Interpersonal Communication
Speech Communication 120
College Of San Mateo 16-247
Instructor:
Lisa Perry
Office:
Speech Lab:
Speech Lab Website:
Course website:
Email:
Mailbox:
Building 15-163
18-110
Lab phone:
574-6257
http://collegeofsanmateo.edu/speech/lab.htm
available through webaccess http://smccd.mrooms.net
perryl@smccd.edu
Bldg 15
My office hours in 15-163
Speech Lab hours in 18-110
T: 5:45-6:30
M-F: TBA
I teach four evening a week. If Tuesday nights
are inconvenient you can try stopping by the
office M-Th between 5:45 and 6:30. You can
reach me by email and I will generally return
your email within 24 hours (except on
weekends)
TEXTS, COURSE DESCRIPTION, SLO’s, AND POLICIES:
Textbook: Looking Out/Looking In, Adler. Latest edition is preferred. If you opt for an earlier edition you are
responsible for making sure that your readings and assignments match the latest edition of Looking Out/Looking In.
Other assigned readings (those from classmates) will be online at webaccess. http://smccd.mrooms.net
Course Description. This course is designed to increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities in interpersonal
communication situations in a variety of two-person, small group, and public speaking situations. The information
in lectures and text is important for your learning, and you will use that information as well as your own
experiences, discussions, and experiential activities which will introduce you to both knowledge and behaviors
regarding interpersonal communication.
If you work hard, at the end of the semester you will have achieved the following outcomes:
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s).
SPCH 120
1. explain the basic elements of the communication process in interpersonal settings
2. recognize the self-concept development process, its multidimensional identity and its role in
communication
3. analyze physiological, social, and cultural factors that affect perception and misunderstandings
4. analyze the nature of language and nonverbal messages as they apply to effective and ineffective
encoding and decoding of messages
5. apply learned skills and communication theories in teamwork activities
6. evaluate relational theories in terms of students’ own experience
Policies:
Be Prepared. Since you have a syllabus providing due dates, completing the readings and assignments by the
deadlines are your responsibility. One exam may be made up; however, you will need to contact me immediately
about your emergency.
Late Arrivals/Early Exits (General). I don't like to have people arriving late to class on a regular basis. If you’re
substantially late or leave well before class is over, you are counted as absent. If you expect to be regularly late (or
have to leave early) because of job, childcare or any other reason, don't take this class. In the past, people’s grades
have dropped by one grade based on absences.
Attendance. Students must be in class in order to participate and learn effectively. Two absences are allowed for
evening classes, following what is specified in the CA State Education Code. After this, your grade will be affected.
Please come to class when it begins and stay until it ends. The final class meeting is mandatory; be sure you include
it among your responsibilities. People have dropped at least one grade based on absences.
Attitude/Cell phones/Laptops. Yeah, electronic toys are fun and sometimes class gets a little dry. Part of being an
adult is experiencing the dry times and deferring gratification. Multi-tasking is a farce. Therefore, I expect:
1. Turning off cell phones/not talking on cell phones during class
2. Refraining from texting or IMing during class
3. Using laptops during class to take notes only/not using laptops during speeches
I will not tolerate discrimination of any protected class.
Plagiarism. Dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the College and
its officials is prohibited and may lead to appropriate disciplinary action. Plagiarism is one form of cheating and is
very serious. People lose jobs, students get expelled from university for cheating. Don't do it. Plagiarism is defined
as:
1. To steal and pass off (the ideas or word or another), as one's own
2. To use a created product without crediting the source
3. To commit literary theft: to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing
source -- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, 1983.
Plagiarism is prohibited in this class during exams, in the interviewing assignment (this includes not
participating as a group member) and the self-analysis and change paper.
Participation. This means having a supportive attitude, contributing feedback to speakers, participating
productively in class discussions.
Speech Lab. Lab requirements (2 extra credit) Lab assignments are graded on a scale of 0-5 points, reflecting your
effort and insight.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1.
Individual Assignments:
A. Career goal: When we check into the speech lab, you will complete a survey available through web
access. I will use the career goals to set groups for the interview assignment.
B. Tests: The exams are designed to test your knowledge of student learning outcomes.
C. Participation and attendance
2.
Group Assignments:
A. Presentation
Each person will work in their interview groups to research, prepare, practice, and present a
substantive presentation to the class on an aspect of interpersonal communication. This is designed
to give you experience in researching, delegating, designing, and giving a training presentation to
a group of professionals. I will provide appropriate topics the second night of class and a schedule
when these topics will be presented.
1. Part of being a professional is learning to delegate. Thus I encourage you to delegate or outsource your project if you desire. To get credit, the presentation and handouts must meet the
other requirements of the assignment (thus simply finding someone else’s assignment or
presentation online will result in a failing grade for this assignment).
2 Grading criteria:
An “A” presentation: fulfills all the requirements of the C grade plus the speakers are dynamic
and energetic in delivery with appropriate clothing for a professional environment.
A “B” presentation: The presentation must be on the topic selected, accurate, use the source
provided as well as 4 other professionally reputable sources, the sources must be cited
according to the instructions provided, the powerpoint presentation must be uploaded to
webaccess and used during the oral presentation, the powerpoint must use the provided
template and a handout for each member of the class.
A “C” presentation is one which meets the requirements for the B grade but, for ANY
REASON, is not given on the selected date.
A “D” presentation is given but does not meet the above requirements.
An “F” presentation is not given at all.
B. Interview assignment: each person will be put into a group of students with similar career goals. Each
groups will then act as “human resources” committees to
1. Working with your group:
a. develop a job description you all will be applying and interviewing for (10)
b. develop interview questions based on each person’s resumes (10)
c. conduct the interview (10)
(30 possible out of 80)
2.
Evaluate other members of the group
Getting along with others, doing quality work so others can rely on you, following through on
commitments are all important parts of interpersonal relationships.
You will rank order the other members of the group on a best-worst scale. Up to 5 points are
possible based on your ranking.
3.
Prepare your resume, STAR story, and list of questions for your interview and be interviewed.
(45 pts out of a possible 80)
B. Learning Team Charter
Extra credit:
You may write out answers to the questions in the textbook for extra credit, 5 points per chapter.
There will be additional opportunities for extra credit points throughout the semester.
Point values:
Max
Your Points
Career track
5 points
____
Group Charter
5 points
____
Interpersonal Topic presentation
80 pts
____
Interview project
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
job description
10
____
interview questions
10
____
conduct the interview
10
____
Evaluate other members of the group. ____
Up to 5 points are possible based on your ranking.
Resume
10
____
STAR story
10
____
Interview
15
____
Interview critique
10
____
80 pts
____
Test 1
40 pts
____
Test 2
40 pts
____
Test 3
40 pts
____
Extra credit:
20 pts
____
Grading Scale
270-300= A (90%)
240-269= B (80%)
210-239= C (70%)
180-209= D (60%)
Below 180= F
A = exceptional; substantive and original contribution to assignment
B = very good; capable fulfillment of assignment
C = good; acceptable work that omits or misconstrues some assignment criteria
D = needs work—see instructor; work that omits or misconstrues most assignment criteria
F = needs work—see instructor; unacceptable fulfillment of terms of assignment
CLASS SCHEDULE
Date
6/21
Topic
Intro to course; course goals
Everything you need to know for the exams
Reading/Asst Due
Ice breakers
Career
6/23
Self-concept; self-fulfilling prophecy
Labeling
CH 2
work in groups
6/28
Perception
CH 3
6/30
Nonverbal communication: paralanguage,
CH 6
chronemics, kinesics, proxemics
Bring copies of your organization’s position announcement; view positions as a class; continue
interviewing work.
7/5
Test 1
7/7
Language
CH 5
Resume due
7/12
Emotions
CH 4
7/14
Interviews (videotaped)
Interview questions due
Star story due
7/19
Dynamics and relationships
Debrief interview assignment
CH 8
7/21
Test 2
7/26
Intimacy and distance
CH 9
8/2
Improving Communication Climates
analysis of interview due
CH 10
8/4
Managing Interpersonal Conflict
CH 11
8/9
Presentations
8/11
Test 3
7/28
DISABILITY POLICY STATEMENT
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations for this class, please see
me as soon as possible or contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for assistance.
The DRC is located in Bldg. 10, First Floor. (650) 574-6438; TTY (650) 574-6230
PLAGIARISM/CHEATING POLICY STATEMENT
Dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the
College and its officials is prohibited and may lead to appropriate disciplinary action.