Intensive English Program at The Ohio State University
College Culture and Interpersonal Communication / Spring 2015 / 1
Instructor:
Roger Anderson
Office:
060 Arps Hall
Class Time: Thursdays 11:30-1:30pm
6 class sessions (half-semester)
Email: Anderson.2299@osu.edu
Office Hours: by appointment only
Class Location: 322 Enarson Building
Course Overview
This course is designed to increase student awareness of American college culture and to focus on
speaking skills for basic, social communication. This course will include conversation groups with
native English speaking college students, cultural observations, interactive activities outside of class,
analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication, and discussions on current, cross-cultural topics to
give students opportunities for informal communication.
Necessary Materials (Expected to be brought to every class):
Laptop or tablet with Internet access, pen/pencil/eraser, notebook paper
**Students must have a reliable internet connection for this course. Please check email daily!
Course Objectives
The student will
 practice in-class and perform out-of-class basic interpersonal communication skills in face-toface interactions.
 practice and demonstrate oral communication skills and strategies in recovering in spoken
interactions (repair, requests for repeat, phonology)
 demonstrate spoken communication proficiency skills in group presentation
 demonstrate spoken communication proficiency skills in impromptu spoken activities
 demonstrate spoken communication proficiency in small group topic-focused conversation
groups
 discuss and analyze verbal and nonverbal communication to aid in understanding messages
 demonstrate understanding of cross-cultural topics in written and oral communication
 participate honestly and appropriately in blog entries on cultural experience activities
 analyze, reflect, and report on communication strengths and weaknesses, goals, and strategies
to improve interpersonal communication skills
Student Responsibilities:
Students are expected to
 Attend all classes with required materials. Students must attend 80% of all classes for
international student status.
 Arrive on time and remain for the entire class session.
 Participate in class exercises and discussion.
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Complete all assignments on-time.
Notify instructor by email or text in case of absence.
Communicate with instructor regarding your progress in the course.
Take tests and complete individual assignments independently.
General Instructional Methods:
Small/large group work, class discussions, computer usage
Grading
Class participation/attendance
Assignments and final group presentation
50%
50%
Classroom Behavior
 Courteous and respectful behavior towards the instructor and other students is expected at all
times.
 Cell phones should be out of sight and turned to silent mode. Please take all emergency calls
outside of the classroom.
 When using electronic devices for classwork purposes, all use must be constructive and ontopic and not distractive to others.
 Behavior that interferes with teaching or other students’ learning is unacceptable. Students who
disrupt the learning or teaching process will be asked to leave the classroom.
 Beverages with a secure cap or lid and snacks (no hot food) permitted in class.
Authenticity of Work
Plagiarism is the unauthorized use of the words or ideas of another person. It is a serious academic
offense that can result in referral to the Committee on Academic Misconduct and failure for the course.
Faculty Rule 3335-5-487 states, “It is the responsibility of the Committee on Academic Misconduct to
investigate or establish procedures for the investigation of all reported cases of student academic
misconduct. The term ‘academic misconduct’ includes all forms of student academic misconduct
wherever committed; illustrated by, but not limited to, cases of plagiarism and dishonest practices in
connection with examinations. Instructors shall report all instances of alleged academic misconduct to
the committee.” In addition, it is a violation of the student code of conduct to submit without the
permission of the instructors work for one course that has also been submitted in fulfillment of the
requirements of another course. For additional information, see the Code of Student
Conduct (http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resources/).
Student Support Grade Grievances: There is available support and mediation for conflicts that arise
between students and instructors. Students can contact the following:
o
o
o
o
Dave Brauer, IEP Coordinator, brauer.11@osu.edu
Karen MacBeth, Assistant to the Executive Director, ESL Programs Macbeth.4@osu.edu
Robert Eckhart, Executive Director, ESL Programs Eckhart.5@osu.edu
OSU Student Advocacy Center, http://advocacy.osu.edu/academic/ (For assistance, go
to ‘Academic’ and ‘Grade Grievance’)
Disabilities Services: Students with disabilities need to inform the IEP Program Coordinator and
instructor(s) in the first week of the semester. The Office for Disability Services will accommodate
students who have been identified as needing services and should inform the instructor as soon as
possible of their needs. The ODS is located in 150 Pomerene Hall, 1760 Neil Avenue; telephone 2923307, TDD 292-0901;http://www.ods.ohio-state.edu/
** All of the above is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.
Individual Assignments (Due the following week)
Week
1
Record 30-second self-introduction and submit to Carmen dropbox;
*Blog Post: Introduce self to 3 unfamiliar ALP students and write reflection blog
Week
2
*Blog Post: Smile, make eye contact, and say hello to 10 people on campus in one day. What
reactions did you get? (Do not worry about their reactions)… Write a reflection blog entry
Week
3
*Blog Post: Part 1: Prepare (and write) 10 polite compliments that you could use with a stranger in
a public place. Part 2: Give 6 people (3 people you know, 3 strangers) spontaneous compliments,
and write a blog entry about the experience.
Week
4
*Blog Post: Part 1: Think about a time when someone did something kind for you for no reason.
Part 2: Perform at least three spontaneous acts of kindness (it can be small! E.g. open doors, pick
up dropped items to return, giving someone change, etc.) Write a blog entry about your experience.
Week
5
*Blog Post: Part 1: What are you enjoying about OSU’s campus? Part 2: What are you
finding difficult, new, or troubling on OSU’s campus? Write a reflection.
Week
6
Group presentations
***Each post should respond to or comment on the previous blog post (you must read AT LEAST the
previous post).
Final Assignment: Group Presentation on College Culture
Components:
1. Interview a person related to the topic
o Plan interview questions
o Record part of the interview session
2. Attend a related event, organization/club meeting, demonstration or other social gathering
o Take photos / selfies and write a descriptive summary of experience
3. Research background information on the topic
o Information must be from an American collegiate perspective
4. As a group, write the five most significant, surprising, and/or interesting cultural points that you learned
on the chosen topic and explain why you chose these particular points.
5. Use Google Presentation
o Make an engaging presentation to the class
o Length of presentation: 10-15 minutes
o Each group member must participate in preparations
o *Each group member must present for an equal duration of time
6. Groups may be 3-4 people only
o Topics will be brainstormed collectively, selected one topic per group
** All of the above is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.