Communication 321

Interpersonal Communication
Sacramento City College
Course Outline

Instructor: David Fabionar

Email Address: fabiond@scc.losrios.edu
Office Phone: 916-558-2558
Office: PAC 135E
Office Hours: MW 12:30-1:30 (SCC); TTH 10-11:00am (Davis Center)
Text:
Beebe, Steven A., Beebe, Susan J., and Redmond, Mark V., Interpersonal
Communication: Relating to Others, 6th or 7th edition

Website: 321interpersonal.weebly.com

Additional materials: Three Scantron 886-E will be required for your exams

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course focuses upon basic skills and introductory concepts for examining and
altering interpersonal communication. In addition to lectures and discussions, students
engage in structured interpersonal exercises, and simulations to practice interpersonal
communication skills such as listening, paraphrasing, describing feelings, and intentions,
and giving and receiving criticism. Note: Majors must complete with a grade “C-“ or
better.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The student should be able to:
1. analyze the role of the individual as a transactional communicator.
2. differentiate the various factors involved in communication which enhance or restrict
communication effectiveness.
3. apply theoretical concepts to daily life.
4. assess the impact of intercultural communication on interpersonal relationships.
5. further an understanding of barriers to competent interpersonal communication.
6. demonstrate an understanding of the role identity and perception plays in effective
interpersonal communication.
7. illustrate and interpret the application of nonverbal principles.
8. assess the importance of listening in producing satisfying interpersonal relationships.
9. analyze conflict in communication and recognize strategies to reduce its negative
impact.

COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance: If you miss class within the first few weeks, you may be dropped from
the course. Consistent attendance will greatly increase the probability of achieving a
high grade. I will offer activity points nearly every day we meet. If you take part in the
class activities, you will earn the points. Activities vary throughout the semester (role
plays, group work, presentations, video analysis, reading checks etc.). If you are absent
from class, you will not be able to earn the participation points; excessive absences (more
than two, for a weekly class) may lead to being dropped from the class. You must
participate from start to finish of each class in order to receive the assignment credit for
that particular day. If you are going to miss consecutive days, you will need to contact me
via email, or by visiting during office hours. Lastly, it is your responsibility to sign the
roll sheet. I will send it around during the class period and collect it at the end. If you
show up to class too late to sign it, or leave class early, you will not earn the participation
points for the day.

Cooperative Community: I want this class to function as a cooperative community of

people. As a community member, you need to behave responsibly, both individually and
to your group. This means that if you miss a class you are responsible for the material
missed. I urge you to find a “course partner” the first week with whom you can exchange
phone numbers. Ask this person to look for you each day in class and that you’ll do the
same. When a partner misses class, pick up an extra handout and ask them reciprocate.
Keep your partner(s) up to date on lecture notes, due dates, and any scheduling changes.

Electronic Communication Devices: Interruptions from cell phones, texting in class

etc. will not be tolerated. Please turn off the ringer and remove it from your desk.
Please do not text message in class. I reserve the right to subtract the day’s
participation points if you are using these devices.

Grade Discussion: I believe that you have the right to appeal any grade, or point
allocation you believe you were unfairly given. If you wish to contest a grade I will
accept a written argument detailing the said injustice. The appeal will be due one week
after the assignment has been given back to you. I will not discuss a particular grade with
you (in person) on the day I hand it back, unless there is a mathematical error resulting in
an incorrect total score.

Plagiarizing/Cheating: I follow the departmental policy on plagiarism. Anyone caught

cheating, or plagiarizing in this course will be subject to failure of the assignment in
question.

Chronic Tardiness/Leaving Class Early: If you are chronically tardy, or always need to
leave early then drop this course and take it when your schedule allows you to be here the
duration of class time. You will miss many opportunities to earn participation points
because of your inability to attend the entire class period.
Late Assignments: Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period and will not
be accepted thereafter, unless you can show me verification of an emergency i.e. a note
from a doctor. I do not accept assignments via email.

Tests: Please be on time for exams. As soon as one person finishes an exam, I will not
allow a late arriving student to begin a test. The material in this class is not necessarily
difficult; however, there is a great deal of it. The tests are intended to keep you on track.
This will help me determine if someone is having trouble keeping up. The tests will also
help you remember the key concepts and terms. If you have questions, please don’t
hesitate to ask!

Assessment:

3 Exams
(Worth 30 points each) 90
Journal Entries 120
Take-Home Essay (Final Exam) 30
Movie clip analysis 10
Mediation presentation 30
Mediation feedback 10
Activity/Attendance points 60

350

A= 350-315
B= 314-280
C= 279-245
D= 244-210
F= <210