Course Syllabus

Fall 2026 | COM-1020-VA01 - Interpersonal & Small Group Communication

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Tana Randall-Wolfe
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Sarah Maguire

General Education Requirements

Communication

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

Theories of effective communication will be examined and practically applied. Emphasis will be placed on active listening, observation, reflective responses, and the use of clear language in interpersonal and small group situations.

Essential Objectives

1. Identify barriers to effective communications and apply strategies for overcoming them.
2. Evaluate communication styles and their relative appropriateness in different situations.
3. Describe and apply, in a variety of situations, reflective listening, assertiveness, and negotiation skills.
4. Describe common roles for participants in small group situations.
5. Identify, describe, and evaluate different forms of decision-making in small groups.
6. Prepare a formal presentation that demonstrates proficiency using the CCV Oral Communication Rubric.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Prohibited: The use of generative AI is not allowed in this course, with the exception of spellcheck, grammar check and similar tools. This course rests in the value of students engaging in the learning process without relying on AI-generated content. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills independently, owning their learning journey from start to finish. If you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Because this class is largely about learning new concepts (or reviewing those you might be familiar with), building skills, self reflection, and mindfulness, there is not really a place for AI here.

Methods

This class will be conducted with a balance of group discussions and interactive activities. For people who are already comfortable with in-person, group discussions, this will be an opportunity to delve further into the material to understand the theory and concepts behind communication, and to refine your skills. For those who are less confident with group discussion, this class is an opportunity to practice communication skills in a safe atmosphere.

There will be an expectation of co-creating an encouraging and non-judgmental classroom environment so everyone has a chance to practice new skills in a non-threatening atmosphere.

There will be weekly readings, quizzes on those readings to help keep everyone on top of their work, reflective writing, and two opportunities to practice public speaking. If this is not your forte, you are in the right place - we will all work together to help everyone in the class improve their communication skills!

The best way to pass this class is to stay on top of your work. I won't be accepting late work, so just stay on top of your reading and reflective writing, and come to class prepared to discuss what you've read. Students who stay up to date on their assignments generally do well in this class!

Evaluation Criteria

This class is based on an accumulation of 100 points:
Class participation 28%
Reading quizzes 14%
Demonstration of skills learned 20%
Reflective writing exercises 34% (14 points for workbook reflections, 20 points for written process recordings)
Final exam 4%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

This will be an interactive class where you will be learning, reviewing, and practicing interpersonal skills in a supportive environment. Full participation requires active and thoughtful engagement in class each week. I recognize that all humans have varying degrees of comfort with interpersonal interaction, so there is a certain amount of self-reflection and assessment built into the course. As your instructor, my role is to coach you to learn more about and build your interpersonal communication skills.

Attend class regularly, on-time and for the full session
Complete all of the week's reading and assignments before the start of class
Write honest self-reflection, and have an open mind to feedback.
Listen to others attentively with a non-judgmental stance.
Positively contribute to class discussions and activities - challenge yourself to speak in class if you usually hold back, and challenge yourself to listen more if you usually talk.
Ask questions and seek help when you need it
Challenge yourself to do your best work

Missing & Late Work Policy

Assignments are due by the deadline noted on the syllabus and/or discussed in class, even when you need to be absent. Your work can be emailed or dropped off at the front desk. Plan to complete homework for the next class meeting on time. Being absent is not an excuse for not completing any homework assigned that day.
Late work is not accepted, except in emergency situations. In the case of an extenuating circumstance, please communicate as early as you can with the instructor about the need to miss class and/or assignments.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/student-support/accessibility-services/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.