Interpersonal Communication
SP218
Achieving personal and professional goals through competent communication
Darlene Geiger, M.S.
Fall 2005 CRN 13293 section 001
MWF 12:45-1:50
PCAT 160
Office: NH 39, Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays 10:30-12:30 (& by appt.)
Phone and voice mail: 725-4194
Email: geigerd@pdx.edu
(e-mail is the best way to contact me outside office hours)
Cluster Coordinators/Teaching Assistants:
Betsy Jones eajones@pdx.edu
Bradley Lindquist bradley_lindquist@hotmail.com
Jonathan Rudolf jonrudolf@yahoo.com
Required text & workbook:
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J. & Redmond, M. V. (2005). Interpersonal Communication: Relating to others (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Redmond, M. V. (2005). Skillbuilder workbook for Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond Interpersonal Communication: Relating to others (4th ed.). San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc.
Note about text:
- Text can be purchased at the PSU bookstore 1880 SW 6th Ave. next to Urban Center. It comes with a workbook that is shrink-wrapped to the text. You need the workbook for completion of coursework expectations.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide students with the tools for understanding interpersonal situations in a variety of contexts. Through readings, lectures, discussion, assignments and reflection, students will be exposed to the fundamental definitions, concepts and theories used in the intellectual approach for analysis and reflection of interpersonal situations. A primary objective of this course is to empower students to achieve important personal and professional goals through the use of competent communication skills. A primary goal for students this term is to learn as much as possible about interpersonal communication so that you may develop a greater sense of how your behavior can affect situational outcomes.
Course Objectives:
- To expand awareness of the social and personal impact that individual choices and behavior have on one's effectiveness in society.
- To facilitate intellectual discussion about current issues in Communication that can potentially change the ways in which we live and interact with one another.
- To heighten awareness and interest of the theories and concepts as they relate to an in-depth understanding of everyday interaction.
- To critically evaluate one's own behavior in interpersonal situations and then reflect to make daily interactions more effective.
- To read, reflect and think critically about current trends for scholarship in the Communication discipline.
Course Expectations
It is expected that you are accountable: The approach that we will take as a class, will be one of a cooperative learning environment. Individually, you will be part of a cooperative group of three to five people formed the third week of class. You are responsible for reading the assigned material before discussion. You are relied upon for sharing class materials and interpretations (handout, notes, text interpretations and assignment specifics) and whatever else is necessary for the entire group to be 'up-to-speed' at all times. Lecture notes, copies of assignments & study guides are made available in WebCT for students to use as a "bonus resource." If you do not know how to access your account, please go to SMSU18 to set up the account and ask for help. Note: this resource should be up & running by the end of the second week.
It is expected that you are interdependent: This class relies on active participation. Your learning in this course is dependent upon the level of responsibility that you choose to take for yourself and for your colleagues. Come to class on time. Our class is a learning community in which each person is considered necessary to the intellectual growth of his/her colleagues. In other words, positive group interaction, tolerance and interest in your class member's progress are essential student characteristics to the overall success of this course. Therefore the class will be as useful and rewarding as you choose to make it, and understand that your choice does not only effect your own education, but that of your colleagues as well.
NOTE: It is expected that any student who may need an accommodation for any sort of disability should immediately contact me so that together we may provide the necessary arrangements for your success in this course.
Attendance Policy
Because your colleagues are dependent on your individual contributions in class, attendance is mandatory. If you do not show both accountability and interdependence toward your group (see "Course Expectations" above), you could be ejected from your base group. In which case you will be unable to complete the group portion of the exam(s) and your grade will be substantially lowered.
If extenuating circumstances should occur and you are unable to come to class, it is your responsibility to contact a group member to get yourself caught up. A member of your base group will share any notes, handouts, announcements, etc. that were made available during your absence. You will provide the same in return. You can also contact your cluster coordinator/TA for help.
A portion of your grade (25 points) is based on peer evaluation and whether you have been both accountable and interdependent will be determined by your group members; a strong sense of accountability and interdependence is imperative for a successful base group and class. Whether you have a sick child, an accident on your way, or campus event-sports or academic-if you miss more than three hours of class (eg, two classes plus a tardy/early leave), your grade will be lowered. This is an important consideration for whether this term is a good time for you to take this course.
Support Services
Communication Studies Mentors: This is an advanced group of Communication students who assist undergraduates with their academic concerns including: library research, paper organization and editing, concept and theory interpretation, and other coursework questions in Communication. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our department website www.comm.pdx.edu.
Mentor Office Hours
Fall 2005
Appointments encouraged; walk-ins welcome; alternative times available
NEW Location: NH57
Email: comm-mentors@lists.pdx.eduNEW Phone: (503) 725-3252
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Jeni
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10-12 |
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10-12 |
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| Sunita |
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9:45-11:45
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9:45-11:45
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Molly |
2:30-4:30 |
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2:30-4:30
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| Robert |
| 4-6
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4-6
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| Judge |
5-7pm
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| 5-7pm
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| Dani
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| 10am-2pm |
Communication Studies Program Advisor:
Darlene Geiger NH39 (503) 725-4194 geigerd@pdx.edu
Fall advising takes place on Wednesdays & Thursdays 10:30-12:30 & by appt.
(see NH39 door to sign up)
Child Care: Children's Center 143 Smith Center (503) 725-CARE. If it becomes necessary for you to bring your child to class, please have a blanket, some food and toys to keep him/her occupied.
Information and Academic Support Center (IASC): 425 Smith Center (503) 725-4005. IASC offers a variety of supportive opportunities for newly enrolled students to aid in retention.
Student Health & Counseling (SHAC): 1880 SW 6th Ave. (UCB 200) (503) 725-2800
All regularly enrolled students taking 9 or more credit hours, or students taking 4-8 who elect to pay the health fee, are eligible to use SHAC. SHAC offers medical, counseling, pharmacy and testing services, and complete dental. It's difficult to be a good student if you're in poor health.
Writing Center: 188F Cramer Hall; (503) 725-3570. Offers professional critique of student work for all writing abilities. Repeat appointments with a consistent person are advised.
Department & University Policies
- Academic Honesty requires that credit must be given any time you use words and ideas other than your own. Proper citation is necessary; APA is preferred for this course. In the 2003-2004 Portland State University Bulletin it states, "The Student Conduct Code, which applies to all students, prohibits all forms of academic cheating, fraud, and dishonesty. These acts include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, buying and selling of course assignments and research papers, performing academic assignments (including tests and examinations) for other persons, unauthorized disclosure and receipt of academic information, and other practices commonly understood to be academically dishonest" (p. 29). Acts of academic dishonesty in this course may result in failure for the assignment and/or possible suspension from the university for up to two years.
Department & University Policies
- Academic Honesty requires that credit must be given any time you use words and ideas other than your own. Proper citation is necessary; APA is preferred for this course. In the 2003-2004 Portland State University Bulletin it states, "The Student Conduct Code, which applies to all students, prohibits all forms of academic cheating, fraud, and dishonesty. These acts include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, buying and selling of course assignments and research papers, performing academic assignments (including tests and examinations) for other persons, unauthorized disclosure and receipt of academic information, and other practices commonly understood to be academically dishonest" (p. 29). Acts of academic dishonesty in this course may result in failure for the assignment and/or possible suspension from the university for up to two years.
- Incomplete Grades will only be given to students when certain criteria are met and the student's circumstance warrants it. The instructor does not have an obligation to award an incomplete. To be eligible for an incomplete, the student must show satisfactory progress. Satisfactory progress includes, but is not limited to, a grade of C or better, completion of most coursework (approx. 75%) and a displayed commitment to the policies set forth in the course syllabus. The student and the instructor are required to complete a contract in which both parties agree to the essential work to be done. The student is required to also complete a justification statement. The contract and justification statement must be filed with the department. According to the 2003-2004 Portland State University Bulletin, "The deadline for completion of an Incomplete can be no longer than one year. The instructor may set a shorter deadline which shall be binding" (p. 49).
- Coursework completed for this class that is not retrieved by the student, will be available for the first three weeks of the following term. After this time, student coursework will be disposed; however, the grades will be held on record for two years.
Coursework Requirements
There are two exams, numerous skill-building activities and three self-reflections. A brief overview of the assignments and rationale is provided here; details for each will be provided during the term.
- The exams will be at midterm and at final; they will include information from readings, lecture and discussion. Exams are meant to assess level of content comprehension, application of ideas and overall synthesis of course material. The individual exams will be a combination of multiple choice and true/false; group exams consist of two essay questions, which each consist of a single answer submitted by your base group.
NOTE: The final exam is scheduled for Monday, December 5th 12:30- 2:20pm. If you cannot make this time, you cannot take this class this term.
- The skill-building exercises in your workbook are designed to help students apply & understand course content on a personal level in order to develop competency. The activities are usually due on the day the corresponding chapter/topic is discussed in class. You will not receive credit for any activity that is due on a day when you are absent; likewise, neither early nor late activities will be accepted. If you do the math, there are 27 exercises available for 2 points each.
- Self-assessment papers will help you to identify your own behaviors in interpersonal settings. The intent of these papers is to help you accomplish your goals--self-presentational, relational and instrumental--through an intellectual reflection of the literature as it applies to your typical, everyday interactions.
Self-assessment must follow these guidelines; grade deductions will occur if the following standards are not met.
- Assignments must follow APA guidelines for writing.
- Assignments must be proofed for grammar and spelling errors.
- Assignments must be competently written with introduction, body and conclusion (also well-organized with coherent intellectual and emotional expression).
- Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, standard margins on clean paper
- Assignments are due in class and must be on time.
- Avoid e-mailing papers: if you do, be sure to request a reply that it has been received. A hard copy is required by the start of the following class or the paper will be considered late.
- Presentations of group questions for Chapter 17, Catcher in the Rye, will prepare students for the final exam through application and synthesis of course concepts. Base groups are expected to teach their assigned question to other groups while their mates stay to learn and take notes from others. Details provided in week 8.
Summary of assignments:
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