Course Syllabus

Spring 2024 | COM-1020-VM01 - 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

Gail Schwartz
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Jennifer Gundy

General Education Requirements

CCV 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 IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

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.

Methods

Online textbook and quizzes

In-class exercises

Weekly journaling

Field Assignments

Online discussions

Essay

Group project and oral presentation

Evaluation Criteria

Class participation: 20%

Written assignments including discussions: 20%

Quizzes: 10%

Essay: 20%

Oral presentation: 30%

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

Interpersonal and small group communication is all about being present. What does that mean? Well, that’s a hard thing to define, but think about a time you've been with someone who is obviously distracted and mentally somewhere else. I'm trying to cultivate the opposite of that in our classes, a space where we're all focused and really there together.

Here are some of my expectations that will help us be more present which will improve our collective experience of the class.

• Attend class regularly, on time, for the full session

• Complete all assignments before class (this will impact how interesting and deep our conversations can be)

• Listen attentively and with an open mind; no side conversations or distractions, including cell phones and laptops.

• Positively and actively contribute to in-class discussions and activities

• Ask questions and seek help when you need it

Missing & Late Work Policy

We're all had that experience where a friend or colleague said they would do something and it doesn't happen. I firmly believe that meeting deadlines is an essential skill for success in relationships and life, so I expect my students to do everything possible to avoid turning in work late.

On the other hand, we also all know that life happens, and most people and colleagues are okay with an occasional delay if the communication is clear and timely. My policy is designed to find a happy medium between these two realities.

In general, I accept late work up to six days after the due date, taking off 5% per day it's late. Oral presentations are the exception, however; there are no extensions for this assignment as it is at the end of the semester.

I do allow three free "life happens" exceptions: if you get in touch with me before the deadline, I won't dock you the 5%. In these cases, you have six days to get me the work.

In all cases, if I do not have an assignment by six days after the deadline, I will give that assignment a 0.

Experiential Learning Expectations

Hours: 1-5

In pairs, students will design, plan, and lead a workshop in the community. This will be their project for the semester and the experience they will present about at the end of class, integrating concepts learned about communication in evaluating the success of their workshop.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
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