This course consists of an introduction to the basic concepts in interpersonal communication. Our discussions will cover some of the types of communication available to us, such as verbal and nonverbal communication. We will examine ways in which our experiences and our relationships have shaped our perceptions of ourselves and of others. Finally, we will discuss a variety of contexts of communication, such as the family or the workplace, and try to understand how these contexts affect the ways in which we communicate.

Tests: Your class grade is based on four of six tests on class material, discussions and the textbook. These will vary between multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. The dates of the tests and the chapters of your text covered on each will be reviewed in class. (80% of grade)

Paper: You will write a short research/analysis paper (4-5 pages). This paper will cover one of the topics presented in your text. (P/F for 15%).

Presentation: You will prepare a short talk (5 minutes) on your paper topic. You are expected to explain your topic to your classmates in clear and concise way. We will review how to do this in class. (P/F for 5%)

Attendance/Punctuality: Test grades are raised with on “on time bonus” points for students who are present at the beginning of each class. There are no make ups for missed tests. If you must miss a class, you should contact me by e-mail to let me know.

Booth-Butterfield, M. (2002). Interpersonal Essentials. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

(Note: make sure you get the correct book and edition. There are many sections of this course and they do not all use the same textbook.)

If this is not your first semester here, it is probably obvious to you that each professor has his or her own policies. It is your responsibility to understand what my policies are, how they differ from other professor’s policies, and act accordingly. My policies may be different from other professors you have had, even in the Communication Department. Some of my policies differ from course to course. Please read this syllabus carefully and keep it for reference during the semester.

Attendance: I take attendance at the beginning of class and give points to people who are present at the beginning of class. You do not get points if you are late to class. I find people who enter class late distracting and offensive. You do not get points if you miss class. If you cannot come to class on time, reconsider taking this course. If you see considerable conflicts in your schedule with employment or other activities, reconsider taking this course. I make no distinctions between different types of absences, as some professors do. Therefore, I do not expect any notifications of any kind from doctors, coaches, or university officials.

Assignments must be typewritten, never handwritten. They must be handed in during the class they are due to get credit. They may be e-mailed to me, for example if you are not going to make class that day or your printer is not working, but I must receive them before the class. Never later.* There are no make-ups for missed assignments. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to e-mail me (no phone calls).

Plagiarism: Since the development of the Internet, there has been a drastic increase in the number of cases of plagiarism. When I detect a plagiarized paper, it is my policy to give a student an "F" for the course and report the case to the Dean of Student Affairs. I have done this in all cases, without exception. I will explain what constitutes plagiarism in class. (The excuse that "I didn't know this was plagiarism" will not be acceptable).

Class demeanor and etiquette: No eating in class. You are expected to take care of meals and snacks at some other time. Beverages are permitted; those containing caffeine are encouraged. Cell phones are not permitted to be on or out during class (except for some special circumstances).

I shouldn’t have to mention this, but I do … let’s just say that you are expected to have an adult level of bladder control and tolerance for sitting still. I bring this up because leaving class has increased dramatically in the last two years, (even in 50 minute classes). I find it distracting and disrespectful and hope you will keep this in mind.

* More on assignments: You are expected to bring the assignment to class and hand it in. This is a very simple concept and yet many people have trouble with what this means. Here are some interesting, but not acceptable, excuses collected over the last year:

New excuses will not be accepted either, but I will be happy to add them to this list.

	MON	WED	FRI
	You should be through…	1-22 Introduction to Communication Studies	1-24
1-27	Chapters 1, 2.	1-29	1-31
2-3	Chapter 3	2-5	2-7 Test 1
2-10	Chapters 4-6	2-12	2-14 No Class
2-17	No Class	2-19	2-21 Test 2
2-24	Chapters 7-8	2-26	2-28
3-3	Chapter 9	3-5	3-7 Test 3
3-10	Chapter 10	3-12	3-14
3-17	Chapters 11	3-19	3-21 Test 4
3-24	(Spring Break)	3-26	3-28
3-31	Chapters 12-13	4-2	4-4
4-7	Chapters 14-16	4-9	4-11 Test 5
4-14	Chapters 17-18	4-16	4-18 No Class
4-21		4-23	4-25 Test 6
4-28	Presentations	4-30	5-2
5-5	Presentations	5-7	5-9