Introduction to Communication studies

COMM 101

Fall 2011 Queens University of Charlotte professor: Dr. John A. McArthur email: mcarthurj@queens.edu phone: 704.668.2745
Course Schedule August 24 Welcome & Syllabus August 29 A First Look (Ch. 1) Journal #1 Due August 31 The Comm. Field (Ch. 2) September 5 LABOR DAYno class Journal #2 Due (submit on Moodle) September 7 Perceiving and Understanding (Ch. 3) September 12 Verbal (Ch. 4) Journal #3 Due September 14 September 19 Non-Verbal (Ch. 5) Journal #4 Due September 21 September 26 Listening and Responding (Ch. 6) Journal #5 Due SYLLABUS Sections and meeting times Mon./Wed. 12:00-1:25 pm Required Textbook Wood, J.T. (2010). Communication Mosaics: An introduction to the field of communication., 6th ed., Belmont, CA: Thomson: Wadsworth. Other Materials Students may purchase other materials during the semester including supplies for projects as designed by the student in accordance with the project requirements. One suggested item is a three ring binder for the communication journal and class notes. You will want to keep track of your journal entries throughout the term to review for the final exam. Our Moodle site is also a resource you will want to access for information about assignments and grading. Course Description This course is designed to provide a survey into the nature and processes of communication by exploring interpersonal, public, and mass media dimensions of communication. The course includes topics such as perception and listening, the development of relationships, intercultural and family communication, group interactions, public persuasion, the roles of mass media, and developments in journalism. Course Objectives At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Define and apply major concepts in communication studies. 2. Understand the broad historical and contemporary theories of communication studies generally.

September 28 Climates (Ch. 7) October 3 Journal #6 Due October 5 October 10 Cultures (Ch. 8) Journal #7 Due October 12 October 17 Self (Ch. 9) Journal #8 Due October 19 October 24 Interpersonal (Ch. 10) Journal #9 Due October 26 October 31 Group (Ch. 11) Journal #10 Due November 2 November 7 Organizations (Ch. 12) Journal #11 Due November 9 Public (Ch. 13) November 14 Journal #12 Due November 16 Mass (Ch. 14) November 21 & 23 November 28 Journal #13 Due

3. Identify and evaluate communication strategies in the world around them. 4. Select, organize, and present (in various forms and media) information germane to ongoing discussions about communication. Course Requirements As a member of this course, each student is expected to: 1. Participate fully in class by being present and contributing to ongoing classroom discussions in a meaningful way. 2. Bring a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. 3. Complete all assigned work in class. 4. Engage with class members on joint projects as assigned. Grading Policy Grades in this course will be based on 1000 available points. The following scale will be used in this course: B+ 899-870 C+ 799-770 D+ 699-670 A 1000-930 B 869-830 C 769-730 D 669-600 A- 929-900 B- 829-800 C- 729-700 F 599-0

Points will be allocated as follows: Communication Journal Entries: 700 points Classroom Participation: 100 points Final Exam: 200 points TOTAL: 1000 points Late/Missed Work Policy Always make arrangements with me as soon as you know about an upcoming absence. Arrangements for making up missed work must be made in advance. Assignments submitted late will be severely penalized by 10% of the original point allocation per calendar day late. Thus, assignments submitted after 10 days late will earn no points. Attendance Policy Attendance is expected in this course. As this is an introductory course, attendance is required. You may only miss two classes. Additional absences will result in a 10 point per day deduction from your overall total. If you will be missing class for any reason, let me know as soon as possible. If you miss class, you are responsible for contacting a classmate to find out what work was missed. Excessive absences will result in failure of the course. Honor Code Students in this course will adhere to the Queens University of Charlotte Honor Code as is expected for all of their pursuits at the university. The Honor Code is accessible at www.queens.edu.

November 30 Technology (Ch. 15) December 5 Journal #14 Due December 7 Exam Review FINAL EXAM: TBD Do not make travel plans for summer break before these dates are finalized by the Registrars Office.

Student Disability Services If you are a student with a verified disability, please give me the Letter of Accommodation provided by Student Disability Services. Students who have a disability or think they have a disability (e.g. psychiatric, attentional, learning, vision, hearing, physical, or systemic) are invited to contact Student Disability Services for a confidential discussion at 704.337.2508. Additional information is available at the SDS website at www.queens.edu. Classroom Policies Devote the entire class period to your learning Silence and store your cell phones Participate in all class activities Show respect for all class members Information on Course Assignments Information on all course assignments and their point allocations will be given during class time and on Moodle. Please ask me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for any of the assignments that we will complete. For exams in this course, you are responsible for all information included in our textbook, covered in class, and included in any supplemental materials discussed.

The dates on this schedule are the official due dates for Fall term 2011. All readings and materials are due during class time on the date specified. Dates are subject to change, and any changes will be made in writing.

Introduction to communication studies

COMM 101

Acceptance of the syllabus I have read and understand the syllabus for this course. I have discussed any concerns or clarifications with the instructor and I agree to abide by the conditions of the syllabus, complete the required coursework, and be an active participant in class. Signed:__________________________________________ Print name & date:_________________________________

Fall 2011 Instructor: Dr. John A. McArthur Queens University of Charlotte