COMM 1000: THE PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
Fall 2019 | Mo/We/Fr 12:20PM-1:10PM | DWTN 135
Instructor: Anne Borsai Basaran
Email: anne.borsai@uconn.edu
Office: Rm. 349
Office hours: Monday: 1:30-3:30 pm
Wednesday: 10:00-11:00 am
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will introduce you to the study of human communication. We will begin with a broad
discussion of the discipline of communication, including the various topics and areas of research
included in the field. For the bulk of the course, we turn our attention to the discipline’s main foci,
starting with the nuanced fundamentals of communication such as person perception and language.
As we move forward our perspective broadens into organizational and mass mediated
communication. Lastly, we will examine how technology and social media impact our present
society. During this course we will cover a rather broad range of material that is pertinent to many
fields of study along with innumerable situations that you will encounter in your lifetime.
COURSE OBJECCTIVES
This course in communication is designed to help you:
 Describe the various areas of research in the human communication discipline.
 Explain how communication research is conducted and “how we know what we know”.
 Define the foundational theories for each area of communication research.
 Prepare you for further exploration of communication-related phenomena in a variety of
fields.
 Identify the role of technology and media in all aspects of daily life.
 Apply the communication skills learned in class, and engage in projects and activities that
encourage the development of these skills.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Textbook: Custom Textbook (2016). COMM 1000: The Process of Communication, University of
Connecticut, Department of Communication. McGraw Hill.
HuskyCT: The course HuskyCT site will host all the materials related to lectures, exams, required
readings, and assignments. It is a good idea to check the site often for course information.
UCONN Email Access: All announcements will be posted on HuskyCT and sent via email. Anytime
you want to email me, you must use your University email address (@uconn.edu).
A #2 pencil: Scantrons will be used for exams. Please bring a #2 pencil on exam days.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All documents submitted on HuskyCT or via email should be in Microsoft
Word or Adobe PDF format. Both software packages can be accessed on the UConn library
computers. Emailed documents should be sent as attachments. Please DO NOT share Google
Drive links with me. Failure to do so will result in a deduction of points from that specific
assignment.
COURSE COMPONENTS & GRADING
Exam 1 – 200 points (20%)
Exam 2 – 200 points (20%)
Exam 3 – 200 points (20%)
Pop Quizzes – 100 points (5 quizzes x 20 points each) (10%)
Engagement & Participation – 100 points (10%)
 Participating in in-class/online activities – 100 points (10 activities x 10 points each)
Creative Communication Project – 50 points (5%)
COMMPENDIUM Reflection – 150 points (3 reflections x 50 points each) (15%)
Total _____/1000 (100%)
GRADE EQUIVALENTS
930-1000 A
730-769 C
900-929 A-
700-729 C-
870-899 B+
670-699 D+
830-869 B
630-669 D
800-829 B-
600-629 D-
770-799 C+
000-599 F
COURSE FORMAT
This course consists of lectures, class discussions, and activities. The lectures are designed to
promote dialogue on issues addressed in textbook and readings as well as to provide additional
information beyond what is included in the textbook.
COURSE POLICIES: GRADE COMPONENTS
1. EXAMS: There will be three exams for the course, which will test students’ ability to understand
the course material. The exams will include multiple-choice, true/false, fill in the blank, and
short answer questions. Please note that anything covered in lectures, the readings, and
activities is fair game for the exams. The exams are NOT cumulative.
 Exams must be taken during scheduled exam time.
 If you arrive late and a student has already left the exam room, you will NOT be able
to take the exam.
 Students cannot take any exam materials out of the room (e.g. extra copies, loose
pages, pictures of the exam, etc.); failure to do so will result in a grade of ZERO.
Missed exams & emergencies:
 In general, exams missed without prior approval will receive a grade of zero.


If you participate in a University sanctioned event that conflicts with the exam date, please
contact me one week prior to the exam to make other arrangements.
In case of other emergencies (death in the family, hospitalization, or other extenuating
circumstances) please contact me immediately. Make ups will be approved on a case-bycase basis and require verifiable documentation (e. g. dated funeral program, hospital
discharge note, etc.) submitted within one week after the missed exam.
2. QUIZZES: Throughout the semester you will receive five pop quizzes, which will be based on
the readings assigned for that class day or prior class material. The purpose of the quizzes is to
ensure that you are able to acquire some of the key concepts used in the study of human
communication.
 All quizzes are due immediately following the delegated quiz-taking time.
 All quizzes need to be handed in personally (no exceptions).
 Quizzes will NOT be announced in advance; if you are not present, you will not be
able to take the quiz.
Missed quizzes & emergencies:
 Excused absences are offered for University sanctioned events, religious holidays, and must
be given in print at least one week prior to the event in order to make-up a missed quiz.
 Missed quizzes due to emergencies require verifiable documentation (e. g. dated funeral
program, hospital discharge note, etc.) and must be submitted within one week after the
missed quiz.
3. CREATIVE COMMUNICATION PROJECT: You will complete one creative project which will
give you the opportunity to showcase your ability to communicate visually. The purpose of the
project is to highlight the importance of visual communication in today’s world. Thorough
details will be given in-class.
 Projects will be submitted electronically on HuskyCT. The due dates will be posted
clearly on HuskyCT.
Late work:
 Assignments turned in less than 48 hours-late (from the deadline) have the potential to
earn half-credit (the awarded grade divided by two). After 48 hours, ZERO credit will be
awarded.
 Late work will NOT be accepted unless prior permission is obtained from the instructor.
Only health reasons, accompanied by a doctor’s note and UCONN-approved absences will be
considered.
 In case of a major emergency that prevents you from submitting your work, please contact
me as soon as possible.
4. COMMPENDIUM REFLECTION: You will be required to complete 3 short reflection papers on
three different episodes of your choice of the COMM 1000 podcasts. The podcasts are
conducted and produced by Dr. Stephen Stifano, who is a Professor in the Department of
Communication at UCONN. The link to the podcasts will be posted on HuskyCT.
 The reflections are due on HusckyCT within one week from when the podcast is
posted.
 I will post 6 podcasts over the course of the semester. Completing the assignment
early on is encouraged.
Late work:
 Assignments turned in less than 48hours-late (from the deadline) have the potential to
earn half-credit (the awarded grade divided by two). After 48 hours, ZERO credit will be
awarded.
- Late work will NOT be accepted unless prior permission is obtained from the instructor.
Only health reasons, accompanied by a doctor’s note and UCONN-approved absences will be
considered.
- In case of a major emergency that prevents you from submitting your work, please contact
me as soon as possible.
5. ENGAGEMENT & PARTICIPATION: An important component of the class is in-class/online
activities. Students are expected to actively participate in these activities. Being involved in the
activities/discussions will help you understand the course material and better perform on the
exams.
 Participating in in-class activities: Throughout the semester there will be in-class/online
activities. It is expected that students actively participate in these activities. Activities will
give you the opportunity to reflect on the material discussed in class and apply concepts to
real-world situations.
Missed classes & emergencies:
 Excused absences are offered for University sanctioned events, religious holidays, and must
be given in print at least one week prior to the event in order to make-up an activity.
 Missed activities due to emergencies require verifiable documentation (e. g. dated funeral
program, hospital discharge note, etc.) and must be submitted within one week after the
missed class.
COURSE POLICIES: COURSE PROCEDURES
1. CHALLENGING GRADES: All questions/concerns regarding exam, quiz, and assignment grades
should be done within one week after the grade is posted. After one week of the posting
date, the grade is considered final and cannot be changed. I encourage everybody to visit with
me after an exam or quiz in order to figure out how you can improve.
2. DISCUSSING GRADES
 Grades must be discussed in private, not via email.
 No grades for this course will be altered after a one-week period; alterations only occur due
to clerical or administrative errors.
 Once final grades are posted, grade disputes will not be considered unless the dispute
concerns an assignment or grade that was posted within the previous 7 days.
3. EMAIL POLICY: Your emails will be responded by me within 48 hours. You are free to send
reminders if your emails are unanswered. Please do not expect your emails to be answered
immediately. Emails sent during weekends may be replied on the following Monday.
4. ATTENDANCE: Being there matters – physically and mentally. Learning is a highly experiential
process. Students should be prepared to write, discuss, and participate in each class session.
Readings are assigned and should be completed for their assigned days. You are expected to
remain in the classroom until class is over and not to start packing up until the instructor ends
class. Although attendance is not taken, please email the instructor if you are going to be absent
for any rare, unavoidable reason.
 Being Late: Although I do understand that unexpected situations might occur, please arrive
to class in a timely manner. Entering the classroom late is a distraction for both me and
your peers.
NOTE: Job interviews, tests or papers in other classes, and meetings with other instructors
are not valid excuses. Schedule these during times which will not conflict with class.
5. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: In order to maintain focus and foster a learning-friendly
environment, it would be in the best interest of everyone concerned to avoid using the Internet
for casual browsing and personal reasons (email, IM, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Kindly turn cell
phones off or put them on silent mode during class. To avoid being distracted, please
place your phone in your bag or pocket. Neither instructor nor student should be subject to
others’ behavior that is rude, disruptive, intimidating, or demeaning. Please avoid racist, sexist,
homophobic or other negative language that may unnecessarily exclude members of our
campus and classroom. This is not an exhaustive list of behaviors; rather, it represents
examples of the types of things that can have a dramatic impact on the class environment. Such
behaviors are noticed both by me and by other students and make it difficult for everyone to
concentrate in class.
 NOTE: If at any point I have to stop class to tell you to stop disrupting the group, I
reserve the right to reduce your overall course grade.
6. FINAL EXAMS: Final exam week for Fall 2019 takes place from Monday, December 9th through
Sunday, December 15, 2019. Students are required to be available for their exam during the
stated time. If you have a conflict with this time, you must visit the Dean of Students Office to
discuss the possibility of rescheduling this exam. Please note that vacations, previously
purchased tickets or reservations, social events, misreading the exam schedule and oversleeping are not viable excuses for missing a final exam. If you think that your situation
warrants permission to reschedule, please contact the Dean of Students Office with any
questions. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
7. STUDENT RESPONSABILITIES & RESOURCES: As a member of the University of Connecticut
student community, you are held to certain standards and academic policies. In addition, there
are numerous resources available to help you succeed in your academic work. Review these
important standards, policies and resources, which include:
 The Student Code
o Academic Integrity
o Resources on Avoiding Cheating and Plagiarism
 Copyrighted Materials
 Netiquette and Communication
 Adding or Dropping a Course
 Academic Calendar
 Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Inappropriate Romantic
Relationships
 Sexual Assault Reporting Policy
IMPORTANT: This course will use anti-plagiarism software to compare your work to the work of
previous students as well as to any information posted on the Internet. By submitting assignments,
you are agreeing to allow the instructor use this software. If there is evidence of academic
misconduct, you will receive an F in the course and a note in your permanent academic record. Any
student with a question about academic integrity or plagiarism is strongly encouraged to discuss it
with the instructor.
8. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: The University of Connecticut is committed to protecting the
rights of individuals with disabilities and assuring that the learning environment is accessible.
If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability or pregnancy,
please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options. Students who require
accommodations should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities, Stamford Campus
Room 201, (203) 251-8508 or https://stamfordstudentlife.uconn.edu/disability-services/
 Additionally, we recognize that some students require accommodations from the
CSD that may require flexibility on certain course policies (such as due dates for
assignments, or absences from class.) We will work hard to meet these
accommodations, but it is your responsibility to discuss these accommodations with
your instructor as soon as possible, and to contact your instructor about any missed
work as soon as you can return to class and complete work. Waiting until the end of
the semester to revisit missed assignments is unacceptable – please do your part to
stay in communication with us about any outstanding work that falls under your
accommodations immediately when you are able to, as this is the only way that we
can guarantee you an opportunity to complete missed work and/or makeup
assignments.
9. SOFTWARE/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (with Accessibility and Privacy Information):
The software/technical requirements for this course include:
● HuskyCT/Blackboard (HuskyCT/ Blackboard Accessibility Statement, HuskyCT/ Blackboard
Privacy Policy)
● Adobe Acrobat Reader (Adobe Reader Accessibility Statement, Adobe Reader Privacy
Policy)
● Google Apps (Google Apps @ UConn Accessibility, Google for Education Privacy Policy)
● Microsoft Office (free to UConn students through uconn.onthehub.com) (Microsoft
Accessibility Statement, Microsoft Privacy Statement)
● Dedicated access to high-speed internet with a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps (4 Mbps or
higher is recommended).
NOTE: This course has NOT been designed for use with mobile devices.
10. HELP: Technical and Academic Help provides a guide to technical and academic assistance. This
course is completely facilitated online using the learning management platform, HuskyCT. If you
have difficulty accessing HuskyCT, you have access to the in person/live person support options
available during regular business hours through the Help Center. You also have 24x7 Course
Support including access to live chat, phone, and support documents.
11. MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS : To be successful in this course, you will need the following
technical skills:
 Use electronic mail with attachments.
 Save files in commonly used word processing program formats.
 Copy and paste text, graphics or hyperlinks.
 Work within two or more browser windows simultaneously.
 Open and access PDF files.
University students are expected to demonstrate competency in Computer Technology. Explore the
Computer Technology Competencies page for more information.
12. EVALUATION OF THE COURSE: Students will be provided an opportunity to evaluate
instruction in this course using the University's standard procedures, which are administered
by the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE).
Additional informal formative surveys may also be administered within the course as an optional
evaluation tool.
13. SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE: The University of Connecticut offers several resources to the
student in need. Here are some useful links:
 Office of Student Services: http://stamfordstudentlife.uconn.edu/
 Counseling Center: http://counselingcenter.stamford.uconn.edu/
 Stamford Campus Academic Advising: http://academicadvising.stamford.uconn.edu/
 UConn Sexual Violence, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Awareness
http://sexualviolence.uconn.edu/
 UConn Equity, Diversity, Equal Employment, and Affirmative Action
http://www.ode.uconn.edu/index.php
14. COPYRIGHT POLICY: My lectures, notes, handouts, and displays are protected by state
common law and federal copyright law. They are my own original expression and I've recorded
them prior or during my lecture in order to ensure that I obtain copyright protection. Students
are authorized to take notes in my class; however, this authorization extends only to making
one set of notes for your own personal use and no other use. I will inform you as to whether you
are authorized to record my lectures at the beginning of each semester. If you are so authorized
to record my lectures, you may not copy this recording or any other material, provide copies of
either to anyone else, or make a commercial use of them without prior permission from me.
 NOTE: Students CANNOT take pictures of the lecture slides.
UNIVERISITY POLICIES
15. POLICY AGAINST DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND RELATED INTERPERSONAL
VIOLENCE: The University is committed to maintaining an environment free of discrimination
or discriminatory harassment directed toward any person or group within its community –
students, employees, or visitors. Academic and professional excellence can flourish only when
each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of mutual respect. All members of
the University community are responsible for the maintenance of an academic and work
environment in which people are free to learn and work without fear of discrimination or
discriminatory harassment. In addition, inappropriate amorous relationships can undermine
the University’s mission when those in positions of authority abuse or appear to abuse their
authority. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits
discrimination and discriminatory harassment, as well as inappropriate amorous relationships,
and such behavior will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including
dismissal from the University. Additionally, to protect the campus community, all nonconfidential University employees (including faculty) are required to report sexual assaults,
intimate partner violence, and/or stalking involving a student that they witness or are told
about to the Office of Institutional Equity. The University takes all reports with the utmost
seriousness. Please be aware that while the information you provide will remain private, it will
not be confidential and will be shared with University officials who can help. More information
is available at equity.uconn.edu and titleix.uconn.edu.
16. STATEMENT ON ABSENCE FROM CLASS DUE TO RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Faculty and instructors are strongly encouraged to make
reasonable accommodations in response to student requests to complete work missed by
absence resulting from religious observances or participation in extra-curricular activities that
enrich their experience, support their scholarly development, and benefit the University
community. Examples include participation in scholarly presentations, performing arts, and
intercollegiate sports, when the participation is at the request of, or coordinated by, a
University official. Such accommodations should be made in ways that do not dilute or preclude
the requirements or learning outcomes for the course. Students anticipating such a conflict
should inform their instructor in writing within the first three weeks of the semester, and prior
to the anticipated absence, and should take the initiative to work out with the instructor a
schedule for making up missed work. For conflicts with final examinations, students should
contact the Office of the Dean of Students. Faculty and instructors are also encouraged to
respond when the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes (CPIA) requests student
progress reports. This will enable the counselors to give our students appropriate advice.
COMM 1000 COURSE SCHEDULE
Date
Week 1
8/26
8/28
Mode
Lecture
Readings
F2F
F2F
Course Syllabus
Ch. 1 (p. 2-31)
8/30
F2F
Introduction to the course
The Process of Human
Communication
The Process of Human
Communication
Week 2
9/2
9/4
F2F
9/6
F2F
Week 3
9/9
9/11
F2F
Online
Person Perception
Person Perception
Ch. 2 (p. 32-57)
Ch. 2 (p. 32-57)
9/13
F2F
Person Perception
Ch. 2 (p. 32-57)
Week 4
9/16
F2F
The Verbal Message
Ch. 3 (p. 58-88)
9/18
9/20
Week 5
9/23
9/25
F2F
F2F
The Verbal Message
The Verbal Message
Ch. 3 (p. 58-88)
Ch. 3 (p. 58-88)
F2F
F2F
The Nonverbal Message
The Nonverbal Message
Ch. 4 (p. 118-157)
Ch. 4 (p. 118-157)
9/27
Week 6
9/30
F2F
Exam Review
F2F
EXAM 1
10/2
F2F
10/4
F2F
Interpersonal
Communication
Interpersonal
Communication
Week 7
10/7
F2F
Relationships in Process
10/9
F2F
Relationships in Process
10/11
Online
Relationships in Process
Chapter 8 (p. 188219)
Week 8
10/14
F2F
10/16
F2F
Small Group
Communication
Organizational
Communication
Chapter 12 (p.
258-293)
Chapter 14 (p.
294-323)
Online Activity
Assignments Due
Ch. 1 (p. 2-31)
Labor Day – No Class
Studying Communication
as a Science
Studying Communication
as a Science
Online assignment 1
DUE 9/9
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Podcast Reflection
Comm. as Science
DUE 9/11
Online assignment 2
DUE 9/13
Podcast Reflection
Perception DUE9/16
Online assignment 3
DUE 10/1
Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, &
Communication
as a Science
Chapter 9 (p. 158187)
Chapter 9 (p. 158187)
Chapter 8 (p. 188219)
Chapter 8 (p. 188219)
Creative Comm.
Project DUE 10/7
Podcast Reflection
Interpersonal
Comm. DUE 10/9
Online assignment 4
DUE 10/12
Podcast Reflection
Relational Comm.
DUE 10/16
10/18
Online
Small Group & Org.
Comm.
Chs. 12 & 14
Online assignment 5
DUE 10/18
Week 9
10/21
Online
Conflict
10/23
Online
Conflict
Chapter 6 (p. 230257)
Chapter 6 (p. 230257)
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Online assignment 6
DUE 10/23
Ch. 9, 8, 12, 14, &
6
Chapter 1 (p. 324348)
Chapter 1 (p. 324348)
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Chapter 13 (p.
350-381)
Chapter 13 (p.
350-381)
Chapter 13 (p.
350-381)
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Online assignment 7
DUE 11/8
The Internet and Social
Media
Chapter 10 (p.
392-421)
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
10/25
Online
Week 10
10/28
F2F/
Online
10/30
Online
11/1
Online
Online Exam 2 Review
Exam 2
An Overview of
Electronic Media
An Overview of
Electronic Media
Week 11
11/4
Online
Mass Communication
11/6
Online
Mass Communication
11/8
Online
Mass Communication
Week 12
11/11
Online
11/13
Online
The Internet and Social
Media
Chapter 10 (p.
392-421)
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
11/15
Online
The Internet and Social
Media
How Psychology
Will Shape the
Future of Social
Media Marketing
(p. 388-390)
The Individual in
a Networked
World: Two
Scenarios (p. 422425)
Online assignment 8
DUE 11/15
Week 13
11/18
Online
Persuasion
11/20
Online
Persuasion
11/22
Online
Persuasion
Week 14 (11/25-11/29) – Thanksgiving break! No classes!
Week 15
12/2
Online Health Communication
12/4
Online
12/6
Online
Week 16
Health Communication
Exam 3 Review
Podcast Reflection
Mass Comm. DUE
11/11
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Online assignment 9
DUE 11/22
Watch lectures
posted on HuskyCT
Online assignment 10
DUE 12/6
Podcast Reflection
Crisis Comm. DUE
12/2
12/912/15
F2F/
Online
Exam 3 (Date & Time
To Be Announced)
Ch. 1, 13,10,
Persuasion, &
Health
Communication
*** Dates, readings, and times are subject to change. All changes will be announced via HuskyCT***