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COMS 100A -
Syllabus
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Catalog Description: A survey of various theories of communication. Attention will be given to such topics as verbal and nonverbal coding, information processing, interpersonal and small group communication, political and organizational communication, the structure and effects of mediated communication, rhetorical criticism, and research in communication. Note: majors and minors must commplete with a grade of "C-" or better. 3 units.
Required: The text for the course this semester are:Tubbs, S. & Moss, S. (1994). Human Communication, 7th ed. New York: Random House, 1994.
A handbook, "Survey of Communication" by Sally Perkins.
The text and handbook may be purchased at the Hornet Bookstore.
Knowledge:
- Students will create new and know historical and contemporary models of communication.
- Students will know the essential parts of all communication processes.
- Students will know six contexts of communication.
- Students will know major theories which support the existing knowledge of communication in each of the six contexts.
Skills:
- Students will analyze the impact of the various contexts on the communication process.
- Students will analyze the impact of technology (online, video, audio, etc.) on the communication process.
- Students will practice using communication technologies: video, audio, online, e-mail.
- Students will practice observing human communication and drawing supportable inferences, using theory and precise observations.
- Students will practice study, research, writing, and oral communication skills to be used in upper division courses.
Values:
- Students will evaluate the merits of technology as it impacts the above contexts.
- Students will value the complexity of the human communication process in all contexts.
- Students will value the study of communication and desire to study in more depth in future courses.
Assignment Midterm Exam Final Exam Webform Assignments (5 @ 10 pts each) * Class Participation
Total
Final Grade Weightings:
A = 102-110 A- = 99-101 B+ = 97-98 B = 91-96 B- = 88-90 C+ = 86-87 C = 80-85 C- = 77-79 D+ = 75-76 D = 69-74 D- = 66-68 F = 65 or below
Exams: Both the midterm and final will be essay exams which ask you to analyze the problems in a communication event using the theories and models from the textbook and class discussions. All students must come to the CSUS campus to take those exams. Please bring with you two small, empty blue books.
Webform Assignments: You must complete the Webform Assignment for Week Nine plus four others of your choosing. Please note on the course calendar when Webform Assignments are offered. Webform Assignments are due one week after the class period in which we discuss the topic. So, for example, if you choose to do the Webform Assignment for Week 10 (November 6), it will be due by 5:00 p.m. on Week 11 (November 13).
* Class participation consists of the following: completion of WebQuest assignment, weekly attendance, participation in groups (whether in the studio or by teleconference), participation in class discussion. Demonstration of your active participation is especially critical for off-site students.
Technological Requirements for the Course
The Web-based course management system, WebCT, is now available for online communication.Your class information is only accessible to registered students, the instructor, and the WebCT administrator. You have been assigned a login ID and an initial password. Once you have successfully logged into COMS 100A, Survey of Communication Studies, you should use the WebCT password tool and change your initial password.
Your login ID is your last name in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Your initial password is the last four digits of your social security number.
To access the CSUS WebCT environment, connect to the Internet using your Internet browser. The Web address is: http://www.courses.csus.edu:8900/
Select Course Listing, Communication Studies, then COMS 100A, Survey of Communication Studies. You will be asked for a User Name and Password.
Note: To navigate within WebCT you must use the internal navigation buttons and NOT the Web browser Back and Forward buttons.