ANCILLA COLLEGE is a Liberal Arts institution of higher learning sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus

Christ. The Colleges religious tradition is Roman Catholic; its climate ecumenical. In a caring environment, Ancilla
serves a diverse population, as we transform and empower students to achieve high academic goals, lifelong
learning, successful careers and values-centered lives.

COURSE INFORMATION
Academic Term: Fall 2017
Course Title: COMM 215 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3 credit hours)
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday 10:50am-12:05pm
Room Number: C126

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor: Jodie M. Bowers
Phone: 574-936-8898 ext: 357
Email: jodie.bowers@ancilla.edu
Office Hours Office: 219
Monday: 8:30AM 10:00AM Wednesday: 8:30AM 10:00AM
& 2:00PM 4:30PM & 2:00PM 4:30PM
Or by appointment though generally speaking if Im in my office, my door is open.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will learn the principles and behaviors of communication between individuals. Emphasis upon self-concept,
perception, diversity, listening, non-verbal messages, interpersonal theory, conflict, relationships, impact of technology,
and emotion.

REQUIRED MATERIAL/RESOURCES
Text: Adler, R.B., Rosenfeld, L.B., & Proctor II, R.F. (2015). Interplay: The process of interpersonal
communication. 13th ed. New York: Oxford.
o ISBN: 978-0-19-939048-9
Course Home: Moodle Use of your Moodle account is required for this class. If you dont know how to
use/access Moodle, it is in your best interest to see me sooner rather than later. All assignment information will
be posted on Moodle generally NOT handed out in class. Grades will be posted in the online gradebook; and
class information, forums, announcements, and changes in the syllabus or schedule will be posted on Moodle.

ANCILLAS ACADEMIC COMPETENCIES

The work in this course, like all courses at Ancilla College, is guided by the idea that all students who graduate from the
College must demonstrate that they can:
ANCILLA COLLEGE ACADEMIC COMPETENCIES
1. Critical Thinking & Quantitative Reasoning: Demonstrate competence in understanding, evaluating, and using
both qualitative and quantitative information to explore issues, solve real-life problems, and develop informed
opinions.
2. Communication: Written and Oral: Understand and communicate effectively with others using a variety of
contexts and formats, which include writing, speaking, reading, listening and interpersonal skills.
3. Global Awareness: To acquire the knowledge, values, and dispositions to act in an informed manner,
demonstrate empathy, engage in effective intergroup communication, and build community across social,
cultural, political, environmental, geographic, and economic boundaries.
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4. Technology & Information Management: Demonstrate ability to utilize technology effectively in support of a
records and information.
5. Personal Responsibility & Professional Development: Ability to understand and manage self, to function
effectively in social and professional environments and to make reasoned judgments based on an understanding
of the diversity of the world community.
The assignments, class activities, and readings all play their own roles in ensuring that we meet the Ancilla Academic
Competencies as well as the following Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

Academic Student Learning Outcomes Assignment

Competencies
1, 2, 5 1. Explain the principles and behaviors that contribute to effective Classroom Discussions &
interpersonal communication. Participation
Unit Exams
Unit Papers
1, 5 2. Examine ways in which the self grows and develops. Classroom Discussion &
Participation
1, 2, 3, 5 3. Describe the impact of diverse beliefs, attitudes, and values on Classroom Discussions &
perceptions. Participation
2 4. Improve listening skills. Classroom Discussions &
Participation
1, 2 5. Comprehend the complexities and subtleties of both verbal and Classroom Discussions &
nonverbal messages. Participation
1, 3, 4 6. Apply interpersonal communication theory and principles in a Classroom Discussions &
variety of evolving communication contexts. Participation
1 7. Identify causes of and strategies to manage interpersonal Classroom Discussions &
conflict. Participation
1, 4 8. Increase understanding of how technology/media affects Classroom Discussions &
interpersonal communication. Participation
1, 2 9. Apply principles of composition, such as research and All activities and papers
documentation, to the theory and practice of interpersonal
communication
1, 5 10. Expand emotional vocabulary and recognize impact of emotion Classroom Discussions &
on interpersonal relationships Participation
1 11. Recognize different types of interpersonal relationships and Classroom Discussions &
techniques to maintain them. Participation
The assignments in this class are designed to achieve these goals. Textbook readings, class lectures, in class activities,
and presentations will not only provide you with information about major concepts, but will also allow you the
opportunity to experience the concepts. Therefore, your attendance and participation in class are of utmost importance.

Course Work Expectations: Students will be held to a high standard of performance. To receive an A in this class your
work must be significantly better than that which passes for acceptable work. More precisely, an A assignment is one
that shows originality, careful research, tight reasoning, well-thought out persuasive appeals, and skillful delivery.
Additionally, A assignments will deal with non-trivial subject matter and will constitute a genuine contribution to the
knowledge and beliefs of the audience. Do not assume that you can do simply what is assigned to receive a high grade
in this class. Doing only what is assigned gets you, at most, a C.

Appeals: You must wait 24 hours after receiving a grade to discuss it with me. Please schedule a meeting for us
to meet privately. The classroom is not an appropriate place for these discussions. After you have received a
graded assignment you have two weeks to discuss them with me. After two weeks, I will not discuss any

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previous assignments. In general, grades are only changed due to a miscalculation.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS & POLICIES

1. Writing Assignments/Projects: There will be one major required written assignment/project per unit as well
as smaller writing assignments/projects throughout the semester. All assignments should be documented in
APA or MLA formatting. Please complete the assignments according to the guidelines that will be provided in
class and on Moodle.
2. Exams: There will be 4 unit exams throughout the semester covering all topics we cover from the text, class
discussions, and any additional handouts. It is safe to assume that if Ive lectured on it or weve discussed it, it
might show up in the exam. There will not be a comprehensive final exam.
3. Participation: Participation in COM 215 is made up of participation in in-class exercises and/or out-of-class
assignments. To be more specific, these points can be comprised of short projects, group activities, in-class
exercises, etc. Often times, it can be the activity points that will make a difference between a final grade of an
A and a B for a student. You must be in class to receive participation points for these exercises. A quick and
easy way of thinking about the participation point system is assuming that each class day is worth approximately
five participation points.
a) For example: If we decide to have a poetry slam in class between groups and you partake in the activity
with an open mind (whether your skills are good or bad), you get the points. If you blow off the slam
because youre too cool, you do not get the points regardless of how cool you think you are.
b) These points cannot be made up.
4. Attendance: Attendance at all class meetings is expected and is essential to your success in our class. Since
much of the learning in our class will result from interaction with your peers, attendance and participation are
vital for your success.
a) You are expected to attend class regularly and in a timely fashion.
1. Two absences are allowed without an attendance penalty; however, please note that missed in-
class activities, presentations, and participation points CANNOT be made up if you have not
made arrangements with me before the missed class.
2. Every unexcused absence after your second will result in a penalty of 10 points off your final
participation/attendance grade in the course.
3. I EXPECT you to contact me BEFORE class if you are going to be absent. Ill be much more
inclined to work with you if you follow this courtesy.
b) If you must be absent because of extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, family emergency, etc) you
must notify me of your absence as soon as possible (as said above, preferably before class).
c) Ancilla College athletes oftentimes do need to miss a class these absences are excused as long as your
coach e-mails me prior to the absence.
1. You may call the College and leave a message with Erin Houser, 574-936-8898 ext 322, as a last
resort.
2. If possible, please bring documentation of the absence upon returning to class to validate
excused absences.
d) Tardiness: You are expected to show up for class on time and stay the entire period. Missing more than
15 minutes of class will result in no participation points for that day. I do take attendance every day at
the beginning of class. Be there on time to make sure youre counted present for the day.

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GRADING

Your course grade will be determined by your performance in the categories outlined below. (Points and assignments are
tentative and may change throughout semester- I will notify you.)

Assignments Points Your Grades Grade Total Points

Exams: A 940-1000
1. Unit 1 100 A- 900-939
2. Unit 2 100 B+ 870-899
3. Unit 3 100 B 830-869
Unit Papers/Projects: B- 800-829
1. #1 100 C+ 770-799
2. #2 100 C 700-769
3. #3 100 D 600-699
In-Class Activities 200 F Below 600
Participation 200
Total Course Points 1000

LATE WORK POLICY:

All assignments are due in class on the due date. Late assignments will receive the following deductions:
Any day after due date = 30%

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Academic integrity means that students may not submit work that is not their own in any manner (research papers,
exams, oral reports, computer reports, etc.). This includes plagiarism and cheating. Permitting other students to use
ones work as their own also violates the principle of academic integrity. As specified in all syllabi, Ancilla College
stresses the importance of academic integrity. Because all colleges and universities value academic integrity highly, they
treat violations very seriously. Sanctions for offenses can range from failure on the assignment or the course to dismissal
from the College. Sanctions will be determined by the Instructor or, in repeat or more serious offenses, the Dean of
Academic and Student Services.

Any repeated violation of this policy can result in dismissal from Ancilla College. All honor violations will be reported to
the Dean at the time they are detected.

Plagiarism on any assignment will result in a grade of a 0 for the assignment. Plagiarism includes the following:

Copying someone elses work and claiming it as your own

Paraphrasing someone elses work and claiming it as your own
Collaborating with another person and claiming the work solely as your own

When in doubt, CITE your work. The risk is not worth it.

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DISABILITY ACCOMODATION STATEMENT:

If you have any disability that may require accommodation, or if you have questions related to accommodations, please
contact the Center for Student Achievement (CSA) ADA office as soon as possible. The CSA Lab is located in room 204 or
can be reached at (574) 936-8898, ext. 302.

Please be advised that in order to receive services you must: submit documentation in the form requested by CSA staff.
The documentation needs to be approved by CSA staff, and all paperwork involved in the process must be completed.
This must be done no later than the first week of classes. Documentation must be submitted and approved at least one
week before testing, if accommodations are needed. Documentation received later than these deadlines may not be
approved and accommodations may not be granted.

OTHER NECESSITIES

o Assignments: All written work must be computer-generated, double-spaced, and 12-point (max) font with
standard margins. They are to be turned in at the beginning of class on the due date.
o E-mail: I tend to use e-mail frequently to communicate with students. I may send e-mails to the entire class
regarding class announcements or I may e-mail individuals should it be necessary. I expect all students to check
their e-mail at least every other day though I would be much more comfortable with every day. When I send
out an e-mail it is because it contains important information that you need to know and that may not have been
covered in class. If e-mail is not a reasonable means of communication for you, please talk to me and we will
work out an alternative. If you e-mail me and have not heard back within 24 hours, please send your e-mail
again.
o When e-mailing your instructors be sure you are including content in the subject line. Anything with a
blank subject is marked as spam by our servers and will not be sent to us.
o Cell phones/ Earphones/Computers: Turn your cell phones on silent and REMOVE your earphones when you
enter the classroom. It is incredibly disrespectful to leave your earphones in while in class. If youd rather listen
to your music or watch Netflix than listen and participate in the class, please see yourself out of the room. These
interruptions are distracting to your fellow classmates and to me. If your cell phone rings during a peer
presentation you will lose significant participation points.
o I understand that many students prefer to take notes on a laptop or tablet. This is fine, though it should
be noted that studies have indicated that this type of note taking results in students remembering less
information than they do if they take notes the old-fashioned way. That means youll likely do worse on
the unit exams or reading/pop quizzes.
o If you are watching videos on your phones or laptops I will dismiss you from class and you will lose all
participation points and be counted as absent for that meeting.
o Respecting Others and Yourself: Come to class ready to engage in the materials. Please respect others
opinions. Sometimes we may not agree, but that does not mean we dont have to be respectful. Hateful, racist,
or other inappropriate comments have no place in my classroom. Any offenders will be excused from class and
will lose that days participation points.
o Classroom Etiquette: The Ancilla College Code of Conduct is detailed in the Ancilla College Catalog/Student
Handbook, available on the college website. www.ancilla.edu

Your learning is my #1 priority. Therefore I may make changes to the syllabus (including policies and
assignments) and course schedule during the semester based on the needs of the class. Any changes will be e-mailed to
students, posted on Moodle, and discussed in class.

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Introduction to Interpersonal Communication - COMM 215

Class Meets: Tuesday & Thursday
Your learning is my top priority - so I may
Tentative Course Schedule adjust this schedule based on the needs
of the class.
Note: All reading needs to be completed PRIOR to the next class period so that you can actively participate in class discusssions.
Week Dates Topics Read for next class & Assignments Due
Intro to Course & Each Other
t 22-Aug Begin Chapter 1: Interpersonal Communication Process buy your textbook
1
th 24-Aug chapter 1 continued read chapter 2

t 29-Aug Chapter 2: Culture and Interpersonal Communication

2
th 31-Aug chapter 2 continued read chapter 3

t 5-Sep Chapter 3: Interpersonal Communication the the Self

3
th 7-Sep chapter 3 continued read chapter 4

t 12-Sep Chapter 4: Perceiving Others

4
th 14-Sep chapter 4 continued prepare for test #1 Chapter 1-4

t 19-Sep review for test #1

5
th 21-Sep test #1 read chapter 5

t 26-Sep Chapter 5: Language

6
th 28-Sep chapter 5 continued read chapter 6

t 3-Oct Chapter 6: Nonverbal Communication

7
th 5-Oct chapter 6 continued read chapter 7

t 10-Oct Chapter 7: Listening - Receiving and Responding

8
th 12-Oct chapter 7 continued read chapter 8
t 17-Oct Fall Break - No Class
9
th 19-Oct Chapter 8: Emotions prepare for test #2 Chapter 5-8

t 24-Oct review for test #2

10
th 26-Oct test #2 read chapter 9
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t 31-Oct Chapter 9: Dyamics of Interpersonal Relationships

11

th 2-Nov chapter 9 continued read chapter 10

t 7-Nov Chapter 10: Communication in Close Relationships

12
th 9-Nov chapter 10 continued read chapter 11

t 14-Nov Chapter 11: Communication Climate

13
th 16-Nov chapter 11 continued read chapter 12

t 21-Nov Chapter 12: Managing Conflict prepare for test #3 chapters 9-12
14
th 23-Nov Happy Thanksgiving - No Class

t 28-Nov review for test #3 & course evaluations

15
th 30-Nov test #3
t 5-Dec Have a great winter break!
16
th 7-Dec
You're finished!

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