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SPCH 1318.402
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major
course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general
description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended
readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides
institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information
specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to
enrolled students.
Course Title: Interpersonal Communication
Course Prefix & Number: SPCH 1318
Section Number: 402
Term Code:
Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):
Introduces communication concepts and provides speech interaction in one-to-one and small
group situations. Provides experiential settings for a variety of environments, for the reduction
of communication barriers, for conflict resolution, and for leadership and decision-making.
Emphasizes interpersonal perception and listening skills related to self-concept.
Course Prerequisite(s):
Course Type:
 - Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
Name of Instructor:
Campus/Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
James Bryan Smith
Corinth 310
jbsmith@nctc.edu
Kristen Weinzapfel
Gainesville, Room 120
940-668-7731, Ext. 3342
kweinzapfel@nctc.edu
REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS
Adler, Ronald B. and Russell F. Proctor. Looking Out Looking In. 14th ed. Boston: Wadsworth.
c. 2014. ISBN: 1-285-07016-x
1 Examination Booklet
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DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Department of English, Speech, and Foreign Language provides quality instruction to
students pursuing their academic and career goals.
CORE CURRICULUM COMPONENT AREA: SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Student Learning Outcome
1. Exhibit understanding of interpersonal theories and principles.
2. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and critique verbal and nonverbal interactions in
mediated and face-to-face contexts.
3. Identify perceptual processes as they relate to self and others.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking ability by effectively researching, evaluating, and applying
communication theories in oral and/or written assignments.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of cross-cultural, co-cultural, gender, and
age influences on human communication.
6. Demonstrate ability to identify, evaluate, and apply conflict styles and conflict
management techniques in dyads and/or groups.
7. Identify types of barriers to effective listening.
Last day to Withdraw
Student Rights &
Responsibilities
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states
that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the
contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student
conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student
Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All
students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted
authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and
regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a
test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Financial Aid,
Scholarships, and
Veterans Services
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of
programs for students who need assistance in financing their education.
The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA. For more
information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office.
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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations
Disability
Accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that
can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological
challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time
on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in
class, etc. On the Corinth Campus go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On
the Gainesville Campus go to room 110 in the Administration (100) Building
or call 940-668-7731 ext. 4321. North Central Texas College is committed to
both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of
2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).
Student Success The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop
tools to achieve their academic goals. This program also links students to
FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free 24/7 online
tutoring and helps new students acclimate to college by providing computer
lab services for prospective students. All students are invited to visit the
Student Success Center on the Corinth Campus go to rooms 170, 182, or 188;
on the Gainesville Campus go to rooms 114 or 111; on the Flower Mound
Campus go to room 111, on the Bowie Campus go to room 124.
Tobacco-Free
Campus
NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is
aware that tobacco use influences underage students which cumulates
unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all
who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco
use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco
cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to
stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your
help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns
please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at
940.668.4240.
Attendance and Participation
Learning is a social process so in order for this class to be successful, your attendance and participation are
imperative. We will conduct this class as a seminar, performing the roles of teachers and learners
simultaneously. This is possible only if everyone prepares in advance for class by giving thoughtful attention
to the assigned readings, assuming a constructive role in class discussions, asking questions, thoughtfully
attending to the ideas of others, and sharing your own insights.
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I understand that you have a life outside of the classroom and that emergencies do take place, therefore I
allow 1 free absence. For each day beyond 1 that you miss, 40 points will be deducted from your final grade.
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to learn about assignments or any class work missed,
ideally from other members of the class. If that is impossible for some reason, you are certainly free to then
contact me.
A documented absence does not exempt students’ academic requirements. Excessive absences, even if
documented may result in a student failing a course.
Course Policies
You are responsible for turning work in on time. Late work will not be accepted. Assignments are always
due at the beginning of class. If you are unable to attend class on the day an assignment is due, or if there is
any remote chance your car might break down, you might get stuck in traffic, your printer won’t work, etc.,
you must email that assignment to me before the end of our class to avoid penalties for lateness.
All assignments (unless otherwise noted) must be typed, single spaced 10 point Cambria font, header with
first and last name, course and section number – the header should be in the HEADER. Should you miss class
due to an excused absence, you must complete the missed assignment and turn it in no later than the
beginning of the next class period. You may also turn these in early, recommended.
Critical Thinking
This class encourages critical thinking, or the ability to perceive information, thoroughly analyze it, and then
question particular problematic components of it. This means you are encouraged to ask questions and
thoughtfully contribute to class discussions. Of course, this is to be done in an academically encouraging and
respectful manner. Absolutely no instances of personal attacks will be tolerated. This includes any and all
racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist, etc. language and/or comments. If at any time you feel violated or
uncomfortable about anything said or discussed in class, please discuss it with your instructor.
Grading Assignments
All presentations and assignments are based upon a point system. Students will receive a thorough
description of requirements for all assignments before they are due, as well as a detailed explanation of all
assignments and grading procedures. Your work will be assessed in terms of concept comprehension and
skill mastery. With regard to the skill mastery assessments, it must be stressed that although objective
standards exist that can be used to determine the quality of an oral communication skill, a certain amount of
subjectivity is inherent in the determination of the degree to which such standards are met.
It is your responsibility as the student to keep up with points accrued throughout the semester. Final
points will be available at the end of the course.
Please note: Please do not contact your instructor via e-mail or phone in an attempt to receive any grades,
points or extemporaneous grading issues as course policy does not allow these transmissions. If you have
any questions regarding point amounts, please e-mail your instructor with the request and they will bring
that information to you in class.
After a graded assignment has been returned to you, you must wait a minimum of 24 hours before contacting
your instructor about a possible grade dispute. After a graded assignment has been returned to you, you have
a maximum of 1 week to contact your instructor regarding a possible grade dispute.
Disclaimer
This syllabus is intended to serve as a guideline for Speech 1318. Both NCTC and your professor reserve the
right to make modifications in content, schedule, and requirements as necessary to promote the optimal
educational experiences within prevailing conditions affecting the course.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA
Grade Scale
A: (excellent, outstanding)
B: (good)
C: (average)
D: (barely passing)
F: (failing)
900-1000
800-899
700-799
600-699
below 600
90-100%
80-90%
70-80%
60-70%
59% and below
Grade Tracking Tool
Assignment
Point Value
Your Score
Roundtable Interview
100
______________
Analyses
Identity Narrative
100
______________
Film Analysis
50
______________
Relational Analysis
100
______________
Reflection Journals
150
______________
Quizzes
150
______________
Midterm Exam
100
______________
Final Exam
150
______________
Participation
100
______________
Total:
1000
______________
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION
Topic
Wk 1
Wk 2
Wk 3
Wk 4
Wk 5
Wk 6
Wk 7
Wk 8
Wk 9
Wk 10
Wk 11
Wk 12
Wk 13
Wk 14
Wk 15
Wk 16
8/26
Introduction
9/2
NO CLASS
9/9
Comm. Perspectives
9/16
Identity / The Self
9/23 Perception / The Other
9/30
Language / Meaning
10/7
Culture / World
10/14
MID TERM EXAM
10/21
Silence / Presence
10/28
Listening / Hearing
11/4
Relations / Dialectic
11/11
Intimacy / CPR
11/18 Conflict / Maintenance
11/25
Advocacy / Change
12/2
INTERVIEW
12/9
FINAL EXAMINATION
Ch. – Chapter from assigned textbook;
Readings
Assignments
Ch. 1, Sup. 1
Ch. 2, Sup. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 5, Sup. 3
Sup. 4
Ch. 4
Ch. 6, Sup. 5
Ch. 7, Sup. 6
Ch.8, Sup. 7
Ch. 9, Sup. 8
Ch. 11
Ch. 10, Sup. 9
Review
@ 7 PM
Identity Narrative Draft due
Identity Narrative Revised due
Midterm Exam
Film Analysis due
Relational Analysis due
Roundtable Interview
Cumulative Exam
Sup. – Supplemental reading to be provided by Instructor.
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