In this course, you will learn the basics of communication and relationships..

You will learn by participating in discussion boards, observing communication context, reading, writing and even creating you own communication circumstance.

What you learn in this course will benefit you by making the most out of your communication interactions and being able to understand the communication patterns of others.

Entry Level Competencies: Fluency in Standard American English. Recommend proficiency in reading and writing at English 111 level.

Upon successfully completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Express ideas with verbal fluency;
2. Apply knowledge of nonverbal communication in sending and receiving messages;
3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in sending and receiving messages;
4. Adapt messages and behaviors to different communication contexts;
5. Employ listening and responding skills adapted to different communication contexts;
6. Demonstrate an understanding and respect for cultural and social diversity.

• Seiler & Bealle, Communication: Making Connections, 8th edition.  By ordering this book new, you will receive access to MyCommunication Lab, which you will also need for this course. If you already have the book, you can order the code for access to MyCommunication Lab separately. You can order your book via the Alexandria Bookstore Website.
• Consistent access to computer with internet connection
• Access to a recording device (video camera, webcam, digital camera that takes video, etc.)
• Access to Microsoft PowerPoint

Note: In order to pass this class, you must complete the informative speech, final project, and all three exams. Failure to do so will result in failing the class automatically.

Discussion Board: 45 points
You will be assigned various topics to answer by posting to the discussion board.

Exams: 300 points
Three objective exams, 100 points each, covering information presented in the text and class lectures. See www.abacon.com/seiler for chapter review. Students will complete the tests at an NVCC testing center on a local campus.

Interpersonal Film Paper:
150 pointsA 4 - 6 page paper on a movie of the student's choice exploring interpersonal communication in the film.

Group Project: 200 points
Students will work in groups and use communication skills and processes to to address a problem in their community.

Informative Speech/Draft Outline: 125 points
A 4-6 minute extemporaneous speech on an informative topic selected by the students and approved by the instructor.

Persuasive Speech/Draft Outline: 125 points
A 4-6 minute extemporaneous speech on an persuasive topic selected by the students and approved by the instructor.

Participation: 55
Thoughtful responses and questions on discussion boards, eNOVA attendance, constructive criticism to draft outlines, and constructive comments on final projects.

Your final grade will be based on the following scale:

Incompletes

The incomplete grade is used for verifiable unavoidable reasons. If you have made significant progress in your course, your end date is near, and you have reasons that can be documented as unavoidable , you may request a grade of Incomplete .  To request a grade of Incomplete for this course, you must:

• Have satisfactorily completed  50% of the course.    
• Explain your extenuating circumstances to me in writing.
• Provide a plan for completing the remaining assignments in writing.

There are 3 exams in this course.

Last Updated: December 31, 2010