1. COM 100: Introduction to Human Communication
Online Sections: PRE 130 (35007) and PRE 131 (35031)
Yavapai College Spring 2012
Instructor: Ian Derk.
Email: Ian.Derk@yc.edu
Phone: (928) 775-4567
Office Location: Room 143 – NAU-Yavapai Campus, Prescott Valley
Office Hours: Tuesday 2-4, Wednesday 10-1. Please call or email for additional times
Portal Login: http://www.yc.edu > Log into myYC portal > Click Blackboard icon
Course Description
COM100. Introduction to Human Communication (3). Introduction to the essential elements of human
communication and behavior, with emphasis on intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public
communication, and oral communication skills important to personal and professional settings.
Prerequisite: Reading Proficiency. Three lecture.
Textbook and Supply Requirements
Required: Human Communication, Fourth Edition by Judy Pearson, Paul Nelson, Scott
Titsworth, and Lynn Harter. (ISBN # 978-0-07-340680-0). Published by McGraw-Hill.
Copyright Year: 2011
Recommended: You may need access to a webcam and/or microphone for some
assignments.
Course Purpose
To enable students to understand the fundamentals of effective communication in the initiation,
maintenance, and evolution of personal and professional relationships. To provide students with a
framework for identifying and evaluating dysfunctional communication patterns, as well as identifying the
elements of communication competence at the interpersonal level. To give students a method and a
vocabulary for examining their own relationships and for identifying strategies to achieve more satisfying
relationships.
Course Content
1. Contemporary and historical theories of the dynamics and processes of human communication
2. Perception
3. Use of language
4. Nonverbal messages
5. Conflict management
6. Concepts and theories of listening
7. Interpersonal communication and relationship dynamics
8. Dynamic group communication
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2. 9. Intercultural communication
10. Gender communication
11. Basic public speaking
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
1. Use listening skills and oral presentations as modes of discovery, reflection, and understanding
and sustained disciplined reasoning. (6,11)
2. Generate organized and logical speaking that responds to the demands of a specific rhetorical
situation. (1,11)
3. Use precision in writing, speaking, and thinking and express awareness of the power and
variety of language. (3,6,11)
4. Identify both the conscious and unconscious use of written, verbal and nonverbal
communication. (4)
5. Identify and interpret discourse in specific communication environments. (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11)
6. Express awareness of multiple meanings and perspectives of communication in both
interpersonal and group/team situations. (2,7,8)
7. Evaluate communication theories for a variety of cultural contexts. (9)
8. Formulate and deliver effective oral presentations. (11)
9. Design simple, effective messages for a mass communication context (i.e., advertising and
public relations). (8,11)
10. Analyze the impact of new communication technologies on human communication. (1)
Assessment Measures
The following measures of assessment will be used throughout COM 100 this semester.
1. Online Discussions
2. Self-Assessment Critique
3. Small Group Activities
4. Weekly Assignments
5. Interview
6. WWW Topic Search
7. Portfolio
8. Oral Presentation
9. Research Paper
10. Quizzes
Grading Criteria and Assignments
Discussion Board (150 points)
 Students will be required to post to the weekly discussion question by Thursday evenings at
11:59 PM. In addition, students will also be required to reply to at least one classmate’s posting
by Sunday evenings at 11:59 PM. Students will be able to interact with one another through the
discussion forum. Each discussion will be worth 10 total points (6 for the initial and 4 for the
reply). Each initial post must be 50-100 words and each reply must be 25-50 words. Good
writing counts.
Mass Communication Project (300 points)
You will need to research, outline and develop both a written paper and an oral presentation on a mass
communication topic. Below are the components of the Mass Communication Project:
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3. A. Topic Selection (50 points)
Students will need to submit a one-page summary on the topic of choice for an
informative/persuasive research paper/oral presentation. Your summary should include the
following:
1) Topic (must be communication related); (5 points)
2) Personal response to why you chose your specified topic; (20 points)
3) List of at least 5 resources on which you will research your topic. Each resource
should have a 2-3 sentence summary on the article. I would like 3 resources to be from
the Library Database. The other 2 may be web sites on your topic. (25 points)
Some suggested topics include:
 Concept or Theory: Present the relationship between a specific communication
concept or theory and its application to either a social or professional
communication environment
 Historical: A look at a device or invention that impacted mass communication
 Cutting Edge Technology: A look at the newest communication technology that is
changing the face of mass communication
B. Speech Outline (50 points)
You should submit an outline that will be used in preparation for your informative/persuasive
speech. This outline should also help you fine tune your research paper. You should follow the
guidelines as discussed in the textbook. You will develop a complete sentence outline of your
speech/research project.
 Outline must follow criteria specified in textbook;.
 Outline must be on the same topic as oral presentation and research paper.
C. Research Paper (100 points)
You will be required to submit a research paper meeting the following requirements:
 Paper must be 4-5 pages in length, in addition to a works cited page;
 Paper must be double-spaced, Arial or Times New Roman, size 12;
 You must discuss same topic as outline and oral presentation;
 You must provide at least five cited sources (minimum of 3 Library Databases, 2 web
sites).
D. Oral Presentation (100 points)
You will be required to deliver an informative/persuasive speech based on your selected topic.
The topic must be the same as the topic used for the complete sentence outline and research
paper. Your presentation should include visuals, such as a PowerPoint presentation or samples
of work. Your oral presentation must be between 5-7 minutes in length. The following options
are available for your oral presentation:
 You may deliver it in-person at the NAU-Yavapai campus on October 24, October 31, or
November 7.
 Students also have the option to videotape themselves and upload it to YouTube for
evaluation. The student must have his/her face visible for at least 60 percent of the
presentation.
 A Media Studio is available on both the Prescott and Verde campuses for recording your
presentation, if needed.
Interview (50 points)
You will need to interview a person from any culture to discover more about their own cultural
background or a professor or community professional in your area on the path they went to reach that
field. Please have 10 questions prepared for the interview. You should submit a 1-2 page response
on what you learned from your interview. As part of your response, I would like you to state the 10
questions that you asked, and an overview of the responses given. I don’t need a complete
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4. transcript, but you can’t submit a recording instead of the overview. See the Interview handout and
calendar for specific due dates.
Small Group Work (50 points)
A “Problem Solving Skills” exercise will be provided for this project. Students will work with their
assigned group to solve a problem that is addressed. Each student will be required to submit a one
page summary regarding the group work. Students should compare each group and determine what
group was most successful and analyze:
1) The communication network of the group;
2) The leadership functions;
3) The group’s cohesiveness;
4) Member’s satisfaction;
5) Methods of conflict resolution.
Examinations (300 points)
There will be weekly quizzes based on the readings and “lectures” for each chapter. Each week will
be worth 20 points. Each quiz will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions. There will be no
essay questions on the quizzes.
 Weeks 1-15 (20 points each)
Weekly Assignments (150 points)
Each week, you will have one (or two) assignments you must complete. You must type a 150-300
word entry for each assignment that will be submitted through Blackboard. Your assignments are
private communication between you and the instructor. Your weekly assignments will be graded on
your critical thinking skills and ability to communicate your message effectively. Good spelling and
grammar indicates clear thinking. Each weekly assignment will be 20 points.
Grading Scale
900-1000 points A
800-899 points B
700-799 points C
650-699 points D
Below 649 points F
Note: For any research required for this course, please use the MLA format for citing your sources. An
excellent on-line guide for this format, offered by Purdue University, can be found at:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html
Instructor Procedures
Communication
I will do my best to respond to emails within one day. When sending an email, be sure to include your
section number either in the subject line or body of the email. If your question is clear and specific, you
will get clear and specific advice.
Calling on the phone is less reliable than email because I’m not always at my desk. As per FERPA
regulations, I will not discuss any grades or grading information over the phone.
I will also do my best to correct and grade assignments within three days except for research papers or
speeches. Please contact me before assignments are due if you have problems with an assignment.
Technology
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5. Yavapai College campuses provide support, computers, Internet access, and peripherals necessary for
success in this course. You may elect to use your own technology, but we don’t guarantee all technology
will function with our systems. Because we provide all the necessary technology, an individual
technological malfunction is not an excuse for not turning in work. We recommend using Mozilla Firefox,
clearing your cache regularly, and closing other programs during quizzes.
Anecdotally, I’ve experienced the most problems with students using tablets and phones. These products
can work, but they are less consistent than laptops or desktop computers.
Online Attendance
If you do not participate in two consecutive discussions and/or you do not respond to my direct emails
(not class-wide), you will be dropped.
If you elect to drop the course before the drop date, it is your responsibility to drop the course. Failing to
drop the course means you will receive the grade you’ve earned.
Late Work
Late work is not accepted. Anything turned in after the due date and time will receive no credit. Please
check the calendar carefully.
Netiquette
Some of the content you will be dealing with may be controversial, but we are adults and respond to
differences of opinion with thought and sensitivity. All students should respect other people’s opinions
and think about the comments they respond to in the discussion board. Remember, discussion boards
are attached to your name and you are subject to the Student Code of Conduct. Specifically, threatening,
racist, sexist, homophobic, or other derogatory language will not be tolerated.
Blackboard “How To’s”
How To Save Your Assignments in Rich Text Format (rtf)
I will be using Microsoft Word as my primary word processing program. If you do not have Microsoft
Word on your computer, you will need to save your files in Rich Text Format. This will allow me to open
your files regardless of the word processing program you will be using for this course. In order to save
your file in Rich Text Format, please follow these steps:
1. When you are finished typing or editing your document in WordPerfect, Works, etc., click on the
File menu and select the Save As option.
2. Once the correct location has been chosen (Desktop, My Documents, etc.), select Rich Text
Format or rtf option under the Save File as Type menu. The location and name for this option
might be different on your particular machine and software.
3. Your document will be formatted in Rich Text Format with an .rtf file extension after the name.
If you are using a MAC, you must remember to type .rtf after the file name.
How To Submit Assignments
There will be due dates and directions posted for each assignment you will need to submit. In order to
submit an assignment, follow these instructions.
1. For each assignment, you should click on the title of the assignment.
2. In the “Assignment Materials” area, add any “Comments” for the instructor.
3. To attach your file, click the “Browse” button and locate your saved assignment file. Your saved file
should be in Rich Text Format (rtf).
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6. 4. Click “Open” to attach.
5. If you want, you can “Add Another File” by clicking on the button.
6. Click “Submit” to send the assignment to your instructor.
How To Utilize the Discussion Boards
Discussion boards allow students to respond to questions posted by their instructors. It also allows
students to post comments for other students. To access the discussion board, click the “Discussion
Board” link on the left side navigation bar.
1. Click on the title of the discussion board (Ex. Week 1: Class Introductions)
2. Click the “Create Thread” button.
3. Enter a subject and your message. If you wish to attach a document to your message, click
the “Browse” button to search for it.
4. Click the “Submit” button.
If you want to reply to another student’s comment, click on the subject of their message and then click the
“Reply” or “Quote” button. (Quote just means, “reply with history”) Please don’t click on the student’s
name as it will try to send them an email.
How To Check Your Grades
You can check your course grades by clicking on the “View Grades” link on the left side navigation bar
of your COM 100 course.
Institution Policies
Online students still need to adhere to the following institutional policies.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings, laboratories, and field trips. A
student who expects to be absent due to another school-sponsored activity or compelling personal
reason must make prior arrangements with the instructor. All course work must be made up as directed
by the instructor. A student who does not adhere to instructor and College attendance requirements may
be dropped from the course as defined in the Yavapai College General Catalog.
Course Withdrawal
To officially withdraw from a course, the student must complete a Yavapai College Change of Class
Enrollment Form and submit it to the Registration Office. Withdrawing from a course after the published
deadline for withdrawal requires instructor approval and signature. When a student withdraws from a
course, a “W” will appear on the student’s permanent college record. If a student does not follow official
procedures for withdrawing from a course, failing grades may be posted on the student’s permanent
record.
Last day to petition to add a class Sunday August 26
Last Day for Student-Initiated Withdrawal Sunday October 14
There is no 50% refund day.
Course Mentoring
Contact the course instructor during office hours, through email or phone, or at the beginning/ending of a
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7. class session to arrange for additional course assistance. Many student support services are also
available to assist students in successful course completion.
Academic Integrity
Honesty in academic work is a central element of the learning environment. The presentation of another
individual’s work as one’s own or the act of seeking unfair academic advantage through cheating,
plagiarism or other dishonest means are violations of the College’s “Student Code of Conduct.”
Definitions of plagiarism, cheating, and violation of copyright and penalties for violation are available in
the Yavapai College General Catalog.
Student Code of Conduct
Respect for the rights of others and for the College and its property are fundamental expectations for
every student. The “Student Code of Conduct” outlines behavioral expectations, and explains the
process for responding to allegations of student misconduct.
Disability Support Services
Yavapai College is committed to providing educational support services to students with documented
disabilities. If anyone in this class has a disability, including a learning disability, please contact Disability
Resources to discuss your disability with the coordinator. This will be so that you can arrange your
accommodations that you need for this class through the ADA Coordinator
Prescott Campus: (928) 776-2079 or Verde Valley Campus: (928) 634-6563.
Cell Phone and Pager Policy
Yavapai College is committed to providing a quality learning environment. All cell phones and pagers
must be placed in a non-audible mode while in classrooms, computer labs, the library, the learning
center, and testing areas. Cell phones and pagers must be used outside these facilities.
Student Support Services
Library Services
Library services are available at the Prescott Campus and the Verde Valley Campus libraries. Both
libraries are members of a countywide library network, which provides access to a wide-range of
information and resources at libraries throughout Yavapai County. Possession of a College library card
entitles students to access materials housed at member libraries. Instructors may place required course
materials on reserve in the library or make assignments that require the use of library resources.
Learning Resource Center
A Learning Resource Center is available at the Prescott and Verde Valley Campuses. These centers
provide a variety of learning support for students including tutoring, adaptive computer and equipment for
students with disabilities, computer-assisted instruction, adult basic education, and English as a Second
Language classes.
You can also check additional resources such as tutoring, registration, and financial aid by going to
Yavapai College’s website at http://www.yc.edu
Course Calendar
Please see additional handout for the course calendar.
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