COMM 1010:  Introduction to Communication

Instructor: Dr. Karen Anderson,  Basic Course Director                    
Office: 302 GAB
Office Hours: 10am-Noon Thursday and by Appointment
Phone: 369-8107 or 369-7612                            
E-mail:  kanders@unt.edu                                            

Assistant Instructors (TAs):
Office: GAB 515                                          
Main COMM Office Phone: 565-2588
TA Office Phone: 565-319 

Required Texts and Materials:

•  Wood, J. T.  (2003).  Communication in Our Lives, 3^rd Ed.  Belmont, CA:  Wadsworth.

• Eddleman Spears, L., & Rojsatapong, N.  (2004)  Introduction to Communication Student Workbook.  Denton, TX:  (I)t (W)orks.

•  One 9 X 11 inch clasp envelope

Course Description

COMM 1010 fulfills the University’s general education Communication requirement.  This course utilizes the Lecture-Recitation format.  COMM 1010 is designed to allow you to apply the principles you learn in lecture in your recitation sections.  During the course of the semester your teaching assistant (TA) is your primary source for information about the course.  TA’s are responsible for grading all assignments.  Please direct your questions regarding WebCT Vista, exams, and course assignments to your TA.  If you still have questions or concerns after talking with your TA please feel free to stop by during my office hours or set up an appointment.              

Course Goals and Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide students with a basic study of the elements contributing to effective human communication across a broad spectrum of contexts including interpersonal, group, organizational, public, and mass communication.

Thus, the following specific objectives:

• Gain an understanding of the influence of communication in our personal, professional, and public lives. 

• Actively engage in development of problem solving skills in interpersonal and group relationships.

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas related to public communication:

• Audience Analysis

• Topic Analysis

• Organizational Skills

• Persuasive Strategies

• Verbal and Nonverbal Delivery Skills 

Course Policies

 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, 5^th edition.

Punishments for cheating or plagiarism range from a grade of ZERO points on the assignment in question to failure of the course.

Policy on Incompletes

An “Incomplete” will be award 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 Basic Course Director AND your TA prior to the Final Exam period.

Disclaimer: 

This syllabus should not be construed as a binding contract between the instructor and the students.  The professor reserves the right to change any aspect of the course without notice.

Assignments

Presentations (25% of your grade)
You will present at least one informal presentation (Introductory Speech) and one formal presentation (Persuasive Speech).  The Persuasive Speech presentation is worth 200 points and includes four assignments with staggered due dates during the semester:

Week #4- Topic Planning Form- 10 points

Week #6- Persuasive Research Assignment- 20 points

Week #8- Outline- 30 points

Weeks #10-12- Presentation of Persuasive Speech- 140 points

You must turn in all of the following on the day of your presentation:

(1) a typed full sentence outline including a typed reference page using APA style, (2) speaking notes, and (3) photocopies of research used to prepare for the presentation. 

You MUST give the persuasive speech to pass this course.

Participation (20% of your grade)
Several activities will be offered for participation credit.  Communication is a dynamic interactive process and thus this course is designed to engage students in this process. 

·        WebCT Vista Quiz- 20 points

The WebCT Vista Quiz will help you learn how to better negotiate WebCT Vista.  In order to complete this assignment you will need to sign onto WebCT Vista following the directions provided by your TA and complete the online WebCT Vista Quiz located under assignments.

·        Experiential Learning Activity – 20 points

During the course of the semester you will participate in an Experiential Learning Activity.  A variety of activities associated with the Communication Studies department will be offered.  The goal of ELA program is to better understand the scope of communicative experiences examined in the Communication Studies department by engaging in research and/or audience participation.  You can earn ELA points by participating in a research project directed by a COMM faculty member, attending a performance sponsored by the COMM department, or attending a public address from approved guest speakers on campus and in the community.  A bulletin board with ELA options will be posted outside of the main Basic Course office (GAB 302).  Activities will also be announced in lecture.   You must complete one activity—each activity is worth 20 points.

·        Lecture Activities – 60 points

Lecture activities are brief activities offered during lecture.  Each lecture activity is worth 10 points.  Activities will not be announced in advance and are likely to include reading quizzes. 

·        Recitation Activities—100 points

Recitation activities are designed to apply course concepts immediately during class.  Some assignments may be assigned as homework, while others will be completed in-class.  Recitation activities are graded activities and your participation alone does not guarantee full credit.  Your work must show comprehension of the material.  A variety of activities such as reading quizzes, group activities, library exercise, reflective informal writing, and performance activities may be included.  You CANNOT make-up recitation activities unless you have a University authorized absence. 

Please bring your student workbook to Lecture AND Recitation.

Interpersonal Analysis Paper (15% of your grade)

You will complete a 3-5 page paper (typed; double-spaced) critically evaluating a personal relationship using a interpersonal/relational theory presented in class. The paper is worth a total of 150 points.

Please check WebCT Vista for additional assignment information.

Overall Grading Summary:

Final Grade Calculation:

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