Back to COM 114 homepage

Course Info and Expectations



Course Description (University Catalog):
-A study of communication theories as applied to speech; practical communicative experiences ranging from interpersonal communication and small group process through problem identification and solution in discussion to informative and persuasive speaking in standard speaker-audience situations.
           
Course Objectives:
-Learn information that you can use OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM, IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIVES!!!
-Recognize communication when present
-Understand that communication is affected by self-identity and culture
-Learn effective techniques of communication - both verbal and nonverbal
-Know that good communication requires effective listening
-Learn effective ways to present a speech
 
General Education Learning Objectives fulfilled upon completion of COM 114:
-Speak precisely, clearly, and persuasively
-Listen actively and with comprehension
-Formulate and assess your own arguments as well as the arguments of others
-Understand basic principles of small group communication, interpersonal communication and public speaking
-Work in an increasingly diverse society
-Demonstrate computer literacy
 
Course Materials:
Required:
-Wood, J.T. (2006). Communication in our Lives: Fourth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
-University e-mail account (yourname@ipfw.edu)
Optional:
-Scissors, Glue Stick, and Colored Pencils (Only kidding)
 
Course Format:
Course will be a combination of lecture, class discussion, group interaction and activities, videos and other media.  We’ll try to keep things upbeat.
 
Course Policies:
Plagiarism and Cheating (as described in University Handbook):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. You are responsible for knowing how to maintain academic honesty and for abstaining from cheating, the appearance of cheating, and permitting or assisting in another’s cheating.
 
Penalties for academic dishonesty can be up to and include failure for the course.  Refer to the University Handbook for other (translation: extremely worse and far more serious) consequences of academic dishonesty. 
 
Statement regarding R-E-S-P-E-C-T:
Find out what it means to me.  OK, lame joke.  In all seriousness, in order to create a safe and open learning environment for all students, everyone, including myself, will be expected to treat others with dignity and respect.  
 
Attendance:
BE IN CLASS.  You are expected to attend every class meeting.  There will be an attendance sheet at every class meeting that YOU are responsible for signing.  If you do not sign in, you will be marked absent.  You will be allowed two absences; however, you will not be able to make-up missed quizzes (which we will have on occasion to keep you on your toes) or group work without a valid, documented reason.  Beyond those two absences, you can expect a 1% reduction in your final grade for every additional day missed.  It is always a good idea to let your instructors know in advance if you are going to miss, so please do so if at all possible.  E-mail will be fine.
           
Make-up work:
As stated in the attendance policy, you will not be able to make up missed work unless your absence from class can be excused by an emergency.  Documentation will be expected for excused absences.  Excused absences will be left to my discretion.  If you are not going to be able to make it to class the day an assignment is due, make sure it is turned in either the class period beforehand or as an attachment via e-mail before class starts on the date it is due.  The assignment will be late if not received by the start of class on the due date.  This policy applies to speech outlines as well.
 
Late policy:
Late assignments will be penalized 10% for every class period that they are late.  All papers and assignments are due at the beginning of class and will be considered late if not turned in during collection at the start of class.  Only under extreme circumstances can this be waived and that decision will be left to my discretion.
 
Keep in mind for presentations:
Show respect when you are not presenting by not interrupting or distracting the speaker.  For those who are presenting: NO GUM, NO HATS.  Presentations will be graded on both verbal and nonverbal delivery, speech content, preparedness, articulation, etc.



Back to COM 114 homepage