| H. Paul LeBlanc III, PhD | Office: 458-7724, Fax: 458-5991 |
| Department of Communication | E-mail through WebCT |
| HSS 4.02.14 | Office hours: 8:00 - 8:50 Monday or Friday |
This course facilitates understanding of the major theories and concepts in the study of communication phenomena in family relationships. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of communication research into the family context. An important goal of this class is to foster students' insight into their own experience of family and to enable students to apply course-related concepts to their relationships. Lectures, discussion, classroom exercises, written assignments, and in-class and out-of-class observations will be used to aid the development of knowledge and skills relating to the 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:
Turner, L. H., & West, R. (2002). Perspectives on family communication (2nd ed.). Boston: 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 this policy.
All course requirements must be fulfilled in order to successfully pass the course. Late assignments will not be accepted. 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 Handbook of Operating Procedures. Please see the 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 Bulletin, students are expected to attend class. All assignments are due according to the Schedule of Assignments listed 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 or examinations will not be accepted. 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. 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. A midterm exam will cover material covered the first half of the semester. The final exam will cover primarily material from the second half of the semester but will be semi-comprehensive. The two exams will consist of a variety of types of questions: multiple choice, true-false, and short essay.
Family Genogram: Students will generate a map of multigenerational family relationships for their family of origin.
Family Networking Diagram: Students will draft a networking diagram of communication occurring within their family of origin.
Oral History and Transcription: Students will conduct an interview with a senior member of their family of origin (parent or grandparent) and transcribe the interview for further in-class analysis and research.
Weekly Journal: Students will write their reflections on issues of family in a personal journal for weekly submission.
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.
Due to the content of this senior-level course, students should be aware that subject matter of a very personal and mature nature may be discussed in the class. However, the course is not intended nor is it designed to serve the purpose of marital or family counseling.
| MIDTERM EXAM (100 pts.) | GRADING SCALE: |
FINAL EXAM (150 pts.) FAMILY GENOGRAM (100 pts.) FAMILY NETWORKING ASSIGNMENT (100 pts.) ORAL HISTORY ASSIGNMENT (100 pts.) WEEKLY JOURNAL (150 pts.) |
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 700 point scale. For example, if the total number of points that can be achieved on the Weekly Journal is 150, then the assignment is worth 21.4% of the final grade. The Midterm Exam is worth 100 points. Therefore, a raw score of 78 on the first exam is 11.1% 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 senior-level communication elective. Language and Communication Theory (COM 3083) is a prerequisite for this course. All course requirements are explicitly written in the Course Materials Handbook.
| This site is developed and maintained by H. Paul LeBlanc III.
Please send all comments and suggestions to
Copyright © 2003-2004 H. Paul LeBlanc III. All rights reserved. |