the class period. You may use laptops
for note taking during lectures, but all electronics must be stored when students are speaking so
that they may have your undivided attention. Students remain seated throughout the class and
refrain from talking with classmates while another class member or the instructor has the floor.
4.
That each student submits his or her own work – all sources must be properly cited. See plagiarism
policy below.
5.
That consideration is given to classes in adjoining areas.
Class climate is an essential ingredient for the success of this course. At various points during the
semester, we may be examining sensitive and personal issues as they relate to aspects of
communication. Differences of experience, attitude and values can be discussed meaningfully as
long as we agree to respect norms of civil discussion. [Note: Some film clips shown in class contain
offensive language and inappropriate ways of communicating and managing emotions. I do not
condone this type of communication, but it is used to point out the effects of this type of
communication.] Use appropriate language, dress, and deportment. Help to create a positive
learning environment by respecting yourself and others.
Certain forms of classroom behavior are expressly prohibited. These include verbal attacks on the
person and character of another; disparaging responses to another’s group of origin or affinity, (e.g.
age, gender, health status, physical or mental abilities, race, culture, sexual orientation, political
philosophy, social views or religion); any form of behavior that manifests direct or implied sexual
harassment; and any statement that questions the moral character or integrity of another.
Plagiarism/Cheating
The faculty of Northern Virginia Community College recognizes that academic honesty is an integral
factor in developing and sharing knowledge. We support the concept of academic honesty, practice
academic honesty in our classes, and require academic honesty from our students. NOVA students are
expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in the completion and presentation of all
academic assignments and examinations. Any student found guilty of cheating, plagiarism, or other
dishonorable acts in academic work is subject to disciplinary action. Students are expected to follow
Information Technology/Student Patrol Ethics Agreement as posted in computer areas and academic
integrity standards as set down in the Student Handbook.

Academic dishonesty is cheating and stealing. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

- Using material verbatim from a source without giving credit.

- Rewriting material from a source without giving credit.

- Using information from an Internet source without giving credit.

- Submitting the work of another person as your own work.

- Using/copying another student's computer/memory device.

- Copying from another person's paper/test/homework.

- Allowing someone else to copy/use your work (paper, homework, quiz, and test).

- Violating VCCS Computer Ethics Guidelines in the pursuit of academic studies.
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Plagiarism (using another individual’s information, language, or ideas without giving proper attribution
and presenting such work as your own) will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of “F” regardless
of your grade totals. This includes written work in all media, including that taken from the internet. It is
not difficult to avoid plagiarism, simply cite your sources.
Disabilities
Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations in this class. If you have a disability, you
may wish to contact a Counselor for Disability Services on the first floor of the CA building. Students
must submit their accommodation documentation that they receive from NVCC's Disability Services
office to me as soon as possible so I may meet their documented accommodations. For more
information, see http://www.nvcc.edu/current-students/disability-services/index.html .
Inclement Weather/Cancelled Classes
If the College is closed, a text alert will be sent to cell phones registered on NOVA Alert, a notice will be
posted on the home page of the College’s website, and a message will appear on our cable television
station (channel 19, 25, 37 or 59 – check your local listing). Individuals may also call the College Call
Center at 703.323.3000. Do not call individual offices. The home page of the College’s website will
always have the most reliable and up-to-date information about weather closures. In the event of a
college closing, class instructions/assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Students are responsible
for all assignments on Blackboard (please contact your instructor ASAP if you are unable to connect to
Blackboard).
Technology
There will be a variety of materials used, including magazine and newspaper articles, web casts and
Internet, audio and visual materials, in-class and written assignments, as well as internet surveys or
quizzes. Internet access and email are required and available through the NOVA computer labs. All
email to the instructor will be sent from the student’s VCCS email account, which is NOVA policy.
Additionally, assignments, notes, slides, supplementary materials, etc. will be posted on Blackboard. It
is your responsibility to regularly check Blackboard to avoid the possibility of missing valuable
information. This class will be intense and challenging, be sure to take advantage of all available
resources.
Grade Appeals
Please make an appointment to discuss any grade issues outside of class. Be sure to bring all
documentation with you to the meeting.
Spring 2013 Important Dates
Classes Begin
January 14
Martin Luther King Day Holiday for Students, Faculty, and Staff. College offices closed.
January 21
Last Day to Drop with Tuition Refund or Change to Audit (Census Date)
February 1
Last Day to Apply for Graduation for Spring 2013
March 1
Spring Break (No classes)
March 11-17
Last Day to Withdraw Without Grade Penalty
March 25
Final Week of Classes
April 30-May 6
Final Exam Week
May 7-May 13
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Evaluation:
QUIZZES
REFLECTION PAPERS
FINAL GRADE
Chapter 1
/20
Self Reflection
/40
Participation
/50
Chapter 2
/20
Language Reflection
/40
Speech of Introduction
/25
Chapter 3
/20
Listening Reflection
/40
Quizzes
/300
Chapter 4
/20
Compare/Contrast Speakers
/40
Reflections (6)
/200
Chapter 5
/20
Emotional Bank Account
/40
Informative Speech
/200
Chapter 6
/20
Small Group Reflection
/40
Group Presentation
/200
Chapter 7
/20
Reflections Total*
Chapter 8
/20
*drop lowest grade or sub for final
Chapter 9
/20
Chapter 10
/20
INFORMATIVE SPEECH
Chapter 11
/20
Audience Analysis Survey
/20
Chapter 12
/20
Survey Keywords
/10
FINAL GRADING
SCALE
Chapter 13
/20
Outline
/80
900-1000
A
Chapter 14
/20
Delivery
/80
800-899
B
Chapter 15
/20
Visual Aid
/10
700-799
C
Chapter 16
/20
EC -OCC Visits (max 2)
/10
600-699
D
Appendix
/20
Speeches Total
/200
599 or less
F
Quizzes
Total*
/200
Interview (or substitute)
TOTAL
/25
/1000
Subtract absence
penalty
TOTAL POINTS EARNED
/300
*drop 2 lowest grades
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Participation (0 – 50 points)
It’s not enough to just attend class every week, and that will not assure you a passing grade. There are ample
opportunities to participate and you are expected to demonstrate that you have been reading the text and other
supplementary materials, critically thinking about what is covered in class, and understand the principles of
interpersonal communication. Your grade is directly related to your informed involvement in class, participation in
group work, class discussions, other assignments and activities, your demonstrated willingness to practice what you
have learned, and a positive attitude.
Self-Introduction (0 – 25 pts)
You will give a short speech of introduction in which you chose three everyday objects to represent your past,
present, and future. Short outline required.
Communication Reflections: (0 – 200 pts):
Students will be asked to write six in-depth evaluations of their own communication behaviors at various points during
the semester. Specific criteria and grading rubrics will be provided at the time of the assignment. Lowest grade will
be dropped.
Informative Speech (Midterm)
(0-200 pts):
A presentation (speech) in which the primary purpose is to inform. This assignment requires the use of supporting and
clarifying materials, clear organization, and an effective delivery. The use of a visual aid is required.
Since the listener is key in all speaking situations, this assignment requires a careful audience analysis. Assignment will
also include a Preparation (Full-Sentence) Outline with at least 5 credible sources.
Group Project (Final) (0 –200 pts)
For this activity, students will be working in groups to create a believable interpersonal conflict scenario that the
group will act out in a class presentation – showing both ineffective communication behaviors and then the same
scenario using effective communication behaviors. The script for the presentation must be written up and annotated
with the specific principals that the scenario exemplifies with discussion of why these behaviors are
appropriate/inappropriate. The presentation will be accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation that highlights the
communication concepts.
Chapter Quizzes (0-300 points):
Seventeen online, multiple-choice quizzes that are meant to measure understanding and application of
chapter reading materials. Students may use book, notes, or other resources provided by the instructor but
must complete the work independently. Any sharing of answers or questions will be considered cheating
and will result in an “F” for the course. Quizzes must be completed in Blackboard before our class meeting
period. Two lowest grades will be dropped.
Examinations:
Final Exam is a one-on-one interview with Instructor during finals week, appointment required. Students who
complete all assignments during the semester will be exempt from the final exam. See blackboard in late April for
details on making appointments.
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Syllabus Agreement Form
Return to Prof Koeckritz by 1/28/13
By signing this form, I am indicating that I have read the entire course syllabus for CST 110- 021N for the Spring 2013
semester. I also understand all the policies and procedures contained in the syllabus, and have asked any questions I
have regarding the information contained in the syllabus. I understand that I will be expected to follow the policies
and procedures outlined in the syllabus.
Signed: ______________________________________________
Print Name: _________________________________________
This form must be signed and returned to me no later than 1/28/13 or student will be administratively dropped without
a refund.
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