This course introduces you to theories of communication related to interpersonal relationships, small group interaction and public speaking. The focus of the class is upon developing competencies for becoming a more confident and effective communicator.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Have a better understanding of theories and concepts about communication.
• Develop critical thinking skills for evaluating the practical and ethical impact of communication choices.
• Weigh communication situations and interactions with others in light of a communication ethic that emphasizes the values of respect for social and cultural diversity, appreciation for ways that people and communities differ in the ways that they communicate, respect for the integrity of ideas and responsibility for participating in social, professional and civic matters.
• Practice skills for becoming a more competent communicator in interpersonal, professional, and public speaking contexts of communication.
• Understand different context of communication and how different channels of interaction affect communication outcomes.
• Acquire and practice competence for using computer-mediated technologies for communicating.

The required textbook for this course is:

• Doyle, T. (2004). Communication Unbound, 1/e. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Note: There is important information in the Textbook area of the course Blackboard site about options for purchasing Communication Unbound and making sure that you have a viable access code to be able to read the text and use its online activities for the Writing Assignments. Please read this information before purchasing your textbook.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Class attendance for four mandatory meetings is essential for succesful completion of the class. Meetings held at ELI, 8000Forbes Place, Springfield.

Spring semester 2007

• SPD 110 E86N will hold group meetings on Thursday evenings Janurary 18, February 15, March 22, and May 3 from 7:00-9:45 at ELI.
• SPD 110 E87N will hold meetings on Wednesday evenings January 25, February 22, March 29, and May 10 from 7:00-9:45 at ELI.
• SPD 110 E90N will hold meetings Thursday evenings January 19, February 16, March 30, May 4 from 7:00-9:45 at ELI.

The Extended Learning Institute offices are located at 8000 Forbes Place in Springfield, Virginia. It is conveniently located just off the Capital Beltway, I-495, at the Braddock Road Exit, Exit 54A. Specific directions for locating the ELI Center can be found using the link on the Announcements page of our Blackboard website.

A listing of the specific dates when your section of the class will meet are listed on the Class Calendar, which can be found in the Course Information section of our Blackboard course website. You may also check the schedule of classes for the dates. It is not possible to pass the class without taking part in the oral assignments that are completed during our face-to-face class sessions.

Owing to the nature of this class as an online course, you will also be expected to participate in twenty-one topic discussions that are conducted on the online discussion board in blackboard.

Full participation in the discussions will entail the following:

1. You will be expected to do an initial posting, which is typically three or four paragraphs in length. Your postings should address one of the specific options that are listed for each of the class topics. A detailed listing of options for each of the topics is available in Course Information under the heading of Discussion Topics.
2. You will also be expected to provide reply postings to other classmates. Each reply posting should be one to two paragraphs in length and make substantial, helpful and critical responses to the initial posting in a manner that moves the class discussion of a topic forward.
3. The deadline dates for class postings and reply postings can be found on the Class Calender, which can be found in the Course Information section.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

BY EMAIL: tdoyle@nvcc.edu

BY TELEPHONE: (703) 323-3372

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.