COMM 2020 Syllabus Fall 2013 Dr. Wang

COMM 2020 Syllabus – Fall 2013 Dr. Wang CommComm 20202020 InterpersonalInterpersonal CommunicationCommunication FallFall 20132013

Professor: Dr. Zuoming Wang Email: [email protected] Office: 309E GAB Phone: 565-4283 Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or by appointment Course Time: M/W/F at Cury 103 12:00pm-12:50pm Course Assistant: Dino Griego Email: [email protected]

Recitation 201: meet at BLB 050 on Weds TA: Anna Bogdan Recitation 202: meet at BLB 060 on Weds TA: Caitlyn Cawley Recitation 203: meet at BLB 073 on Weds TA: Noura Elwazani Recitation 204: meet at BLB 075 on Weds TA: Alicia Garavaglia

TA Office Hour: TBA

Course Description Communication with others is an activity we all do with a fair amount of expertise. The aim of the course is to better understand interpersonal communication situations, and thus to improve the ways we manage them. In this class, we will examine the major communication theories, issues, concepts, and research findings relevant to initiating, developing, maintaining, and terminating relationships (be it romantic relationship, family relationship, friendship, or co-worker relationship) with an eye of the role communication in the process. Lecture, discussion, in-and out-class observations, and “applied” filed research assignments will be used to increase student knowledge and behavioral competence in interpersonal communication.

Course Objectives 1. Develop an awareness of the role communication plays in everyday life. 2. Understand and recognize how communication processes work. 3. Understand the role context plays in communication. 4. Increase both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. 5. Increase communication competence by recognizing communication options.

Required Readings

University of North Texas page 1 COMM 2020 Syllabus – Fall 2013 Dr. Wang

Gamble, T. K., & Gamble M. W. (2013). Interpersonal communications: Building connections together. Thousand Oaks, CL: Sage Publications.

Attendance and Participation Since this course is based on theory as well as application, students must be here to apply the theories discussed. Attendance at every class is expected. To learn better, everyone should prepare 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. Beyond three absences, 2 percentage points (20 points) per absence will be deducted off your final grade. Absences need never be discussed with the instructor or with teaching assistants unless you are providing a documented note. Furthermore, aside from attendance, participation during class is expected. While you might attend every class, if you do not engage in the discussion or activities during lecture/recitation, points will be deducted from your overall grade. Students who do not attend on the first day class may be dropped, so that students who are not enrolled but attend the first day of class can be added to the class.

Late Work Policy You are responsible for turning work in on time. Late work will NOT be accepted without a documented “authorized absence” as defined in the UNT Undergraduate Catalog (there will be no exceptions). You cannot make up quizzes under any circumstances. Assignments are always due at the beginning of class. Failure to submit assignment on time results in a zero. Computer failure, printer failure, and the like are not acceptable excuses for turning in work late. 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, etc., you must contact your teaching assistant ahead of time to avoid penalties for lateness. You must talk with your TA with regard to email submission of your assignment.

Acceptable Student Behavior: Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.unt.edu/csrr

Punctuality It is really important that class begins on time every day to guarantee that all of the scheduled information and activities are completed. For every two times you are late or leave early, it counts as one absence. It is your responsibility to make sure I know you were late and not absent.

Distractions Make sure you turn the ringers off on your cell phones prior to the start of class. It is best to shut them off completely. Please do not text message during class.

Academic Integrity

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. The minimum sanction for a violation of the code is a grade of zero for the assignment; a second act of plagiarism warrants a failing grade in the course. The code is available in the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Access Policy “The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class.Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss such letters during their designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at http://www.unt.edu/oda. You may also contact them by phone at 940-565-4323..”

Extra Credit Opportunity There is no planned extra credit for this course. On occasion, however, graduate students or faculty may provide the opportunity for students to participate in research. IF such opportunities are offered this semester, students are encouraged to take advantage of any extra credit offered. IF offered, each opportunity will count up to 1% (which is 10 points) of a student's final grade. You can earn up to 50 points extra credit over the semester. Note, however, students must be at class when these opportunities are provided. Makeup of extra credit will not be allowed.

Policy on Incompletes We will award grades of “Incomplete” only in cases where a student has completed 75% of the coursework AND the grade is warranted by a medical or military excuse. Inability to complete coursework in a timely fashion does not constitute an acceptable reason for requesting or receiving an incomplete.

APA Style Students are expected to produce written work that conforms to APA style and the “Writing Guidelines” that appear on the department website in the “Important Documents” section of both the Undergraduate Program and Graduate Program tabs.

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.

SETE Course Evaluation The SETE course evaluation period is from November 19 to December 8. During this period, please go to my.unt.edu to complete the course evaluation. Once the completion rate is above 90%, students will receive 10 extra credit points for the final grade as reward.

Copier Use Statement Students conducting research in the Communication Studies Library associated with departmental coursework have access to a printer/photocopier located in the office adjacent to the library. We encourage students to make use of this resource to print research accessed online in the library or to copy essays from any of the department’s holdings. Students may not use this resource for other purposes, such as printing courses assignments, class notes, scripts, etc. Students who use the copier for uses other than those outlined above will lose copying privileges.

Disclaimer This syllabus should not be construed as a binding contract on the part of the instructor or teaching assistants. We reserve the right to change any aspect of the course without notice.

Grading scale: A: (excellent, clearly outstanding) 900—1000 90-100% B: (very good, impressive) 800—899 80-89% C: (average college level) 700—799 70-79% D: (below average, barely passing) 600—699 60-69% F: (failing) below 559 59% and below

Assignments

Identity Paper: (100 points) Due October 4, 2013 What and who shapes our identities? How does communication function to create our self-concepts and the way we act in our relationships? Write a 4-5 page paper explaining the three communication concepts and/or theories that you believe most influence our identities. This paper will provide you the opportunity to examine interpersonal communication topics in more depth. You can research attachment styles, cultural differences, communication between siblings, friendships, etc. Your TA will provide a list of possible topics for this assignment. In general, you should go beyond the information presented in the text and include additional information about the topic. You should use a minimum of 6 academic sources to support your arguments. Internet sources such as web pages, unless used to access academic libraries, journals and research, should not be used. Although you are welcome to use the readings for this class for your paper, they do not count as outside sources. Your paper should be typed, well written, proofread, email to your TA and submitted through turnitin.com before the deadline.

Favorite Interpersonal Theory Research Paper: (100 points) Due November 1, 2013 This is a time for your creativity. You will select your favorite interpersonal theory from the topics we have covered in the textbook and write a 4-5 page paper describing the theory within a specific context. For instance: attachment styles and romantic relationships; reflected appraisal and friendship, social identity theory and gender, etc. You should include examples from the research

University of North Texas page 4 COMM 2020 Syllabus – Fall 2013 Dr. Wang that you find, and NOT personal examples. Your research paper should put the theory in the context. You must NOT use the theory that you have used in the Identity Paper. The paper needs to be typed, well written, proofread, and include at least 6 academic sources to add depth and insight to your description. Your sources should consist of academic journal articles that review actual research on relationships, and/or communication, much like the research overviewed by Wood in the textbook and that is covered in lecture. Internet sources such as web pages, unless used to access academic libraries, journals and research, should not be used. Although you are welcome to use the readings for this class for your paper, they do not count as outside sources. Your paper should be typed, well written, proofread, email to your TA and submitted through turnitin.com before the deadline.

Short Response Papers for Video Clips (5 X 20 points = 100 points) Some video clips will be shown in lecture during the semester. For each video clip, you need to write a 1-2 page essay (typed, double space) that applies an interpersonal theory/concept from the text to analyze the video clip. The point of this assignment is to illustrate that you have incorporated what you learn from the book to the scenarios shown in the video clips. The short response paper should follow APA style. There is no make-up for this assignment.

Reading Quizzes: (10 X 10 points = 100 points) You will have many opportunities this semester to demonstrate your superior understanding of the course material and readings through unannounced quizzes over the readings. Questions will cover readings of the current day and may include information covered in the lecture. The point of the quiz is to let your TA know that you have read the textbook and understand the concept. In order to demonstrate it, you need to write substantially (e.g., put down everything you remember from the textbook within the given time, provide an example). Quizzes are given to make sure you are keeping up with the reading: as long as you read carefully, you should excel. Quizzes cannot be made up. If you are late to class and miss the quiz, that quiz cannot be made up. Quizzes could be administered in lecture or recitation, either at the beginning of class or at the end of class. Most quizzes will consist of short answer questions, but could potentially include multiple-choice questions.

Exams: (4 X 100 points = 400 points) Exam 1: Ch. 1-3 due September 23, 2013 Exam 2: Ch. 4-6 due October 18, 2013 Exam 3: Ch. 8, 9, 11 due November 11, 2013 Exam 4: Ch. 12-14 due December 11, 2013

The four exams each consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. You are responsible for all material covered in the text and all material covered in lecture. Always bring pencils to the exam.

Participation: (50 Mid-term participation and 50 Final participation = 100 Points)

Friday Responses/Blogs: (10 posts X 10 points = 100 points)

Schedule

This is a tentative schedule for the semester. We may fall behind or move ahead from time to time, so revisions will be announced in class and on the course web site. You are responsible to keep up on announced revisions. You should read all assignments prior to class. We will usually meet in lecture on Mondays and recitations on Wednesdays (except the beginning two weeks of the semester). You will complete your online blog assignment on Friday, so the class won’t meet on Fridays. Exams are always administered in recitation rooms. Please bring pencils to all exams.

August/September

Monday (CURY 103) Wednesday (BLB) Friday 28-Aug (CURY 103) 30-Aug (BLB) Introduction; syllabus overview Get to know each other 6-Sep (BLB) 2-Sep 4-Sep (CURY 103) Recitation: Distinguishing types Labor Day (no classes; university Ch. 1: Interpersonal of communication closed) Communication Online Blog 10 points 9-Sep 11-Sep 13-Sep Ch. 2: The Impact of Self-Concept Recitation: APA Style Writing Online Blog 10 points 16-Sep 18-Sep 20-Sep CH. 3 Perception (Dino) Recitation: Exam Review Online Blog 10 points 23-Sep 25-Sep 27-Sep Exam 1: Ch. 1-3 (100 points) Recitation: We can work it out Online Blog 10 points

October

Monday (CURY 103) Wednesday (BLB) Friday 2-Oct 4-Oct 30-Sep Ch. 5 Recitation: Communicating Identity Paper Due (100 points) Ch. 4 Listening with words—SAY WHAT???? AND ONLINE BLOG 10 points 7-Oct 9-Oct Ch. 5 Verbal Communication Recitation: Nonverbal 11-Oct (Dino) communication Online Blog 10 points 14-Oct Ch. 6 Nonverbal Communication 16-Oct 18-Oct (Dino) Recitation: Exam review Exam 2: Ch. 4-6 (100 points) 21-Oct 23-Oct Ch. 8 Emotions Recitation: The display of emotion 25-Oct Participation grade due 50 points on Television Online blog 10 points 1-Nov 28-Oct 30-Oct Interpersonal Concept/Theory Ch. 9 Trust and Deception Recitation: Trust me/Trust me not Paper Due (100 points)

November University of North Texas page 6 COMM 2020 Syllabus – Fall 2013 Dr. Wang

Monday (CURY 103) Wednesday (BLB) Friday 4-Nov 6-Nov 8-Nov Ch. 11 Conflict (Noura) Recitation: Exam Review Online Blog 10 points 11-Nov 13-Nov 15-Nov Exam 3. Ch 8,9,11 (100 points) Recitation: Relationship Starters Online Blog 10 points 18-Nov 20-Nov Ch. 12 Relationship Dynamics Recitation: Disclosure in (Anna) Interaction Brainstorm/Script 22-Nov Writing Session Online Blog 10 points 25-Nov Ch. 13 Intimacy and Distance in 29-Nov Relationships 27-Nov Thanksgiving Break (Caitlyn) Recitation: Relationships

December

Monday (CURY 103) Wednesday (BLB) Friday 2-Dec Ch. 14 Relationships in Our Lives 4-Dec 6-Dec (Alicia) Final Review Reading Day (no classes) 11-Dec, 10:30-12:30pm Finals (final participation 50 points; final exam 100 points)

Focus For Study

The student study site, sagepub.com/gambleic, is intended to enhance your use of Interpersonal Communication by Teri Kwal Gamble and Michael W. Gamble. The site features a variety of resources to make studying and learning easier with e-flashcards, study questions, self-assessment quizzes, video links, Web resources, SAGE journal articles and social media guideline

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