CCBC, Fall 2016 SOLA, Communication Arts Dept.

(Communication Studies)
CMNS, Fundamentals of Communication 101.07A, CRN 93838
CMNS 101 3 credits - Fundamentals of Communication introduces the study of human
communication. Students develop an understanding of the theoretical principles of verbal and
non-verbal interaction by analyzing and applying these principles in a variety of communication
contexts. Areas of study include intrapersonal, interpersonal, cross-cultural, small group, and
public speaking.
Prerequisites: ENGL 052 and RDNG 052 or ESOL 052 or ACLT 052
A. Instructor: Dr. Fran Mindel
Owings Mills Adjunct Office 309, Cell: 443-825-6300, fmindel@ccbcmd.edu
B. Office Hours: Sat. 12-12:30 and by appointment
C. Communication Arts Department 443-840-4550
D. Class meetings Saturdays, 9:00-12:00 at Owings Mills, room 420
E. Student Out of Class Work Expectations: This is a three credit course. You are
expected to complete at least six hours of work per week outside of the class including
reading, class preparation, homework, studying, etc.
F. Main textbook: Adler, R. B., Rodman, G. & du Pre, A. (2014). Understanding human
communication. (12th ed) New York: Oxford University Press.
Understanding Human Communication Textbook Student Companion website http://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199334322/stud/

II. Course Goals Overall

A. Overall Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
1. explain the components and nature of the communication process;
2. demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal techniques in a variety of settings;
3. apply skills in audience analysis within a range of communication settings; compose
message content suitable for diverse receivers in a range of settings
1

4. demonstrate critical thinking in researching, organizing, and presenting information;

apply strategies to reduce communication apprehension;
5. demonstrate skills in active listening and responding;
6. explain the impact of language on communication;
7. analyze how intrapersonal communication, self-concept, and perception of others develop
and affect human communication;
8. employ appropriate technology in the design and delivery of messages in various formats;
9. analyze the variables that influence communication, including culture, gender, nonverbal
settings, and symbols;
10. apply effective communication techniques to relationship development and maintenance;
11. demonstrate collaborative skills in achieving group goals;
12. apply appropriate conflict resolution skills; and identify factors that constitute ethical and
unethical communication in a variety of contexts and audiences, including family, social,
school, speech audiences, career environments, and diverse populations.
B.

Major Topics as listed on the official common course outline

I.

Communication Process
A. Principles of communication
B. Models of communication
C. Communication ethics: general definition
Intrapersonal Communication
A. Self-identity
B. Perception
Interpersonal Communication
A. Ethical and unethical communication: family, social, and career settings
B. Language
C. Nonverbal communication
D. Listening
E. Self-disclosure
F. Relationship building and maintenance
G. Conflict management
Small Group Communication
A. Types of groups
B. Roles in groups
C. Decision-making and problem-solving
Public Communication
A. Audience analysis
B. Speech apprehension
C. Physical and verbal delivery
D. Informative speaking
E. Persuasive speaking
F. Content and organization
G. Support and evidence
H. Research and documentation

I
I

I. Ethical and unethical communication (ethos) in public speaking

I
Culture and Communication
A. Diversity: gender, ethnicity age
B. Co-cultures
C. Ethical and unethical communication and diverse populations
D. Barriers to cultural understanding
E. Cultural contexts and values
F. Adaptation
VII.
Technology in Communication
A. Proper use of channels
B. Incorporating technology effectively
III. Evaluation Course Requirements

Grading/Exams: Grading procedures will be determined by the individual faculty

member but will include the following:

1. Class participation: this is a critical element in communication courses and each

instructor must set standards and factor those into success in the course. The instructors
standards must meet the current attendance policy of the department. Additionally,
students must take an active part to participate in class discussions, activities, and
exercises.

2. At least three structured oral presentations accompanied by written outlines. Two of the
three presentations must involve locating reliable information sources from research
databases. Students are required to utilize appropriate academic resources. One of the
three presentations must include applied use of communication technology. One of the
three presentations must be informative in nature and one of the three presentations must
be persuasive in nature.

3. At least one group communication experience that may culminate in one of the oral
presentations.

4. At least two written exams or a combination of at least four unit quizzes.

5. Written: At least one paper (self-reflective or researched) of no less than 500 words in
length, addressing an area of communication other than public speaking.

6. GREATS Common Graded Assignment, subject to parameters of the approved

assignment, assessing at least 5 out of 7 general education outcomes, and worth at least
10% of the total course grade.

Other Course Information

This course is a required course in the Communication Studies and Mass Communication
transfer patterns.
This course is an approved General Education course in the Arts and HumanitiesCommunication category. Please refer to the current CCBC Catalog for General
Education course criteria and outcomes.
School Closing
General school closings for emergency or weather related issues are communicated
to students via the CCBC website, www.ccbcmd.edu, as well as through the local
media. Sign up for Campus Alert to automatically receive notifications regarding
school closing. In all, its the easiest way to stay informed about any emergencies
that may impact the college. If an emergency notice needed to be sent, Public
Safety will send you a text message; call your phones (home, work, or cell as you
designate); and email you regarding any important messages.
You can sign up online at www.ccbcmd.edu/campusalert. There is no fee
to sign up for the Campus Alert service; however, standard text message
and mobile voice rates will apply, depending on your service agreement
with your mobile carrier.

Communication Arts Attendance Policy:

1.
Students will be allowed absences equal to the number of class meetings each
week PLUS ONE additional absence during the semester. For each additional absence,
the final course grade will drop one letter grade. Examples follow:
a. Classes that meet 1 time per week = students will be allowed 2 absences:
3 absences = 1 Letter Grade deduction; 4 absences = 2 Letter Grade deductions; 5
absences = 3 Letter Grade deductions; up to and including a failing grade in the course.
b. Classes that meet 2 times per week = students will be allowed 3 absences:

4 absences = 1 Letter Grade deduction; 5 absences = 2 Letter Grade deductions; 6

absences = 3 Letter Grade deductions; up to and including a failing grade in the course.
c.

Classes that meet 3 times per week = students will be allowed 4 absences:

5 absences = 1 Letter Grade deduction; 6 absences = 2 Letter Grade deductions; 7

absences = 3 Letter Grade deductions; up to and including a failing grade in the course.
2.
If the student can provide documentation for an absence; the instructor will make
the effort to work with the student to make-up any missed work; however, documentation
is expected within a week of the students return to class.
a.

If no documentation can be provided, penalties will be applied as described above.

3.
Late Arrivals/Early Departures/Other Classroom Breaks will first result in a
verbal warning. Excessive occurrences as defined by the instructor will result in an
Incident Report.
4. Instructors audit policy:
For most courses, any student can designate a course for audit when
registering and is expected to pay the required fees and tuition. Some
courses may limit the number of times an audit may occur. Students may
elect to change their registration from credit to audit only during the
published 50% refund period (as indicated on the CCBC academic
calendar). Students are required to confer with the faculty member to
ensure they understand the audit requirements for the course. Students
may be required to participate in course activities and complete
assignments as designated by the instructor. Students are not required to
take exams, nor are instructors required to give exams to audit students.
Students not meeting these requirements will have their grade changed
from AU to a W. After the published 50% refund period, a student is
permitted to change from credit to audit only under extenuating
circumstances with written approval of the appropriate academic dean or
deans designee responsible for the course.

IV. Course Procedures

A. For college wide syllabus policies such as the Code of Conduct related to
Academic Integrity and Classroom Behavior or the Audit/ Withdrawal policy,
please go to the Syllabus Tab on the MyCCBC page.
B. Contact information for course-related concerns Sherry Tucker*
CCBCs Fall 2016 final exam calendar http://www.ccbcmd.edu/media/registration/finalexams_fall.pdf

Individuals who are not registered must report to the Records and
Registration Office and register to enroll in the CMNS 101 class. Students
can check their registration by viewing their schedule in Simon. Students
who are removed from the class roster during the semester MUST report to
the Records and Registration Office.

This syllabus may be changed with notification to the class.

*Students should first attempt to take concerns to the faculty member. If students are
unable to resolve course-related concerns with the instructor, they should contact (Sherry Tucker,
coordinator and assistant professor via email at stucker@ccbcmd.edu.)
Tentative Grade Breakdown
Artifact Speech
Reflection Paper
Cultural Group Project
CW, HW, & Att.
Exams
Persuasive Project
Participation

100
100
175
100
150
225
150

Dr. Mindels Policies and Procedures

1.

Attendance is required to insure all class members a full, educational experience.

Students with perfect attendance will receive an extra 10 points.

1.

University excused absences must be approved at least one week in advance.

ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED ON DAYS YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO
MAKE A PRESENTATION OR RECEIVE A ZERO FOR THE ORAL
SPEECH GRADE.
NO MAKE-UP SPEECHES WILL BE ALLOWED (Emergency absences will
be discussed individually).

1.

MAKE-UP TESTS WILL ONLY BE GIVEN IN THE EVENT OF EXTREME

EMERGENCY (the individual component of an exam only)

Even in the case of an emergency, it is the student's responsibility to inform the

instructor as much before class time as possible, if the absence occurs on the
day of a test or your scheduled group presentation.
4.

Three latenesss of more than 20 minutes will be counted as an absence. If you

must arrive late, please do not add to the disruption by vocalizing apologies, talking
or waving to classmates or otherwise calling attention to your arrival.

5.

All assignments are to be typed, proofread, and in adherence to basic rules of

grammar and composition, unless otherwise stated

6.

If you do miss a class and miss pertinent handouts, you are responsible for getting
these handouts from classmates, or from the professor before or after class time.

7.

Assignments will be lowered one letter grade per business day of lateness. If you
walk in on, or are rude during a speakers presentation, (that includes having your
phone ring) your grade will be lowered one letter grade.

8.

If you send me an email, do not conclude I have received it until you get a return
email response. This will avoid confusion, especially if you hand in late
assignments via email.

9.

It is your responsibility to keep all assignments until after you have received your
final grade for the course at the end of the semester.

10.

Changes may be made concerning deadlines as the semester progresses. You are
responsible for any changes, whether they were communicated in writing or
verbally.
Checking Blackboard will help keep you connected. Please make sure you check
Blackboard before each class for messages (especially in case of class
cancellation due to bad weather) and class materials. If you have problems logging
in, contact the Helpdesk at 443-840-4357.

11.

12.

Please come to see me as soon as a question or problem arises (even if you feel
the problem was created by me). I can usually offer you more personal assistance
during a personal meeting than I can just before, during, or after class. I am
available for appointments during the week, as well as after class on Saturdays.

13.

It is your responsibility to inform me as soon as possible of any reasonable

accommodations you require due to a disability. I can only help if you let me.

14.

Because this is a communication class, each class member is expected to

participate verbally in class, as well as on written assignments. It is also expected

that each student will communicate in a manner that is appropriate to the

classroom and respectful of others. Respectful disagreement is encouraged but
personal attacks will not be tolerated.
15.

Part of your participation grade will come from observation of your listening skills.
Side conversations are distracting and appear rude.

16.

Appropriate attire for class is also required. This means no to: hats, offensive
logos or graphics, or clothing that is too sexy, suggestive, or otherwise distracting
for an academic setting.

17.

Plagiarism is not only unethical, it is illegal. Any acts of plagiarism will result,
minimally, in a grade of zero for that assignment. Depending on the severity of the
act, further disciplinary action, including failure for the course and expulsion from
the College, may result.

18.

Turn all cell phones to silent during class and keep them out of sight. Vibrating
phones and texting signals are also distracting. If your phone rings while a
classmate is presenting a speech, your grade will be lowered one letter grade.

19.

You may use laptops or other electronic devices with prior approval only.

20.

Do not bring food to class unless you bring enough for everyone (but not on
presentation days); all drinks must have lids.

21.

Special Notes: CCBC is hosting the Maryland Communication Association

conference this year on October 21-22. We also have two organizations for
students: the Communication Club and Sigma Chi Eta, the communication honor
society. For more information about any of these, you may contact Professor
Sherry Tucker at stucker@ccbcmd.edu.

Fall 2016, CMNS 101, Owings Mills, Tentative Schedule, Saturdays

Please note: Students are responsible for all changes that may be made to the
schedule throughout the semester.

Date
9/10

topics & activities

Intros. & Policies; Comm. Process
Artifact Speeches explained

readings
Ch. 1 & 2

9/17

Perception & The Self ; RD Outlines Due

9/24

Artifact Speeches Presented; Culture begins

10/1

Culture; Reflection Paper Explained

10/8

Language; Exam Review

10/15

Exam 1; Cultural Group Project Explained

5&6

0/22

Listening & Nonverbal Comm.; Reflection Papers Due

9 & 10

10/29

Group Comm.; Persuasive Speeches Explained

13 & 14

11/5

Pers. Techniques, Audience Analysis & Speech Critique

Persuasive Topics Due

11

11/12

Cultural Group Presentations

Persuasive Thesis Statements & Audience Analysis Due

12

11/19

Cultural Group Presentations; Exam 2

Persuasive Outlines Due & Peer Critiques

11/26

Happy Thanksgiving!

12/3

Persuasive Speeches Presented

12/10

Persuasive Speeches Presented

12/17

Persuasive Speeches Presented & Student Awards