| H. Paul LeBlanc III, PhD | Office: 458-2596, Fax: 458-5991 |
| Department of Communication | E-mail through WebCT |
| MB 2.248D | Office hours: 10:30-11, or 1:45-2:15 TR |
This course facilitates understanding of the major theories and concepts in the study of language and communication. Emphasis is placed on critical reading and analysis of communication theory and research into interpersonal, group, organizational, cultural, media, and gender contexts. An equally important function of this class is to foster students' insight into the historical, humanistic and social scientific perspectives to enable students to apply course-related concepts to the their subsequent areas of concentration.
Lectures, discussion, classroom exercises, written assignments, oral presentations, and in-class and out-of-class observations will be used to aid the development of knowledge and skills relating to the study of communication.
The aim is to merge theory and practice throughout the classroom experience. To this end, we will maintain a stimulating, interactive, open, and friendly classroom environment that fosters self and other insight, critical thinking, intellectual growth and communicative competence. The following objectives are core to the course:
Griffin, E. (2006). A first look at communication theory (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Cheating, plagiarism and collusion will not be tolerated. All work submitted must be the original work of the student, for this course only (no submitting the same assignment in more than one class). The penalty for plagiarism, cheating or collusion may include failing the assignment, failing the course, or expulsion from the University depending on the severity of the infraction. Please see the University's Student Code of Conduct for information regarding these policies.
Classroom decorum will be maintained. Please turn off all electronic devices during classtime. Electronic devices include cell-phones, pagers, personal music players, and computers. Please keep all communication relevant to the subject matter and addressed to the class as a whole.
Please see your Course Materials Handbook for further information on assignments, grading criteria, and course schedule. All other University policies will be followed.
In order for this course to be a successful learning experience for you, active and committed participation on your part is crucial; therefore, as specified in the Information Guide, students are expected to attend class. All assignments are due according to the List of Important Dates in the Course Materials Handbook. Students are expected to take examinations and turn in assignments at the scheduled time. Students who may miss an examination or assignment deadline due to an authorized University activity should make arrangements to complete the assignment in advance, which includes approval from the student's Dean. Late assignments, make-up quizzes or examinations will not be accepted. Course incompletes will be given only in very limited cases and only when they meet the Policy for Incompletes on file in the Department of Communication office, as well as the University requirements for Incompletes as specified in the Information Guide and the Handbook of Operating Procedures. Please also see the Handbook of Operating Procedures for policies regarding attendance.
The Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:
If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may
require special accommodations, please see a coordinator at Disability Services
(MS 2.03.18) so that such accommodations may be arranged. You can contact that office at (210) 458-4157.
After you receive your accommodation letters, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those
accommodations as soon as possible.
Examinations: Students will be assessed on knowledge of course material through examination. Three exams will cover approximately one third of the course each and will consist of a variety of types of questions: multiple choice, true-false, and identification.
Critical Analysis Essay: Students will write a formal essay reviewing current scholarly articles which utilize a specific communication theory and analyze the theory as an effective explanation of current communication phenomena.
Oral Presentation: Students will present a comparison/contrast of two communication theories and apply the theories to explanations of current communication phenomena. The presentation will be a four minute informative speech. All presentations will be scheduled in advance. Students are expected to follow the schedule.
Quizzes: Students will be quizzed four times during the semester. Quizzes will not be announced in advance and will comprise material from the reading and/or from class lectures.
A full description of each of these assignments can be found in the Course Materials Handbook, which is located in WebCT, or through the course website Student Section at hpleblanc.com.
| EXAMINATIONS: (100 pts. each) | GRADING SCALE: |
| CRITICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY (100 pts.)
ORAL PRESENTATION (100 pts.) QUIZZES (25 pts. each) |
90.0 - 100: A 80.0 - 89.9: B 70.0 - 79.9: C 60.0 - 69.9: D BELOW 60.0: F |
Grades are earned and will be calculated on a cumulative scale. Grades can be calculated by dividing the raw score of the assignment by the total points possible for the assignment. Grades are calculated using a 600 point scale. For example, if the total number of points that can be achieved on the Critical Analysis Essay is 100, then the assignment is worth 16.7% of the final grade. An exam is worth 100 points. Therefore, a raw score of 78 on the first exam is 13.0% of the final grade. Extra credit will not be assigned for any student due to poor performance or missed assignment. Grades are not rounded. You may use the Grade Monitoring Form located in the Course Materials Handbook to calculate your grade average in the course at any time. Furthermore, you may obtain your current grade for assignments through WebCT for this course.
A Exceptionally well-prepared completion of assignment indicating effort, individualized style, and impact expected of effective communication.
B Unusually well-prepared completion of assignment indicating original application of course materials and individual imagination distinctly superior to average effort.
C Satisfactory completion of assignment indicating effort normally expected of the majority of students (basic preparation, correct procedure, and disciplined technique.)
D Unsatisfactory completion of assignment indicating technical irregularity, misperceived objectives or methods, unorganized effort, or failure to follow directions.
F Failure to complete assignment during the scheduled time through lack of evident effort.
All students will be expected to follow the instructions as they are presented, meet the grading criteria, and turn in each assignment by the due date in order to earn a "B."
This course is a junior-level core requirement for communication majors. Foundations of Communication (COM 3023) is a prerequisite for this course. Students are expected to have the background necessary for successful completion of Language and Communication Theory (COM 3083). All course requirements are explicitly written in the Course Materials Handbook. As per regulations, neither the instructor nor the office staff will report grades by telephone, fax, or email. Individual assignment grades will be reported in WebCT. Final grades will be reported on ASAP.
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