Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
Part 3 Instructor Course Syllabus
*This is a continuation of the Department/Division syllabus. Please review Parts 1 and 2 in that separate document.
16. Course Information
Summer 2021/COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication (2nd 8-weeks-online)–Sections
0004 & 0010
*This is an online class – students are expected to have computer/high-speed internet access.
Failure to complete assignments due to computer/internet issues will not be excused. Wake
Tech has numerous computer labs available to students.
*This is an “asynchronous” class - any “live” online meetings will be optional, never required.
Instructor Information
Instructor: Kate Jones
Email: kcjones@waketech.edu
Phone: 919-532-5543 (voicemail only – not recommended)
Office Hours: Virtual this semester – email me to set up a Teams appointment to “meet”
virtually
Like all professors, I am available to meet during my office hours. However, I know those times
aren't always convenient. Do you work during normal business hours or work odd shifts? Do
you have kids "home schooling" this semester? I get it! I am HAPPY to meet with you outside of
my office hours. Send me an email or Teams chat and we can quickly set up a time to meet via
email, phone, or a "live" Teams meeting.
Also, I know you often need answers to your questions quickly. Therefore, I check email at
least once daily. If you send me an email and you don’t hear back within 24 hours, please email
me again. Chances are the first one didn’t go through.
17. Instructor Policies
Communication
This course is conducted entirely in Blackboard. All students are required to login to Blackboard
regularly to access course information, assignment instructions, and announcements. Login
information for Blackboard is the same as for students’ Wake Tech email accounts.
Email and Blackboard are the only ways I have to reach you – be sure to check both
frequently! Not checking your email/Blackboard often enough is not a justified reason for missing
important information, announcements, or emails from your instructor. Over my many years
teaching online I have found that students who don’t regularly check their email and Blackboard
routinely fall behind. Make it a habit early on – I promise you won’t regret it.
Please only email me from your Wake Tech email account and be sure to sign all of your
emails with your full name, course number, and section number. I have a LOT of online
students and it is helpful for me to be able to quickly place you in the right course and section
when I’m checking my email – especially if I’m checking from my phone or after normal
business hours.
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Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
A note about communicating via Teams: Teams has a chat function that allows you to send
messages. It isn’t the best way to reach me though, because it is more difficult for me to check
than email (which I get on my phone). You are welcome to send me a note via Teams, but if it
is a time sensitive message, I strongly recommend you use email instead.
Attendance
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Attendance in online courses is governed by the same standards as seated courses.
Because we only meet online, our attendance is counted when work is submitted. As
such, there are two attendance policies you must follow:
1. Students must be present for at least 90% of the class work/time, which means
missing no more than three of the 30(+) assignments due this semester.
In the event that a student violates the attendance policy (missing 4+
assignments) and the “absences” are not justified to the satisfaction of the
instructor, the instructor will submit a Student Course Withdrawal Form and
the student will be withdrawn from the class. If there are extenuating
circumstances, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor within 24
hours and provide documentation when asked to do so. It is the student’s
responsibility to update themselves on course information/assignments missed.
2. Students who go more than 10 days without posting any work may be
withdrawn from the class due to inactivity and students who go more than 13
days without posting any work WILL be withdrawn.
Most assignments are due on Sunday and Thursday of each week; however, there are
some exceptions to this. Please pay close attention to due dates in each Lesson to
ensure you submit your work on time. This is particularly important during the Group
Project section of the course where assignments will be due more frequently throughout
the week.
Students should keep up with their number of absences by checking the “Absences”
column in the Blackboard grade book. In an online class, it is especially critical that
students keep up with assignments to avoid violating the attendance policy.
Evaluation
You will have many opportunities during this course to demonstrate your understanding of
course concepts. I will support your efforts in several ways:
 I will provide an efficient grade turn around (usually one week or less) so that you can
keep track of your standing in the course throughout the semester.
 I will discuss grades during office hours, by appointment on Teams, or over email after
you have completed form 1126 as part of our first assignment.
 I will round up the final grade above .5. For example, an 89.5 will round up to a 90.
 I will post at least one extra credit assignment on Blackboard during the course of the
semester.
 I will drop your lowest quiz grade and your lowest discussion board grade.
Grading Categories
Course Requirements
Discussion Board Postings**
Major Skill Building Assignments
Minor Skill Building Assignments
Media Analysis Paper
10%
20%
10%
10%
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Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
Quizzes**
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Group Project Assignments
10%
15%
15%
10%
Grade Breakdown
Percentage: A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = 0-59*
*Note: final grades are only rounded up when the grade ends in .5 or higher (ex. 89.5 would
round up to a “A” for the course, whereas a 89.4 would stay a “B.”)
**Note: I don’t allow make up chapter quizzes or discussion boards, but I drop the lowest grade
(including zeros) for those two assignments. This gives you a little make up room if you miss
such an assignment. There are also opportunities for small extra credit assignments throughout
the semester, so please keep an eye out for them.
Grading Review Statement
At any time during the semester I will be happy to meet with a student during a scheduled
appointment to discuss a particular grade or assignment. However, do not ask me to forecast
or ensure you will receive a certain grade at the end of the semester. Students have access to
grades on Blackboard and should keep up with them throughout the semester. Form 1126 must
be completed in order to discuss grades, attendance, or any specific academic matters via
email – no exceptions.
Assignment Guidelines
General Guidelines
Online learning can feel overwhelming. The key is to remain organized and set up a routine
early in the semester and it is my goal to help you stay on track. Therefore, our class schedule
should become second nature to you fairly quickly. Specifically, our course is organized into
weekly lesson folders, as listed on the course calendar at the end of this Instructor Syllabus.
You’ll notice that our due dates fall on the same days each week (as much as possible). In
addition, within Blackboard, each week’s assignments are listed at the top of each lesson folder
and corresponding assignment handouts and submission links are located within each lesson
folder. Your best bet for success is to open the lesson folder every Monday morning and set a
schedule for the week (phone alarms work well for due dates as well!) Staying organized is the
number one “tip" from students who have been successful in this class. Follow their advice and
you should be on your way to a great semester.
Note: Blackboard offers a “calendar” function with due dates for your classes. Keep in mind that
the assignments listed in the calendar may not be a comprehensive list. Rather than relying on
the calendar dates, please refer to our syllabus and the weekly assignments list found at the
beginning of each weekly Lesson Folder.
Please keep these guidelines in mind for all assignments in order to avoid unnecessary
deductions:
 Read the directions for each assignment carefully.
 Review any rubrics provided.
 Complete and include all requirements as outlined in the individual assignment
handouts
 Write all formal papers in MLA format.
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Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
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Use MLA citations when referencing sources.
Submit all assignments as Word documents (free for students). NOTE: “Pages”
documents from a Mac product will NOT open in Blackboard. If you are using a Mac,
please contact IT to find out the best way to submit assignments via Blackboard.
Be aware of how much each assignment “weighs” as it relates to the course final grade.
Be sure assignments appear professional and adhere to basic writing guidelines,
including punctuation, spelling, grammar, etc. Assignments with numerous grammatical
and spelling errors will receive point deductions.
Be sure assignments are written in the appropriate tone and adhere to “netiquette” and
WTCC Code of Conduct guidelines.
Specific Guidelines
Discussions
Discussion board questions give students an opportunity to reflect on and discuss course
content with their peers. Students are expected to positively and appropriately contribute to the
learning environment by engaging in class discussions via these assignments. Unless otherwise
noted, initial postings should include class terms and be at least 100 words in length. In
addition, unless otherwise noted, each discussion posting requires at least two responses to
classmates’ posts, and each reply must be at least 50 words in length. Discussion board
postings will become available at 8:00am on Monday of the week they are due and must be
completed no later than 11:59pm on the due date. After 11:59pm, the discussion board will be
unavailable. Discussion Postings make up 10% of your overall grade. Discussion Board
Postings will not be accepted late, but your lowest discussion board grade will be dropped.
Quizzes
Timed quizzes will be given for designated chapters as outlined in the course schedule. Quizzes
will become available at 8:00am on Monday of the week they are due and must be completed
no later than 11:59pm on the due date. After 11:59pm, the quiz will be unavailable. Students
should access quizzes from a secure, reliable internet connection as they are timed and only
accessible once. Wireless connections (Wi-Fi) should be avoided when completing
quizzes/tests as the connection can easily be disrupted, kicking you out of the quiz/test. If a
student exits out of an unfinished quiz, intentionally or unintentionally, they should pull the quiz
back up right away and finish it in the time allowed. The clock will still be running, so be sure to
work quickly if a disconnect occurs. There are no resets/do-overs or make-ups for missed
quizzes. Quizzes make up 10% of your overall grade. Chapter Quizzes will not be accepted
late, but your lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
Skill Building Assignments – Major (+)
Various major skill building assignments will be assigned throughout the semester. Students
should review assignment directions posted in Blackboard carefully and submit assignments by
the due date/time and in the format requested. These assignments are designed to help you
further consider, apply, and practice the concepts we are discussing in each lesson. Though
they serve a similar purpose, they require more time and effort than Minor Skill Building
Assignments. These assignments are worth 20% of your overall grade. Major Skill Building
Assignments may be accepted late for partial credit.
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Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
Skill Building Assignments – Minor (-)
Various minor skill building assignments will be assigned throughout the semester. Students
should review assignment directions posted in Blackboard carefully and submit assignments by
the due date/time and in the format requested. These assignments are designed to help you
further consider, apply, and practice the concepts we are discussing in each lesson. Though
they serve a similar purpose, they require less time and effort than Major Skill Building
Assignments. These assignments are worth 10% of your overall grade. Minor Skill Building
Assignments will not be accepted late.
Media Analysis Paper (Course paper)
Students are required to complete a formal paper in this class. Please note: The Media Analysis
Paper will require students to select a current TV show from several options posted by the
instructor. (Exceptions will be made for accessibility reasons). Additional information about the
paper will be posted in Blackboard. This paper is worth 10% of your overall grade. The Media
Analysis Paper may be accepted late for partial credit.
Tests
There are two tests in this course. They are each worth 10% of the total course grade. Each
test will consist of material covered in the assigned readings and class discussions leading up to
the test. Please note – you are not required to come to campus to complete these tests. Both
tests will be completed online – just be sure you have a secure network connection to avoid any
technical issues. Tests will not be accepted late.
Group Project
Students will work within an assigned group to complete a project, worth 10% of the total course
grade. All group members are expected to contribute equally and work may be assessed
individually and as a group. Details of the group project will be posted in Blackboard. The group
project takes place over one week’s time and you will be required to check in with your group
and complete assignments daily during the group portion of the class. Group assignments will
not be accepted late.
Late Work
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All class work must be turned in on time in order to receive full credit and several
assignments will not be accepted late at all.
Assignments due on a particular day must be submitted in Blackboard and time stamped
by 11:59 PM that day or will be considered late.
Each Weekly Lesson’s assignments will become available at 8:00am on Monday of the
week they are due and must be completed no later than 11:59pm on the due date. After
11:59pm, the assignments will be unavailable.
Late Discussion Board Postings and Chapter Quizzes will not be graded and will result
in a 0 for the assignment, as well as an accrued absence.
Late Minor Skill Building Assignments will not be graded and will result in a 0 for the
assignment, as well as an accrued absence.
Late Major Skill Building Assignments will be accepted for up to half credit if the following
conditions are met: The student emails me within 24 hours of the due date and asks
permission to turn the assignment in late, and the assignment is turned in within 36
hours of the due date. This exception is only made once per semester. If these
conditions are not met, it will result in a 0 for the assignment, as well as an accrued
absence.
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Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
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Papers will be accepted late for up to half credit if the following conditions are met: The
student emails me within 24 hours of the due date and asks permission to turn the
assignment in late, and the assignment is turned in within 36 hours of the due date. This
exception is only made once per semester. If these conditions are not met, it will result in
a 0 for the assignment, as well as an accrued absence.
The Midterm and Final Exams will not be accepted late. After the due dates for these
assignments pass you will not be able to access the tests and it will result in a “0” for the
assignment, as well as an accrued absence,
The Group Project has a series of due dates which must be met in order to receive full
credit for the assignment. (See the Small Group Handout for specific attendance
penalties for that section of the course). Failure to meet the due dates will result in a
grade deduction, as well as accrued absences.
The only exception to the late policies described above is If you experience technical
difficulties when attempting to submit an assignment and you email me BEFORE the
assignment is due. In that case, you should email me a screen capture of the error and
the completed assignment prior to the due date/time in order for the assignment to be
considered. I will notify you within 24 hours if an exception will be made, along with any
directions you need to follow in order to receive a grade. Failure to follow directions on
time (as indicated in my email to you) will result in a 0 for the late assignment. This
exception will not be made more than once a semester. Students who experience
reoccurring issues with assignment submissions must work with IT to resolve those
issues in a timely manner.
Additional Instructor Policies
Life Happens
 With all of this said, I know that life happens and things are especially up in the air these
days. If you find yourself falling behind, please reach out to me. There is usually a
solution for helping you get back on track – but it is MUCH easier to address early on.
 In addition, I know that even the most diligent student can find they miss a weekly
assignment. That’s why I have a make-up policy for (heavily weighted) assignments.
Also, there will be at least one opportunity for extra credit during the semester AND I
drop your lowest quiz and discussion board grades. That means, if you miss a quiz or
discussion board it won’t impact your final grade. Hopefully you can tell that I’m cheering
for you to be successful and putting as many plans as possible into place for you to
excel!
Safe Space
This classroom (though virtual) is a Safe Space: a place or environment in which a person or
category of people can feel confident they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism,
harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm. Please help maintain this by practicing
appropriate netiquette at all time. (See: the “Core Rules of Netiquette” document in the Course
Resources area of Blackboard.)
Important Information Related to Online Learning
Some of you have experience with online learning. For others, this is your first online class.
Either way, online learning is different from classroom learning in ways that go beyond just not
seeing each other face-to-face. Online learning requires attention to detail, which means you
must pay particular attention to due dates and to requirements for assignments. In order to be a
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Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
success, this course is going to require a lot of communication on both our parts. If you’re sick,
send me an e-mail as soon as you’re able. If you get behind in the class, reach out and let me
know and I’ll see what I can do to help you get back on track. Also, please be sure to pay
attention to Blackboard announcements. I post them regularly, usually as reminders of due
dates and pointers for upcoming assignments. Online learning can be challenging, but it can
also be rewarding. I am looking forward to going on this journey together this semester.
18. Important Information
June 3
June 8
July 7
July 29
First Day of Classes
Course Entry Quiz Completion Deadline, 10% point
Deadline for students to withdraw with a grade of W (60% point)
Last day of WTCC classes
19. Course Outline
Be aware that there are numerous assignments due each week.
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Due dates are normally set for Thursdays and Sundays but there may be weeks where
that is not the case, such as for the first lesson, the group project, and the final exam.
Each due date ends at 11:59 PM. Unless an unusual circumstance arises, assignments
will not be due any earlier in the day. Any exception to that policy will be noted in class
announcements.
The assignments and dates listed below provide an overview of what is due each week.
Detailed information about each lesson can be found in the corresponding Lessons
folder in Blackboard.
Dates are tentative and subject to change. Any changes will be indicated via Blackboard.
Course Calendar
Lesson/Date
Lesson 1
Th 6/3 – Su 6/13
Content
Course Overview
Interpersonal Process
Culture and Interpersonal
Communication
Lesson 2
M 6/14 – Su 6/20
Interpersonal Communication
and Self
Perceiving Others
Assignments
Read: Course Syllabus, Chs1&2
Course Entry Quiz – Due Tu 6/8
/Syllabus Confirmation – Due Th 6/10
Policies Quiz – Due Th6/10
Lesson 1 DB – Due Su 6/13
Lesson 1 Quiz (Chs 1&2) – Due Su 6/13
(-) Minor Skill Building 1 – Due Su 6/13
Have Read: Chs 3&4
Lesson 2 DB – Due Th 6/17
Lesson 2 Quiz (Chs 3&4) – Due Th 6/17
(-) Minor Skill Building 2 – Due Sun 6/20
(+) Major Skill Building 1 – Due Su 6/20
(+) Major Skill Building 2 – Due Su 6/20
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Communication and Theatre
Part 3 of 3, Course Outline, Kate Jones
COM 120 – Interpersonal Communication
Lesson/Date
Lesson 3
M 6/21 – Su 6/27
Content
Language
Non-Verbal Communication
Assignments
Have Read: Chs 5&6
Lesson 3 DB – Due Th 6/24
Lesson 3 Quiz (Chs 5&6) – Due Th 6/24
(+) Major Skill Building 3 – Due Su 6/27
Study for Midterm Exam (Completed in Lesson 4)
Lesson 4
M 6/28 – Su 7/4
Review Chs 1-6 to prepare for
Midterm Exam
**Midterm Exam: Opens M 6/28 and due by 11:59
p.m. on Th 7/1**
(Includes MIDTERM
EXAM)
Listening: Receiving and
Responding
Have Read: Chs 7&11
Lesson 4 DB – Due Su 7/4
Lesson 4 Quiz (Chs 7&11) – Due Su 7/4
Managing Conflict
Review requirements for Media Analysis Paper (Due
in Lesson 6)
Lesson 5
M 7/5 – Su 7/11
Dynamics of Interpersonal
Relationships
Communication in Close
Relationships: Friends, Family,
and Romantic Partners
Have Read: Chs 9&10
Lesson 5 DB – Due Th 7/8
Lesson 5 Quiz – (Chs 9&10) - Due Th 7/8
(+) Major Skill Building 4 - Due Su 7/11
(-) Minor Skill Building 3 – Due Su 7/11
(-) Minor Skill Building 4 – Due Su 7/11
**W 7/7 **
Last day to withdraw with a “W”
Blank cell
Lesson 6
M 7/12 – Su 7/18
Emotions
Have Read: Chs 8&12
Lesson 6 DB – Due Th 7/15
Lesson 6 Quiz (Chs 8&12) – Due Th 7/15
(-) Minor Skill Building 5 – Due Th 7/15
Communication Climate
**Media Analysis Paper – Due Su 7/18**
Lesson 7
Group Project
M 7/19 – Su 7/25
Group Project Work
Group Project – Individual Graded Check ins –
Due dates TBD throughout the week
Group Project Part 1 Completed – Due Th 7/22
Group Project Part 2 Completed – Due Su 7/25
(Assignments due
daily in TEAMS)
Study for Final Exam (Completed in Course Wrap up
Lesson)
Lesson 8
Course Wrap Up
M 7/26 – Th 7/29
(Includes
FINAL EXAM)
(-) Minor Skill Building 6 - Due Th 7/29
Review Chapters 7-12 to prepare
for Final Exam
**Final Exam: Opens M 7/26 and Due at 11:59
p.m. on Th 7/29**
Course Evaluation *Ex Credit* - Due Th 7/29
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