Interpersonal Communication -SPC 1017 Syllabus
Spring 2014
MW 1600 1805
Location 8-234
CRN 25058
Credits: 3 -Comm
Instructor: Dr. Tommy Shavers
Contact: tshavers1@mail.valenciacollege.edu
Required Materials:
Textbook: Interpersonal Communication, 2nd edition by Kory Floyd
Course Objectives/Outcomes
Course Description: In this course you will learn about the principles of interpersonal
communication and how they relate to perceptions of yourself & others. We will explore the
function and impact of verbal and nonverbal communication, while developing skills related to
speaking, listening, group work, relationships, and the nature of conflict. Prerequisites: none.
Course Outcomes: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationships and
responsibilities that exist between the sender and receiver in the communication process.
Students will prepare and orally present various message according to specific assignment
guidelines. Students will demonstrate increased communication competency through dialogue,
application, and reflection.
a.
b.
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f.
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h.
i.
j.
k.
Student will be able to identify factors that influence perception of self and others
Student will be able to explain how perception defines self and others
Student will be able to identify the symbolic nature of language
Student will be able to identify the content and relational components of verbal and nonverbal
communication
Student will be able to clearly identify the interpersonal situation
Student will be able to utilize appropriate ethical communication strategies and skills as a
responsible participant
Student will be able to understand the function and structure of conflict within interpersonal
relationships
Student will be able to understand and utilize appropriate resolution options
Student will be able to understand principles and practices of small groups
Student will be able to demonstrate effective preparation and inconspicuous use of speaker notes
for extemporaneous delivery
Student will be able to present a structured informative speech with an introduction, main points,
useful transitions, and a conclusion
CLAS Competencies: College-Level Academic Skills (CLAS) measures the following: reading
skills, essay skill, English language skills, and mathematics skills. To the extent possible, you
will be encouraged to develop these skills as part of you work in this course. See College
Catalog.
Valencia Core Competencies: Valencia faculty has defined four competencies (Think, Value,
Communicate, Act) that prepare students to succeed in the world community. In this course,
through classroom lecture and discussion, group work, and other learning activities, you will
further your mastery of those core competencies. See College Catalog. To practically implement
Core Competencies this class in designed based upon my personal LEARNing Method. The
method breaks the class flow into Lecturing, Engaging, Applying, Recalling, and Next
Assignment.
Attendance and Class Preparedness
Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to learn, which means you must (1)
attend class on time, (2) complete assigned readings and homework prior to each class
meeting, (3) listen attentively to others’ ideas, and (4) provide insightful responses or ask
relevant questions from readings and class discussions as appropriate.
Attendance is important in this course. Absences and tardies can greatly affect your final
grade. Please review the following carefully and make plans to successfully attend class:
No-Show Procedure: Any student who does not attend class by the drop deadline prior to the
start of the no-show reporting period for the part of term for this course will be withdrawn by
the instructor as a no-show. This will count as an attempt in the class, and students will be liable
for tuition. *If your plans have changed and you will not be attending this class, please
withdraw yourself through your Atlas account during the drop period for this part of term.
Absences
1 absence* (excused or unexcused) No penalty incurred
2 absences* (excused or unexcused) 10-point reduction from final grade
3 absences* (excused or unexcused) 20-point reduction from final grade
4 or more absences* student would need a documented excused for the 4th or more absences
(i.e court papers, hospital documents, etc). If the student can’t provide the documents, they will
receive a final grade of F if they do not withdraw themselves from course.
* If you arrive 10 minutes after class has started (or leave 10 minutes before it ends), it will be
counted as an absence.
Tardies, Leaving in the middle of class (and returning), or Leaving Early (5 to 10 minutes)
Arriving to class late is rude and disrespectful. You chose your schedule so please make sure
you can fulfill your commitment to this course. Otherwise you should look at other class options.
It is your responsibility to plan for your ride, traffic delays, parking issues and other
complications.
1 or 2 tardies or leaving early**
3 or more tardies or leaving early**
5 tardies**
No penalty incurred
1-point reduction per occurrence
3- point reduction per occurrence
** This includes leaving in the middle of class for more than five minutes If you are absent, tardy
or leave early, you are responsible for the material covered & any announcements made.
Students may NOT make-up missed class activity, quiz, or assignment due to absences or
tardies, unless official, written documentation of emergency is provided.
You will not need your laptop or cell phone. Please silence them, keep them in your bag out
of sight and do not use them during class. You would do the same in a professional
environment. If you are expecting an emergency call, please let me know before class starts.
Grading Policy:
Presentations will be graded by professor during or after presentations. Presentations will be
graded based upon speech evaluation form. Peer Evaluations will not be a part of presenter’s
grade but will serve as participation grade for peer evaluators. Reflective Assessment
Assignment (completed in class) must be clearly written and demonstrate student’s learning and
experience throughout the course.
The Following is the assignment breakdown for the course:
 Engaged Participation -50pts (8x5pts) (1x10pts)
 Recall Assessments -100pts (5x20pts ea.)
 Midterm Reflect Paper -100pts
 Team Presentation -100pts
 Final Exam
-150pts
 Total Points
500pts
Grade Breakdown
 450-500 = A
 400-449 = B
 350-399 = C
 300-349 = D
 299 & Below = F
Make-Up Policy:
Make-up presentations will be available for students with a valid reason (Assigned Week Only).
In fairness to all students, all make-up assignments will be deducted 20pts. It is the student’s
responsibility to communicate with the professor assignments needed to be made up to insure
make-up opportunity. With a class focused on speech communication, attendance is critical for
successful completion of this course.
Homework
Students are responsible for the preparation and completion of presentations & outlines outside
of class. While time will be given to students to work on presentations in class, it is the
responsibility of the student to work on presentation outside of class in order to be prepared to
present at the required time. No late work will be accepted for presentations. Student must turn
in outline the day of presentation.
Quizzes/ Exam
As stated above, recall assessments (quizzes) are 100pts and the final exam is 150pts. Please
be aware of your final exam date and time (April 16th 1600 1805). There are no make-ups
for final exams.
Public Speaking Requirement:
All students are required to present a minimum of one oral presentation during the term. In this
class, that requirement is met through group presentation (Choice from chapters). Failing to
present will result in a failing “F” grade for the course. Specific speech requirements and
assessment criteria will be discussed in class. Speeches must be original work produced by
the student. Plagiarized speeches will result in a “0.” Guidelines and techniques for speech
preparation and delivery will be discussed in class. All presentations are due on the first day
of the assigned days. Any student absent on the first day of presentations, without
written documentation of extreme circumstances, will be considered late and receive a
20% late penalty. Students who are not able to speak on their assigned day are not guaranteed
a make up speech opportunity, but must be prepared to give their presentation on final exam
day if and as time permits. Failing to give the "make up" presentation on that day will result in a
“0” and failure of the course.
Speech Communication Department Academic Honesty Policy
All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia. Academic dishonesty includes, but
is not limited to, plagiarism (purposeful and accidental), cheating, furnishing false information,
forgery, alteration or miscue of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of
identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
All speeches and assignments must be your original work. Any sources used in any assignment
must be properly cited (this includes both direct quotes as well as information that you
synthesize and report in your own words). Consequences according to Valencia Policies and
Procedures
(http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=193&volumeID_1=8&nav
st=0) include:
1. Failure of the assignment
2. Failure of the course
3. Being reported to the Dean of Communication which may result in expulsion from the college
Withdrawal Policy
Per Valencia Policy 4-07 (Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and
Withdrawals), a student who withdraws from class before the established deadline for a
particular term will receive a grade of “W.” A student is not permitted to withdraw after the
withdrawal deadline.
For a complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia Policy 4-07 please go to:
http://valenciacc.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm?RecordID=75.
Students should familiarize themselves with Valencia College’s withdrawal policy. It is
the responsibility of the student to know withdrawal deadlines and make withdrawal
decisions accordingly. Instructor will NOT withdraw student from course on student’s
behalf.
Students with Disabilities Policy
"Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from
the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor,
preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities
determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (West Campus
SSB 102, ext. 1523)."
Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful
college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues
dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time
management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. BayCare
Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students
and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is also
available.
Student Code of Classroom Conduct: Valencia is dedicated not only to the advancement of
knowledge and learning, but also to the development of responsible personal and social
conduct. At Valencia, a student assumes responsibility for being familiar with and abiding by
rules of conduct. The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with
the professor. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption
of a class may be directed by the professor to leave the class. Disciplinary action could include
being withdrawn from the class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other
appropriate and authorized actions. Valencia’s Student Code of Classroom Conduct (Policy
10-18) can be found in the current Student handbook, or online at http://valencia.cc.fl.us
Additional Policies: Children are not allowed on campus or in classes. Please make alternate
arrangements for children that are not Valencia students.
Special Dates:
Spring Break: March 3rd-9th
Withdraw deadline- March 15th
Final Exam: April 16th
Disclaimer: Time spent on certain topics may vary depending on the needs and discussions of
the class members. Changes in the schedule or assignments may be made any time
during the term by announcement of the professor. If you are not in class you are still
held responsible for knowing any changes made during class time. A revised schedule
may be issued at the discretion of the professor. Students will be notified in class and through
email of schedule revisions that are made.
Suggestions: I am committed to supporting your growth and want you to have a great learning
experience. Please recognize that I cannot help you if I don’t know about a situation.
Communicating is a key component of your success. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarity or
support!
SPC 1017 Spring Course Breakdown (Mon & Weds)
Breakdown of L.E.A.R.N.ing Method: See Below



L=Lecture: 1st hr of 1st class of the week
o
Recap of previous Chapter
o
Intro/Highlight of current Chapter
E=Engage: 2nd hr of 1st class of the week
o
Facilitation of discussion on material
o
Questions and clarity given about material
o
Case studies, or practical engagement examples given
A=Apply:1st hr of 2nd class of the week
o

R=Recall: 2nd hr of 2nd class of the week
o

Case study or reflective questions to apply learning
Recall quizzes focused on previous and or current chapters
N=Next Focus: 2nd hr of 2nd class of the week
o
Semi introduction of next chapter, and expectation for upcoming week
Please see weekly course breakdown to known when each component will take place
during the week. Note: Every week does not include ever component of the L.E.A.R.N.
method.
SPC 1017 Spring Course Breakdown (Mon & Weds)
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1 (Feb 10th & 12th)
1. Course Overview, Why an Interpersonal Communication Class? Link (Ice breaker)
2. Chapter 1: About Communication (LE)
Week 2 (Feb 17th & 19th)
3. Chapter 3: Communication & Self (LE)
4. Chapter 3: Communication & Self (ARN)
Week 3 (Feb 24th & 26th)
1. Chapter 4: Interpersonal Perception (LE)
2. Chapter 4: Interpersonal Perception (ARN)
Week 4 (Mar 3rd & 5th)
3. Spring Break
4. Spring Break
Week 5 (Mar 10th & 12th)
1. Chapter 5: Language (LE)
2. Chapter 5: Language (ARN)
Week 6 (Mar 17th & 19th)
5. Chapter 6: Nonverbal Communication (LEAN)
6. (Midterm Reflective Assessment)
Week 7 (Mar 24th & 26th)
1. Chapter 7: Listening (LE)
2. Chapter 7: Listening (ARN) (Presentation Overview)
Week 8 (Mar 31st & Apr 2nd)
3. Chapter 11: Interpersonal Conflict (LE)
4. Chapter 11: Interpersonal Conflict (ARN)
Week 9 (Apr 7th & 9th)
1. Chapter 13: Small Group Communication (LEAN)
2. Final Exam Review/ Group Presentation Work
Week 10 (Apr 14th & 16th)
3. Group Presentation (8-10mins per group)
4. Final Exam
Week 11 Valencia Final Exam Week