Communication 229: Foundations of Organizational Communication
Fall 2008
Class:
Section 1
2:00-2:50
MWF
FELL 176
Instructor: Lance R. Lippert
Office hours: MTWF 10:00-11:50; TTH 3:00-4:00; and by appointment
Office:
FELL 424 Telephone:
438-8869;
E-mail:
llipper@ilstu.edu
Course Web page: https://blackboard.ilstu.edu/webct/entryPageIns.dowebct
http://www.communication.ilstu.edu/
Required text:
Miller, C. (2002). Organizational Communication Approaches (5th ed.).
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. (You can buy a hard copy of this book at the
campus book stores or on-line. Also, you can buy the book or individual
chapters from the publisher at:
http://www.academic.cengage.com/cengage/catalog.do?courseid=SC19&discipline
number=48&codeid=5B72&codeFlag=true
Course Description
Often we take human communication for granted without making an effort to understand various
communication perspectives and applications that combine to make communication flow more smoothly
within organizational settings. This course deals with fundamental concepts and theories in organizational
communication as well as the role of communication in organizations. The course is designed to enhance
students’ basic communication knowledge, understanding, and skills in an organization including
introductory concepts of organizational communication. The course goal is to provide students with an
informed understanding of the importance of effective communication relevant to their organizational
experiences. This course examines theoretical and practical approaches to the study of organizational
communication. The text presents theoretical approaches to the study of organizational communication
and organizational communication processes. A mix of scholarly theory, research based material, and
practical application will be presented, accompanied by case studies and examples. Your classroom
experience will also include in-class lectures, readings, and activities such as case studies, research, small
group work, discussions, exams, and quizzes.
Course Goals
1. To develop a working knowledge of the various designs and processes in organizational
communication.
2. To identify relevant organizational communication concepts and fundamental theories.
3. To understand significant historical benchmarks, contributors, and notable research in the
development of the discipline of organizational communication.
4. To demonstrate an understanding of the influence communication has on organizational productivity,
relationships, culture, and employee satisfaction.
5. To develop a working understanding as a competent organizational communicator by applying
concepts and practical skills of communication that may be useful in improving overall effectiveness
and organizational behavior.
6. To transfer organizational communication knowledge to everyday organizational experience.
Course Requirements
Three Exams (300 total points): The exams will be in-class and objective (multiple choice, true/false,
matching) with some short answer questions. You will be responsible for the readings, in class activities,
discussions, and lectures. (100 points each with 300 total points)
Participation: ***Basically, you are responsible for reading each chapter as well as the case study for
each class and come prepared to actively participate. That means, I will not always lecture. Be
prepared to identify three key points from each chapter.
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Quizzes (13 for a total of 237 total pts.): There will be quizzes over the readings during this
semester. The quizzes are designed to keep you up to pace with the course materials. Take the
quiz, keep a copy for yourself, and email me the results. Please note that the quizzes are at the
publisher’s website. Each chapter quiz will be at:
http://www.academic.cengage.com/cengage/catalog.do?courseid=SC19&disciplinenumber=48&c
odeid=5B72&codeFlag=true
Chapter Discussion Questions (10 pts. each for 100 total pts): There are three to four discussion
questions at the end of each chapter. Answer the discussion questions, keep a copy for yourself,
and email me the results. Please note that the chapter Discussion Questions are at the publisher’s
website. The Chapter Discussion Questions are at:
http://www.academic.cengage.com/cengage/catalog.do?courseid=SC19&disciplinenumber=48&c
odeid=5B72&codeFlag=true
Activities (? Total pts.): There will be several in class and on-line structured learning experiences
that are designed to exemplify the course material and create interaction. Some of the activities
may include work on the Black Board Discussion Board, in class “pop” quizzes, additional Case
Studies, a journal abstract, and communication artifacts.
Case Studies (10 pts. each for 100 total pt.): There are case studies at the end of each chapter. Each
case study has three to four questions. Answer the questions, keep a copy for yourself, and email
me the results. Please note that the Case Study questions are at the publisher’s website. The
Chapter Discussion Questions are at:
http://www.academic.cengage.com/cengage/catalog.do?courseid=SC19&disciplinenumber=48&c
odeid=5B72&codeFlag=true
Reaction Paper & Activity (50 points.): The purpose of this paper is to react to the final class activity and
identify relevant organizational communication concepts from the engagement.
Semester Assignment (200 total points): The semester project is an “Interview Paper.” You will be
required to complete one part of a communication audit by selecting a course concept or theory then
interviewing an organizational member about that subject to gain a better understanding of the applied
nature of the subject. Your responsibility includes 1) a final written report (4-6 page paper) and 2) a short
oral presentation of your findings. You will be given this assignment by the fourth week of class.
Extra Credit: Opportunities described in class including a “Media Praxis” assignment.
**Students taking the course for graduate credit will have additional course requirements.
Course Evaluation
The final letter grade for the course (and grades for the other assignments) will be based on a standard
scale (90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; 0-59%=F). Grades will be available on Black
Board. Your grade in this course will be determined by your performance on the course requirements
listed above.
Exam #1
100
Exam #2
100
Exam #3
100
Final Project
200
Ch. DQs
100
Ch. Quizzes
237
Ch. Case Studies
100
Activities
100
*Pre-course Survey
*Mang. Style Survey
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*Theory X/Y Case Study
*Mediated Ethnography
*Conflict Style Survey
*other stuff
Extra Credit?
TOTAL
3
30
1037
Course Policies and Expectations
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Participation: Regular attendance and class participation is very important. If you are absent, it will
hurt your final grade. Please try not to come late. We will make every effort to begin and end class
on time. You are expected to attend class and engage actively in the material in class.
Preparation: You are expected to read the chapters and material prior to class. It is your
responsibility to be prepared for class.
Professional Courtesy: Please do not engage or encourage any kind of disrespectful behavior in class.
Also, since we encourage open discussion, please be respectful and sensitive of your classmates’
rights to express their opinions and ideas. Please turn off your cell phones and beepers prior to class
time (unless of course you’re expecting a baby!).
Homework: Copies of all homework assignments and handouts will be available to you (or someone
you designate) to pick up after any class you miss. It is your responsibility to get and complete these
assignments by the due date in order to receive full credit.
Deadlines: Respect all deadlines and dates for exams, quizzes, and assignments/presentations. No
makeup exams, quizzes, or case studies will be allowed. In case of an extreme emergency or
legitimate prior communication, makeup work will be accepted for half credit. It is your
responsibility to contact me before and not after the due date.
Academic Misconduct: Academic dishonesty involves cheating or plagiarizing. All University
Policies concerning academic misconduct will be upheld in this course. Refer to the I.S.U. Code of
Conduct at Community Rights and Responsibilities (http://www.deanofstudents.ilstu.edu/crr/). Of
particular concern in a course with written assignments is the issue of plagiarism. Plagiarism is
defined by Webster's (1989) as "the appropriations or imitation of the language, ideas, and
thoughts of another author, and representation of them as one's original work" (p. 1100). In
other words, plagiarism is stealing. You must cite your sources accurately and consistently in both
your oral and written assignments. Such misconduct will not be tolerated and may result in a failing
grade.
Special Needs: If you have special needs (medical, hearing, learning, etc.) please contact me. I will
do my best to assist you. Also, “any student needing to arrange reasonable accommodation for a
documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 4388620 (TDD).”
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COM 229-Fall 2008-TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR (subject to adjustment)
Date
Content
Week #1
SECTION #1-FOUNDATIONS
course overview & introduction, definitions,
McCroskey Reading
comm. components, & challenges
chapter 1
classical approach
chapter 2
Tompkins Reading
human relations & resources approach
chapter 3
LABOR DAY (Sept. 1)
NO CLASS
systems approach
chapter 4
Project/method discussion
cultural approach
chapter 5
Review for Exam #1
EXAM # 1
(chapters 1-5)
critical approach
chapter 6
SECTION #2-PROCESSES
assimilation and socialization processes
chapter 7
Internships-Guest Speaker. Mr. Tom Lamonica
decision making processes
chapter 8
Last day to withdraw from class-FR. Oct. 10th
conflict management processes
chapter 9
Review for Exam #2
EXAM #2
(chapters 6-9)
organizational change and leadership
chapter 10
emotions in the workplace & work life balance
chapter 11
organizational diversity
chapter 12
communication technology and privacy
chapter 13
THANKSGIVING VACATION
NO CLASS
DUE: Semester Project-presentation to Small Groups
AJAX Fireworks Activity
DUE: Written Engagement-Reaction Paper
Review for final exam
FR. December 5th -Last day of classes
Week #2
Week #3
Week #4
Week #5
Week #6
Week #7
Week #8
Week #9
Week #10
Week #11
Week #12
Week #13
Week #14
Week #15
Week #16
Reading
Final Exam Sect. 01: Wednesday, December 10th, 1:00 p.m. (chapters 10-14)
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Name___________________________________________________________________
(last)
(first)
Year________________________
Major___________________________
Hometown____________________
E-mail ____________________________
Pre-course Attitude Survey - Please answer as sincerely and completely as possible. Return to the
instructor.
List several reasons why you are taking this course.
A.
B.
C.
How would you describe your motivation for this course?
_____ Highly motivated
_____ Somewhat motivated
_____ Not motivated
_____ Entirely unmotivated
My short range goals are:
My career goal is or what I think I want to do is (please be specific if possible):
What do you think organizational communication means? What role does communication play in an
organizational setting?
How do you define communication?
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How do you think this class might help you?
What work experiences or experiences do you have in an organization?
Describe any breakdown of communication or miscommunication that you may have encountered or
caused in an organization, group, business, or job situation.
What can I do to help you learn or make this class more workable for you? What have teachers done in
your previous classes that you liked or that helped you learn?