Download Trinity Western University Course Syllabus

Trinity Western University Course Syllabus
COMMUNICATIONS 111 (Introduction to Communication)
Course Description:
The introductory course to human communication is intended to give an overview of the
communication discipline. Rather than focusing on one aspect of communication, this
course provides a foundation for future study in interpersonal, group, organizational,
cross-cultural, public speaking, or mass communication. By reviewing basic concepts,
theories, and frameworks in human communication, a foundation is provided for the
student. This course is presented from a Christian perspective; however, it is not
necessary that you be a Christian to take this course.
Course Objectives:
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



To understand basic concepts related to covenantal communication.
To understand basic concepts and theories related to language, nonverbal
communication, and effective listening.
To understand basic concepts related to intrapersonal communication,
interpersonal communication, family communication, small group
communication, public speaking, intercultural communication, and mass
communication.
To gain an understanding and appreciation of ways communication
scholars go about doing research.
To consider how communication relates to Christian faith.
Textbooks:
Strom, B. (2003). More Than Talk: Communication Studies and the Christian Faith, 3rd
edition. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. (Note: White or yellow font
titled books are identical.) Available at the TWU Bookstore (Reimer Student Centre).
Course Overview with Schedule of Readings:
Week
I/2
Week
3/4
Week
5/6
Week Week
7/8
9/10
Week
11/12
Week
13/14
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
Ch. 7
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
Personal
Analysis
Paper
Ch. 13
Ch.14
Paper
#1
Ch. 8
Ch. 9
Ch. 10
Paper#2
Final
Paper
On-Line Dialogue------------------------------------------------------------------
Evaluation:
Paper 1
Paper 2
Personal Communication Analysis Paper
Dialogue with instructor
Final Paper
15%
15%
30%
10%
30%
Evaluation Details:
Assignments:
I.
Paper #1
From “On-line Chalk” at the end of Chapters 1-5 choose one
concept that you would like to explore in more depth. Do a google search on
that topic. Read what you find. In a 2-3 page paper, identify, describe, and
discuss what you have found and how it relates to your course readings. (15%)
II.
Paper # 2
From “Online Chalk” at the end of Chapters 6-8, choose another
concept that you would like to explore in more depth. Once again, do a google
search on that topic. In a 2-3 page paper, identify, describe, and discuss what
you have found and how it relates to your course readings. (15%)
III.
The Personal Communication Analysis Paper Requirements
2
The purpose of this paper is to analyze your own communication patterns and
tendencies using ideas from the text. It is one thing to read about communication,
it is another to apply communication concepts to ones own life. This paper
focuses on how you communicate and how you would like to improve your
communication.
Make sure your paper:




IV.
Follows standard term paper form and documentation.
Begins with an introduction, and develops each idea in a separate paragraph.
Length: 2000 words (which is about 7 pages of 12-point font double-spaced typing).
Please do not go over 2000 words.
See the attached guidelines for the personal communication analysis paper. (30%)
Participation in on-line discussion.
Instead of an on-line discussion there will just be a dialogue with your instructor. Your
remarks will be marked based on quantity and quality. Please see the attached criteria for
the on-line discussion. (10%)
V.
Final Research Paper
Identify one topic from Communication Studies and the Christian Faith that you
would like to research in more depth. It can be any topic covered in the 14
chapters. Research that topic through any of the following: library, internet,
personal interviews, media analysis, etc. Write a 7-8 page research paper. Please
include a title page and a works cited page. (30%)
Grading Scale
94-100
90-93
86-89
82-85
78-81
74-77
70-73
66-69
62-65
58-61
54-57
50-53
0-49
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
3
Evaluation for Each Assignment
Papers I and II
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Did the student adequately identify, describe, and research one concept?
Did the student explain how their new research related to the course readings?
Did the student use a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
Did the student use correct grammar and spelling?
Did the student include references as needed?
3
3
3
3
3
15%
Personal Analysis Paper (30 Pts. Possible)
1.
Did the student apply at least seven concepts from the text?
4
6
8
10
2,
Were the concepts defined before they were applied?
Were the concepts applied well in enlightening and
Accurately?
4
6
8
10
Did the student apply biblical values, themes, and/or
references to suggest self improvement?
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
3.
4.
Documentation (footnotes, end-notes, or text-notes;
bibliography or references).
5.
Typing, grammar, and readability.
1
2
----------------------------------------
3
30%
Dialogue with Instructor
1.
2.
3.
Did the student discuss ideas presented in chapters?
Did the student have questions to dialog?
Was the student engaged with the material?
3
3
4
___
10%
Final Research Paper (30 Pts. Possible)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Did the student clearly identify and explain the topic of research?
6
Did the student develop a clear perspective on the topic?
6
Did the student complete adequate research as listed in the works cited page?
6
Did the student use a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
6
Did the student use proper formatting and mechanics: title page, numbered pages?6
30%
4
Guidelines for Writing the Personal Communication Analysis Paper
in COMM 111: Introduction to Communication
As noted in the syllabus: The purpose of this paper is to analyze your own communication
patterns using ideas from our on-line discussions, and the text, to identify and define those habits.
This paper focuses on how you communicate and how you would like to improve your
communication. For example, you can analyze your communication in relation to the concept of
time, self, family, friendships, media, etc. Use at least seven (7) ideas from our text, or on-line
discussions, to describe or explain your own communication patterns. Don’t apply just any seven
ideas, but apply the ones which you believe explain your communication best. I also request that
you draw your ideas from at least three different chapters from our course. That is, don’t take
them from just one or two topic areas.
Examples of applying ideas: I think there are at least four ways you can apply ideas to your
personal communication:
1. Apply facts: You can apply facts that you have discussed on-line or read in our text.
For example, “Harvard sociologist Arthur Levine found that young adults considered
their heroes to be parents, close friends and relatives three-to-one over musicians,
entertainers, and clergy.” (p. 84) You could discuss this fact as to how it relates to your
own experience. Who do you consider to be your hero? What type of communication do
you have with your hero? What is it about that person that makes him, or her, your hero?
Do any of these qualities relate to their communication with you?
2. Apply concepts: Concepts are terms that capture some communication idea or truth,
and you can apply them to understand your communication as well. For example, in the
text we read about confirming and disconfirming messages. You could apply these
concepts by thinking through how they relate to your communication in your family. (p.
142-143)
3. Apply theories: Theories are a set of ideas that work together to explain a broader
slice of communication life. For example, the contingency theory of leadership suggests
that leadership is most effective when both the style of leadership and the situation in
which leadership takes place is considered. You could discuss your own leadership style
as it relates to various situations. Does your leadership style change as you communicate
in church compared to a work situation? Have you had opportunities to give leadership
in school? How has your communication been able to serve the needs of a group? (p.
175)
4. Apply biblical / Christian themes for seeing personal improvement: The paper
also requires that you diagnose your communication ills and prescribe some “good
medicine” for improving them. Use biblical faith themes or ideas to make these insights:
For example, this morning my son informed me that I was not a very good
communicator! I asked him why he would say that. He said, “I’ve been talking to you
and you keep saying yes, yes, yes, but I know you haven’t even heard me!” Oh, dear. I
recognized right away that he viewed me as a “pseudo listener.” (p.126) “Your right,
sweetheart.” I replied. “The problem is, I get all focused in on reading the paper and I am
not focused in on you. Will you please forgive me? I will try very hard to give you my
full attention when you are speaking.”
These are brief examples. In your paper please write full paragraphs to expand on your ideas.
Underlining the key term or phrase helps me follow your use of the terms in your paper. The intext notes show me that you are in tune to where these ideas came from. The only sources you
need for this paper include the text, on-line discussions, and the Bible or a self-improvement
book.
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