SYLLABUS
COM 203-E & G
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
AVEN 112
FALL, 2011
CREDIT: Three semester hours
Instructor: Sandra E. Grayson
MC extension: 3454
Office: Aven 102 B
E-mail: grayson@mc.ed
REQUIRED MATERIAL:
Joseph A. DeVito (2008) Essentials of Human Communication. (7th edition).
New York: Addison Wesley Longman.
RATIONALE:
This course is designed to improve oral communication skills and provide
opportunities to develop communication skills in the area of problem solving,
leadership, interviewing and negotiating. Students will practice identifying and using
both verbal and nonverbal channels and cues.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:
1. Understand some of the major concepts from communication and
theory and research
2. Recognize his/her communication personality
3. Challenge and evaluate ideas to which he/she is exposed
4. Evaluate the strength and weaknesses of other speakers
5. Have improved his/her oral communication skills
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Mississippi College students are expected to be honest. Please refer to the
Mississippi College Undergraduate Bulletin for a discussion of plagiarism
and cheating. Also refer to university policy 2.19.
COURSE POLICIES:
EVALUATION:
Your work in this course will be graded on the following scale:
A = 94 - 100
Exceptional work
B = 85 - 93
Above average work
C = 75 - 84
Average work
D = 68 - 74
Below average work
F = Below 67
Failing work; No credit given
ASSIGNMENTS:
You will be evaluated on the following work: Interpersonal paper, Interview,
Small Group work, Informative Speech, Persuasive Speech, Resume’, Quizzes,
Participation, Exams
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:
You will have one major written assignment- The Interpersonal Paper. I will
grade this assignment on style as well as on content. This paper should be prepared
in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association. The MC librarians are a great source of help if you need
further guidance on style.
ATTENDANCE:
It is in your best interest to be here. Much of your grade will be based on work
performed in class in the form of presentations and activities. I will adhere strictly to
the university policy on absenteeism. Tardiness may result in deductions from
participation grade.
PARTICIPATION:
Participation is part of your grade. Participation includes:
relevant contribution to class discussions, timeliness and general attitude.
MAKE-UP WORK:
PRESENTATIONS: Students with unexcused absences will NOT be allowed to
make up presentations. Students with excused absences will be allowed to make up
a presentation at MY earliest convenience. This means you should be prepared to
present until you have the opportunity.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Papers, class activities and assignments will be penalized
10 points for every class day they are late. Nothing will be accepted more than one
week after it is due.
EXAMS: Students with an excused absence may make up an exam in one week.
Unexcused absences will NOT be allowed to make up an exam.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES:
Lecture, Class Activities, Readings, Class Discussion, Quizzes, Research paper,
Presentations and Exams
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, SECTION 504
In order for a student to receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, he or she must contact Student Counseling Services
(SCS). SCS will assist with information regarding the appropriate policy and procedure for
disability accommodations before each semester or upon immediate recognition of the
disability. SCS is located in Alumni Hall Room #4 or you may contact them by phone
at 601-925-7790. The Director of Student Counseling Services, Dr. Bryant may be reached
via email at mbryant@mc.edu.