COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
NUMBER/SECTION: COMM 102 41K
Spring 2014
CRN: 44309
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor:
First Name:
Last Name:
Phone Number:
Email (Ivy Tech Email):
Office/Campus Location:
Office Hours:
Communication Chair:
First Name:
Last Name:
Phone Number:
Email (Ivy Tech Email):
Office/Campus Location:
Amanda
Harsin
812-265-2580 ext. 4113
aharsin1@ivytech.edu
Madison
Monday 7:30-9:30 AM & 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Monday 9:30-11:30 AM (in Success Center in Library)
Friday 8:00-11:30 AM
Beth
McIlvain
812-265-2580 ext. 4118
bmcilvai@ivytech.edu
Madison, Office 2565
Most technical issues can be solved with a quick phone call. If you need technical help with
Campus Connect, Blackboard, or email, contact Ivy Line at 1-888-IVY-LINE (1-888-489-5463)
and select option 4.
Online Learning Support:
First Name:
Last Name:
Phone Number:
Email (Ivy Tech Email):
Office/Campus Location:
Susanne
Hamner
812/265-2580 x4175
shamner@ivytech.edu
Madison Campus, Room 1255
PREREQUISITES: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a
grade of “C” or better in ENGL 025 Introduction to College Writing II or ENGL 093
Introduction to College Writing and ENGL 032 Reading Strategies for College II or ENGL 083
Reading Strategies for College.
SCHOOL: Liberal Arts and Sciences
PROGRAM: Liberal Arts
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: Lecture: 3
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Summer, 2011
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REVISION: Fall, 2011
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Focuses on the process of interpersonal communication as a
dynamic and complex system of interactions. Provides theory, actual practice, and criticism for
examining and changing human interactions in work, family, and social contexts. Includes
topics such as perception, self-concept language, message encoding and decoding, feedback,
listening skills, conflict management, and other elements affecting interpersonal communication
in various world contexts.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the
student will be expected to:
1. Understand principles and behaviors that contribute to effective interpersonal
Communication in various world contexts.
2. Examine ways in which the “self” grows and develops.
3. Describe the impact of diverse beliefs, attitudes, and values on perceptions
4. Improve listening skills.
5. Increase the ability to give and receive effective feedback.
6. Comprehend the complexities and subtleties of both verbal and nonverbal messages.
7. Identify strengths and weaknesses as an interpersonal communicator.
8. Apply interpersonal communication theory and principles in a variety of evolving
communication contexts.
9. Demonstrate an awareness of empathic and ethical interpersonal communication.
10. Identify causes of and strategies to manage interpersonal conflict.
11. Increase understanding of how technology/media affects interpersonal communication.
12. Apply principle of composition, such as research and documentation, to the theory and
practice of interpersonal communication.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -Perception
Orientation to Interpersonal Communication
Self-concept and self-esteem
Communication models and elements
Language
Relational development and maintenance
Effective listening
Nonverbal communication
Effective conversations
Communication in intimate relationships, and family relationships
workplace Empathic responses
Persuasion and power
Conflict management
Self-disclosure and feedback
Technology and communication
Small group communication
Diversity and multi-cultural ism
REQUIRED TEXT & MATERIALS
Title: POL COMM102 STATEWIDE OLCRS
Author: Kory Floyd
Edition: 1
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Publish Year: 2011
Bundle ISBN: NA
Textbook ISBN: 9780697808684
Access Code ISBN: NA
Lab ISBN: NA
eBook ISBN: NA

You do not have to use this exact ISBN number, as long as you have the 1st edition of
“Interpersonal Communication: The Whole Story” by Kory Floyd.
How to Order Textbook/Materials
All books and materials, unless otherwise noted, should be purchased from the Ivy Tech online
bookstore. To order the texts required for this class or any other course, go to
http://www.ivytech.bkstr.com. Students can order all books and materials for all courses from
this site – regardless of whether it is an online or on-campus course.
In the future, it is advised that students order textbooks and materials before the start of the
semester. Students should use a copy of their course schedule to accurately order books and
materials. Course schedules can be printed from Campus Connect by logging in at
http://cc.ivytech.edu.
Students who live in Indiana and surrounding states will normally receive their book order within
one day from the time the book is shipped from the warehouse. Paying for overnight shipping on
textbook orders from the bookstore is normally not a good use of money as it does not ensure
overnight processing of the order – it only ensures that once the book order has been processed,
it will be shipped out overnight.
Consumable Materials- Pens or Pencils; Printing ability
Technology Needs & Resources
Because this is a web-based course, it is expected that all students who enroll in the course have
Internet access and a basic understanding of computer use (e.g., using e-mail, sending
attachments via e-mail, using web browsers, using word processing software such as Microsoft
Word). Also, it is expected that all students will regularly check their Ivy Tech e-mail accounts
(located in Campus Connect) and/or Blackboard messages as indicated below. Checking your
email and/or Blackboard messages every 48 hours is recommended. This is the PRIMARY
method that the college will utilize to contact students.
Visit the Distance Learning Web site at: http://www.ivytech.edu/online/ for more information
related to technology requirements for online courses. Check with the nearest campus bookstore
for educational pricing if additional software is required for this course.
Most technical issues can be solved with a quick phone call. If you need technical help with
Campus Connect, Blackboard, or email, contact Ivy Line at 1-888-IVY-LINE (1-888-489-5463)
and select option 4.
COLLEGE POLICIES
Academic Honesty Statement
The College is committed to academic integrity in all its practices. The faculty value intellectual
integrity and a high standard of academic conduct. Activities that violate academic integrity
undermine the quality and diminish the value of educational achievement.
Cheating on papers, tests, or other academic works is a violation of College rules. No student
shall engage in behavior that, in the judgment of the instructor of the class, may be construed as
cheating. This may include, but is not limited to, plagiarism or other forms of academic
dishonesty such as the acquisition without permission of tests or other academic materials and/or
distribution of these materials and other academic work. This includes students who aid and abet
as well as those who attempt such behavior.
Copyright Statement
Students shall adhere to the laws governing the use of copyrighted materials. They must insure
that their activities comply with fair use and in no way infringe on the copyright or other
proprietary rights of others and that the materials used and developed at Ivy Tech Community
College contain nothing unlawful, unethical, or libelous and do not constitute any violation of
any right of privacy.
ADA Statement
Ivy Tech Community College seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified
individuals with documented disabilities. If students need an accommodation because of a
documented disability, please contact the Office of Disability Support Services.
COURSE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Due Dates & Deadlines
The Syllabus and Course Calendar are two important tools to help students understand the
course, student and instructor expectations, and deadlines. Both documents can be found under
the “Start Here” button in the course within Blackboard.
Students are required to submit work on time for a chance to receive credit. Deadlines for each
week/assignment are summarized on the course calendar. Students should check the calendar
frequently for deadlines and to be aware of what to expect next. Deadlines are subject to change.
Students are responsible for timely assignment submission. Should a computer system or
network go down, students must still turn in work in a timely manner. Don’t wait until the last
minute. Plan ahead by seeking alternative means for submitting work before needed. Local
libraries and all Ivy Tech Community College campuses can serve as alternative resources.
Contact the closest/most convenient campus or other public lab for schedules and Internet
availability. Not having access to the required software on a home or work computer is not a
legitimate excuse for turning in homework late.
Attendance Policy – Don’t Get Dropped from Class!
While it is important to be timely and on-schedule throughout any course, students need to be
aware of an important college policy. Ivy Tech performs administrative drops for students who
do not “attend” class early in the semester. Attendance in an online course is determined by
whether a student has submitted work or not. Assignments may actually be due on another day
(see course calendar), but students need to turn in something worth points before the NW
deadline in order to avoid being dropped for non-attendance.
To avoid being dropped for non-attendance, students must submit some assignment from the
course calendar no later than January 24.
Instructional Method
This is a face to face course with some computerized component. Each week’s assignments and
readings are summarized on the Course Calendar, accessed from the “Start Here” menu button in
Blackboard. Each week we will work in a computer lab on the assignments.
Grades
All grades will be maintained in Blackboard’s online grade book. Students are responsible to
track their progress by referring to the online grade book. Students can generally expect to
receive grades and feedback within seven days of the assignment due date. If exceptions occur,
the instructor may notify students of changes to this expectation.
Make-Up Policy
An assignment is considered "late" if it is not completed or ready to be turned in on the due date
at the beginning of class time. Any late assignment will receive a deduction of 20%.
The student must contact the instructor via email when an assignment is missed to communicate
plans for completing the assignment. Late assignment deductions can only be waived with
documented excuses.
Last Day to Withdraw
If a student wishes to withdraw from this course, students are responsible for completing an
official withdrawal form with the registrar. Your local registrar contact information can be
looked up using the link in the HELP button in your course in Blackboard. The last day to
withdraw from this course is April 12, 2014.
Right of Revision
The college reserves the right to change any statements, policies or scheduling as necessary.
Students will be informed promptly of any and all changes.
COURSE COMMUNICATION
Instructor Commitment
Ivy Tech Community College instructors are committed to responding to students within 36 hours,
including weekends. If a student sends communication, but does not receive a response, they
should double-check that the correct communication method was used and that the correct location
is being checked for a reply. Students can contact their local Online Technologies Support with
questions (http://ivytech.edu/online/contacts.html).
NOTE: Messages are very different from Email. Students should carefully review the
information below to ensure they are sending and receiving course communication properly.
Email: all students must use the email function of the course for course-related communications.
Students can send email from within the course in Blackboard, but will not receive responses
inside the course. All emails are received in the Campus Connect email system. Students can
also use the Campus Connect email system to send email.
To access email from within the course:
1. Log into Blackboard & enter the course.
2. Look below the green course menu buttons on the left side.
3. Click on Communication, then send email. Please DO NOT use the MESSAGES feature
inside Communication.
4. Select “All Instructor Users” to email the instructor.
5. To send an email to another member of the class, choose Select Users and choose the
name(s) from the list. Use the right-facing arrow to move the person into the “recipient”
box.
To access Campus Connect, go to: http://cc.ivytech.edu.
Online Communication Etiquette: Students are expected to uphold their responsibilities in
terms of appropriate and professional communication with faculty and peers. Please review the
‘Students Rights and Responsibilities’ section of the student handbook and review common
netiquette (Internet etiquette) practices, like those found at: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.
ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING
Quizzes
This class includes 12 quizzes, one for each chapter.
Discussion Board
Students have the option of completing the discussion components of the course either within the
classroom or online. After reading each chapter you will go to the Discussion Board and answer
questions about the reading. Each discussion grade, whether you complete online or in the
classroom conversation is worth 25 points. A rubric explaining how any online discussion forum
posts will be graded can be found in the Resources area of the class.
Media Links
You are expected to find related material on the web about each chapter and email it to your
instructor prior to the start of class at aharsin1@ivytech.edu. There are 100 total points for these
assignments. The class will then view and discuss the application and usefulness of the links.
Intercultural Experience Assignment
As the world becomes smaller and the workplace becomes more diverse you will increasingly
work, socialize, and live with people from other cultures. This assignment asks you to
experience a culture during the semester which is very different than your own and then write a
750-1,000 word paper about what you learned. This assignment is worth 100 points.
Group Project Assignment
As interpersonal communication is communication between two people who are in some kind of
relationship, learning to work with others is an essential skill. This assignment combines that
skill with computer mediated communication to create a simulation which should mirror the
modern workplace. You will be assigned to a group to create a multimedia presentation about
different research studies affecting interpersonal communication. This assignment is worth 100
points.
Movie Application Paper
One of the most difficult interpersonal situations you are likely to deal with is conflict. Since
conflict impacts every aspect of your life you are asked to study this problem by writing a paper
in which you analyze a movie about conflict and apply the concepts learned in this class. This
assignment is worth 100 points. A movie will be shown in class prior to the due date for the
movie application paper.
Details about the Intercultural Experience Assignment, the Group Project Assignment, the
Movie Application Paper, and a rubric explaining how each will be graded can be found in the
session folders on the date it is assigned and the date it is due. Check the Course Calendar for
those specific dates. You will also find the assignment and rubric in the Resources area of the
class.
Note Well: Your instructor may not have access to the same computer or word processing
software you use. All papers must be saved as .RTF (rich text format) or Microsoft Word
documents.
How is my grade calculated?
Your Grades in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Project
12 Quizzes (25 pts each)
12 Discussions(25 pts each)
Media Links
Intercultural Experience Paper
Group Project
Movie Application Paper
Total 1,000 points
300
300
100
100
100
100
% Value
30%
30%
10%
10%
10%
10%
*NO extra credit will be available at any time during the course.
Grading Scale
900 – 1,000 pts
800 – 899 pts
700 – 799 pts
600 – 699 pts
599 pts or less
A
B
C
D
F
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Optional Campus Support
Students are welcome to use the services and equipment available at the most convenient Ivy
Tech Campus. Services include academic advising, equipment, libraries, and tutoring. Please
locate the most convenient Ivy Tech campus by reviewing the information at
http://ivytech.edu/campuses/.
Library
The Ivy Tech Library is available to students on- and off-campus, offering full text journals,
books, and other resources essential for course assignments. The Library can be accessed from
the “Library” tab in Blackboard or from the “Library” tab in Campus Connect.
Click for Help
Log into Blackboard at http://dl.ivytech.edu and visit the “Click for Help” tab for information
about computer downloads. This tab provides students with important computer information,
including security software, viewer software for users without Microsoft products, adobe reader,
flash player, java, and more.
Disabilities Services
Students with questions or needs for disabilities support services should contact their local
Disabilities Support Services director/coordinator. In the future, it is recommended that students
contact Disabilities Support Services at least 30 days before the start of the semester. The contact
information listed here is for the disabilities support director/coordinator at the instructor’s
local campus. For information about disabilities support services at another campus, please visit:
http://ivytech.edu/dss/ or Campus Connect (http://cc.ivytech.edu).
Disabilities Support Contact:
First Name:
Tim
Last Name:
Renners
Phone Number:
812-265-2580 ext. 4106
Email (Ivy Tech Email):
trenners@ivytech.edu
Pronto ID:
trenners
Office/Campus Location:
Library/Madison
Course Calendar Showing Activities and Due Dates
Session
Topic/Content
1
Course Orientation
 Course Overview,
Syllabus, Introductions
 Begin Intercultural
Experience Assignment
About Communication
 Chapter 1
2
3
Culture and Gender
 Chapter 2

4
Communication and the Self
 Chapter 3
5
Intercultural Experience Due
6
Interpersonal Perception
 Chapter 4
7
Language
 Chapter 5
8
Nonverbal Communication
 Chapter 6
Spring Break
Learning Activity & Assessments
Due Date
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Syllabus
Introductions
Wednesday
1/15/14
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Read Chapter 1
Session 2 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Quiz
Read Chapter 2
Session 3 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 2
Chapter 2 Quiz
Read Chapter 3
Session 4 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Quiz
Intercultural Experience
Assignment DUE
Read Chapter 4
Session 6 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 4
Chapter 4 Quiz
Read Chapter 5
Session 7 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 5
Chapter 5 Quiz
Read Chapter 6
Session 8 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 6
Chapter 6 Quiz including
international nonverbal
communication
No Class
Wednesday
1/22/14
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Wednesday
1/29/14
Wednesday
2/5/14
Wednesday
2/12/14
Wednesday
2/19/14
Wednesday
2/26/14
Wednesday
3/5/14
3/12/14
Course Calendar Showing Activities and Due Dates
Session
Topic/Content
9
Listening
 Chapter 7
10
Interpersonal Communication
in
Social Relationships
 Chapter 8
Group Project
11
12
13
Intimate Relationships
 Chapter 9
 Begin Movie Application
Paper
Interpersonal Conflict
 Chapter 10
14
Interpersonal Conflict
15
Deceptive Communication
 Chapter 11
16
Emotion
 Chapter 12
Learning Activity & Assessments
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Read Chapter 7
Session 9 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 7
Chapter 7 Quiz
Read Chapter 8
Session 10 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 8
Chapter 8 Quiz
Group Project for Culture
Speech
Read Chapter 9
Session 12 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 9
Chapter 9 Quiz
Read Chapter 10
Session 13 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 10
Chapter 10 Quiz
Watch Movie in-class for
Movie Application Paper
Read Chapter 11
Session 15 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 11
Chapter 11 Quiz
Movie Application Paper DUE
Read Chapter 12
Session 16 – Discussion
Media Links about Chapter 12
Chapter 12 Quiz
Due Date
Wednesday
3/19/14
Wednesday
3/26/14
Wednesday
4/2/14
Wednesday
4/9/14
Wednesday
4/16/14
Wednesday
4/23/14
Wednesday
4/30/14
Wednesday
5/7/14