10
COMM 1010
COMM 1010: Introduction to Communication
Instructor:
Name: Cynthia Gordon
Contact Information:
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 11:00-12:15 and by appointment
Office Location: GAB 322
Required Texts and Materials
Anderson, K. (2008). Communication and Community Engagement. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. (This is an online interactive digital textbook. You MUST buy a course pass code from either the UNT Bookstore or other local bookstores. You log onto Blackboard and enter the pass code the first time you open the Course Content Lessons folder. You can only use the pass code once and it opens the material for the entire semester. You may request a 15 day grace period to access the online materials, however, you will not have access beyond 15 days unless you purchase the code) Without access, you will be unable to complete several key assignments, including quizzes, and you will not have access to the Blackboard Online Gradebook.
Anderson, K., Gordon, C. K., (Eds.) (2010). COMM 1010: Communication in Action. Plymouth, MI: Hayden McNeil.
Abramsky, S. (2009). Breadline USA: The hidden scandal of American hunger and how to fix it. Sausalito, CA: PoliPointPress.
Next Generation Learning Approach
You have enrolled in a Next Generation (N-Gen) section of COMM 1010. COMM 1010 fulfills the University’s core requirement for the Institutional option. The N-Gen version of COMM 1010 uses online instruction to replace a large lecture. Thus, the two-50 min. face-to- face weekly class periods work together with the online interactive digital textbook. The course is designed for you to apply the principles you learn in the online lessons through your in-class discussions and activities.
During the course of the semester your Instructor is your primary source for information about the course. Instructors are responsible for grading all assignments. Please direct your questions regarding Blackboard Vista, exams, and course assignments to your Instructor. If you have a problem with your Instructor please set up a confidential meeting with Cynthia Gordon, the course director. Please address problems with grading or your instructor as soon as they occur, do not wait until the end of the semester to discuss any possible problems. You can contact Mrs. Gordon at .
Course Goals and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide students with a strong foundation of communication skills necessary for a successful future in our highly communicative world. We will complete a basic study of the elements contributing to effective human communication and together we will perform critical exploration of communication messages in multiple contexts.
Thus, the following course goals:
· Understand how communication shapes our social reality
· Explore and understand the significance of communication behaviors in shaping cultural life and addressing issues of diversity
· Understand the power of communication in solving social problems
· Develop skills in a variety of communication contexts
Course Policies
Classroom Policies
Online Participation
Participation is crucial for success in this course. As indicated in the tentative course schedule, each online lesson corresponds with a particular week in the semester. You are expected to read each lesson prior to attending class that week. Your online unit quizzes will be graded as noted in the assignments section.
In-Class Participation
Attendance and participation in class is crucial. Attendance will be taken in class each day. If you are absent more than three (3) class periods over the course of the semester, your grade will be reduced. For each absence beyond three (3), 20 points will be deducted from your final grade total. So if you are absent 4 class periods, your final grade will be reduced by 20 points. A student who misses 10 or more class periods will receive a failing grade. For classes meeting once a week, attendance will be taken after break and each “day” is counted as two class periods. You are responsible for obtaining notes from missed classes. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to see that you are caught up.
Crisis Contingency. In the event of the university closing for weather-related reasons or illness outbreak, e.g. flu, please visit the course website on Blackboard. I will provide instructions on how to turn in assignments and how the class will proceed utilizing Blackboard's Announcements function.
Absences during Exams, Presentations, or Major Assignments
Failure to follow this policy will result in a Zero for the missed assignment/exam.
If you are absent for an exam, presentation, or major assignment, you can request to make up the assignment. The only absences that will be considered excused are death in the family, severe documentable personal illness, religious holidays, and participation in University sponsored activities (e.g., intercollegiate sports). Any student wishing to have an absence excused must fill out an excuse form and attach requested documentation. An absence WILL NOT be excused if you do not contact your instructor within 24 hours of the missed class. All doctors’ notes must be signed by the doctor on official letter-head/prescription pad. Notes that are not dated, signed, or verifiable will not be accepted. The excused absence form is located on Blackboard Vista.
***PLEASE NOTE: THE COMM 1010 FINAL EXAM IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11TH AT 8:30 AM.***
Blackboard Vista
The Blackboard Vista course site includes: syllabus, announcements, weekly readings, quizzes, supplemental video lectures, exam reviews, and APA style guidelines. Additionally, grades will be posted online during the course of the semester. Please check Blackboard Vista regularly. If you cannot sign onto Blackboard Vista it is the student’s responsibility to contact your instructor and request help during the first week of the semester.
Technical difficulties with Blackboard are the responsibility of the student. If you encounter technical difficulties during the semester, you need to contact the Blackboard Technical Support Desk:
Email:
Phone: 940.565.2324
In person: ISB Room 119
Additional support is located on the Blackboard Course Login Page: https://ecampus.unt.edu/webct/entryPage.dowebct
Access Policy
We will cooperate fully with the University’s Office of Disability Accommodation to provide reasonable accommodation to students who require help. Students who wish to self-identify should register with the ODA no later than the second day of class.
Firearms Policy
It is unlawful to bring firearms on the campus of the University—even if you hold a permit.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit may be offered during the course of the semester. Any/all extra credit opportunities will be provided by the Course Director. Notifications of extra credit opportunities will be provided via Blackboard Announcements.
Handing in Work
All written assignments must be typed and double-spaced unless otherwise specified. Assignments, which do not follow these guidelines, will not be graded. Page length guidelines are based on 12 point Times New Roman Font 1 inch margins expectation (So if you want to use Courier New add a few pages to the requirements). Think hard about self-presentation and impression formation as you put together your assignments.
Turn It In
The outlines for your Intercultural Report and Rhetorical Criticism Presentations will be turned in through www.turnitin.com. Detailed instructions regarding how to use turnitin.com will be provided during the semester. When you submit something to turnitin.com you receive a confirmation number AND are emailed a receipt to the email address used for the login. You must keep this email receipt to verify that you turned in the document. Note: If you do not submit the outline through turnitin.com, it is as though it does not exist.
Student Success Program
COMM 1010 is participating in a student success program that helps keep students on track. This program is aimed at introductory level courses and tries to help students stay on track with the course. This section will be using an Intervention Service provided by the Program for Academic Readiness. You may be contacted during the semester by a student interventionist if you fail to complete required assignments. Your personal information will be protected by FERPA guidelines.
Code of Student Conduct
All persons shall adhere to the Code of Student Conduct regarding academic dishonesty, including acts of cheating and plagiarism.
Cheating. The willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner during an examination, illicitly obtaining examination questions in advance, using someone else’s work or written assignments as if they were your own, or any other dishonest means of attempting to fulfill a requirement of this course.
Plagiarism. The use of an author’s words or ideas as if they were your own without giving proper credit to the source, including but not limited to failure to acknowledge a direct quotation. Exact wording from a source must be identified by quotation marks and citation of the author. Concepts and ideas from sources should also be identified by citation of the author. Rules for citing quotes and ideas can be found in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition. Please note: Intentionality is not an issue with regard to plagiarism. Even if a student plagiarizes without intending to do so, it is still considered plagiarism and will result in the appropriate consequences. Students are urged to review the parameters and provisions of plagiarism to avoid any potential plagiarism issues.
Punishments for cheating or plagiarism range from a grade of ZERO points on the assignment in question to failure of the course. You can find additional information on the University policy regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty at http://vpaa.unt.edu/academic-integrity.htm and http://www.unt.edu/csrr/development/integrity.html
Policy on Incompletes
An “Incomplete” will be awarded only in cases where 75% of the coursework has been completed AND the grade is warranted by an excuse (e.g., medical, military). Inability to complete coursework in a timely fashion does not constitute an acceptable reason for requesting or receiving an incomplete. To request an incomplete please set up a meeting with the Course Director AND your Instructor prior to the Final Exam period.
Disclaimer:
This syllabus should not be construed as a binding contract between the instructor and the students. The instructor reserves the right to change any aspect of the course without notice.
SETE EVALUATIONS
The Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SETE) is a requirement for all organized classes at UNT. This short survey will be made available to you at the end of the semester, providing you a chance to comment on how this class is taught. Student feedback is important in order that the classroom environment can continue to evolve to meet the needs of students at UNT. Thus, the SETE is an important part of your participation in this class.
Students may access the online SETE evaluation through their my.unt.edu page. The evaluation period for the fall is scheduled as follows: SETE opens November 29th and closes December 17th. Note that students who complete the SETE will have access to their grades earlier than students who do not.
Assignments
Exams (30% of your grade)
There will be two exams given during the semester. Each exam will include objective (i.e., multiple choice, true-false, matching, etc.) and one essay question. A review sheet will be provided on Blackboard Vista for each exam. Each exam is worth 150 points. Scantrons will be provided.
Presentations (30% of your grade)
You will present two presentations during the semester.
· Intercultural Report and Presentation will be completed pairs. Please see pages 91-95 in Communication in Action text for assignment description and evaluation form. The outline is worth 25 points, the presentation is worth 100 points, and a peer evaluation is worth 25 points. Please upload one outline with references to turnitin.com by the outline due date and turn in a second copy with your course folder on your presentation day. Each pair needs ONE folder.
· Rhetorical Criticism Presentation will be completed individually. Please see pages 97-100 in Communication in Action text for assignment description and evaluation form. The outline is worth 50 points and the presentation is worth 100 points. Please upload one outline with references to turnitin.com by the outline due date and turn in a second copy with your course folder on your presentation day.
You must turn in all of the following on the day of each of your presentations:
(1) a typed full sentence outline, (2) a typed reference page using APA style, and (3) a PowerPoint slide handout.
Community Engagement (5% of your grade)
One goal of this course is to understand how we can solve social problems through engagement in our communities. During the semester you will have an opportunity to gain direct experience working with the social problem through a project. You are expected to select one project and spend four hours work with the organization selected. You will reflect on your experience and how it relates to the social problem in your journal assignment. For each hour completed you will receive 10 points for a total of 40 points. You will need to have the project coordinator from the organization sign your Service Learning Participation Log on page 139 of the Communication in Action text. To receive full credit you will also need to complete the Service Learning Participation Evaluation on page 141 of the Communication in Action text. Suggestions for community engagement projects and organizations will be provided during the first few weeks of the semester. Additionally, student suggestions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ALL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS and ORGANIZATIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY INSTRUCTOR. Various ideas, organizations, and/or projects will be posted on Blackboard and on the bulletin board next to the COMM 1010 Office – GAB 302.
Participation (10% of your grade)
Participation is crucial in this course and thus 15% of your grade depends on your active engagement in class. Communication is a dynamic interactive process and thus this course is designed to engage students in discussions and activities on a regular basis. It is the student’s responsibility to come to class prepared and ready to engage in dialogue and actively participate in class. Class activities are designed to apply course concepts from the online text immediately during class. Some assignments may be assigned as homework, while others will be completed in-class. Activities and discussions are graded and your participation alone does not guarantee full credit. Your work must show comprehension of the material and active engagement in class. A variety of activities such as group activities, reflective informal writing, class discussion, and performance activities may be included. You CANNOT make-up in class activities unless you have a University authorized absence. Participation will be graded two times during the semester (Midterm and Final). The Instructor will be keeping a detailed tracking form for participation.