Communication Studies (CMST&) 101
Introduction to Communication
Sections A (Item #2634) and B (Item #2635)
Whatcom Community College (WCC)
In-Person Spring 2024
Start Date: Tuesday, April 2
End date: Friday, June 14
Instructor Information
Name: Guy Smith
Email: gsmith2@whatcom.edu or Canvas message
Phone (voicemail only!): 360.383.3556
Office Location: Laidlaw Center (LDC) 132
Office Hours:
Face-to-Face (LDC 132) and Zoom (ID 598 841 0604) simultaneously on Tuesdays and Thursdays noon-1:00 PM
Zoom Meetings (ID 598 841 0604) by appointment – Email (gsmith2@whatcom.edu) or Canvas Message to set up a time/day to meet
Guidelines for Contacting the Instructor
Your instructor will attempt to respond to your individual emails/Canvas messages in a timely manner (within a few hours) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM; however, he is on campus every Tuesday and Thursday (a good portion of which will be teaching in person on campus), so he will not be readily available on these days, except during my Face-to-Face/Zoom Office Hours (above). On weekends and holidays, you can expect a reply within approximately 24 hours. Be advised you should not expect me to reply to emails/Canvas messages between 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM on any day.
Course Information
Credit Hours: 5
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Preparation: None
AAS degree requirements: Basic Communication Skills - Oral
Fulfills additional requirements: None
Required Textbook
You do NOT need to purchase a textbook for this course; you can only access the free book online by clicking on University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing (2016). Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies,Links to an external site. then click on “Download this book,” and “HTMLBook” in the dropdown menu.
Course Description
Fundamental course in communication theory. Students will apply knowledge in variety of settings including interpersonal, public speaking, and small group communication.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, each student should be able to...
Apply elements of the transactional model of communication in a variety of communicative situations.
Characterize the stages of relational development in interpersonal relationships.
Identify how aspects of one's culture can affect communication with others.
Explain factors that influence the culture of a small group.
Explain the importance of active listening.
Deliver informative and persuasive speeches targeted to specific audiences.
Core Learning Abilities
WCC's core learning abilities (CLAs) - communicating, information literacy, quantitative reasoning, social justice, and thinking - are overarching skills that are taught and reinforced throughout our curriculum and a student's time at WCC. These skills are integral to students' professional and personal lives. This course will give you the opportunity to practice and develop one or more of these core learning abilities.
Course Format
This class meets in person. The best way to reach me outside of class is by email or Canvas message; you can also meet with me in our classroom immediately before or after class. I also HIGHLY encourage you to visit me (at least once this quarter) during my office hours in person (LDC 132) or via Zoom (ID 598 841 0604) on Tuesdays and Thursdays noon-1:00 PM, or schedule an appointment to meet with me.
Grade and Percentage Equivalents
A = 100-93%
A- = 92-90%
B+ = 89-87%
B = 86-83%
B- = 82-80%
C+ = 79-77%
C = 76-73%
C- = 72-70%
D+ = 69-67%
D = 66-60%
F = 59-0%
Grade Requirements and Policies
I Incomplete: Indicates that a student was given permission to complete the requirements of a class at a later date. Incompletes are issued by the instructor when a student has, for good reason, been delayed in completing the required work but can successfully do so without additional instruction. A signed agreement between the instructor and the student, outlining the timeframe and work to be completed must be submitted to the Registration Office.
N Audit: Indicates that a student chose not to receive credit for a class.
P Pass: For predetermined S/U graded credit classes, “P” indicates a passing grade for the class but does not satisfy the prerequisite for other classes.
S/U Students who enroll for satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grading in this or any other course should be aware that a C (depending on the course) grade is required to earn an S grade. Students who are considering changing to an S/U grading approach through registration should check with their instructor first to determine their current standing in the course. Students should then check with an advisorLinks to an external site. to determine the best course of action for their success. Some programs, schools, and universities may not recognize the S grade in the same manner as WCC.
W Official Withdrawal: Student withdrew through the Registration Office.
Student Equipment Check Out
Students can check out a laptop for the quarter using the device checkout agreement available in MyWCC under the My Account tab.
Access and Disability Services
Any student with a disability requiring auxiliary aids, services, or other reasonable accommodations should contact the access and disability services office in Laidlaw 134 to make an appointment (ads@whatcom.edu, 360.383.3139, or 360.255.7182 [videophone for deaf callers]).
Affirmation of Inclusion
WCC is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the College community feels welcome to participate in the life of the College, free from harassment and discrimination. We welcome people of all races, ethnicity, national origins, religions, ages, genders, sexual orientations, marital status, veteran status, abilities, and disabilities. Toward that end, faculty, students, and staff will treat one another with respect and dignity; promote a learning and working community that ensures social justice, understanding, civility and non-violence in a safe and supportive climate; and influence curriculum, teaching strategies, student services, and personnel practices that facilitate sensitivity and openness to diverse ideas, peoples and cultures in a creative, safe, and collegial environment.
Non-Discrimination Policy, Title IX, and Sexual Misconduct
WCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or age in its programs and activities. WCC's discrimination and harassment policyLinks to an external site. (615), Title IX [sexual misconduct and harassment] policyLinks to an external site. (616), and student rights and responsibilities policyLinks to an external site. (620) strictly prohibit sexual harassment, intimidation, and violence. Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct is encouraged to contact a WCC counselor (Laidlaw 134, 360.383.3139) to receive confidential support and learn about reporting options. Any disclosure of such misconduct shared with another faculty or staff member is non-confidential and requires a report to WCC's Title IX coordinator, who has been designated to handle such reports. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination, Title IX, and sexual misconduct policies can be directed to the Title IX coordinator at 360.383.3400.
Accommodations for Reasons of Faith or Conscience
Students who will be absent from course activities due to reasons of faith or conscience may seek reasonable accommodations, so grades are not affected. Such requests must be made to the instructor within the first two weeks of the quarter and should specify the exact dates the student will miss. The instructor and student will then identify the specific reasonable accommodations for the missed class sessions.
Expectations for In-Person Instruction Safety and Illness Protocols
Conducting this class in person requires all participants not only attend each class but also follow the established safety rules to ensure the safety of all. In the event you or someone close to you becomes ill during the quarter, please check in with your instructor as soon as possible to discuss options for your continued success in the course. Additionally, if you should prove unable or unwilling to comport yourself according to the specific expectations of this class and the general expectations of this college, as stated herein as well as in “College Policies, Student Rights & Responsibilities,” deductions may be made from your overall points in the class. The following (thanks to the Government Department of Skidmore College) is a small attempt to enlighten you to various aspects of conduct, though there is much more:
No student shall lessen the learning experience of others in the classroom by being disruptive while arriving late to class.
No student shall lessen the learning experience of others in the classroom by being disruptive in leaving the classroom while class is in session.
Cell phones and other electronic devices must be silenced (and put away) during class.
No student shall disrupt the learning experience of others in the classroom by talking to a neighbor, writing notes to other students, reviewing one’s email, reading unrelated material, completing homework for other classes, or playing with their laptop, while class is in session.
No student shall disrespect other students, instructors, or staff by putting feet on the desks or other furniture in the classroom or by leaving trash, food, or recyclables in the room at the end of the class session. Additionally, students shall NOT move desks or other furniture from their original configurations (unless asked to do so) at any time during a class session.
Disruptions in class can be a significant impediment to learning, and no one should have to tolerate them. Thus, every student should take responsibility for holding their peers and classmates to both high academic standards and high standards of civility. If people around you are chatting, passing notes, or otherwise detracting from the overall quality of YOUR experience, do not let them get away with it.
Guidelines for Interacting with Other Students ("Netiquette")
The WCC netiquette statement states that students participating in WCC's online courses agree to interact with others in a positive, cooperative, and supportive manner and display respect for the privacy and rights of others. This statement is inclusive of, but not limited to, the following guidelines:
Be courteous about what you say to or about others in any electronic format. In electronic communication, the golden rule is "remember the human"; there is a real person with real feelings on the receiving end of your post.
Be respectful and open to opinions and ideas that differ from yours. The exchange of diverse thoughts, ideas, and opinions is an essential part of the scholarly environment. Keep in mind the people in your classes may come from backgrounds and have views that may vary significantly from your own.
Flaming – the posting of messages that are deliberately hostile and insulting in an online social context – is not appropriate under any circumstances. While everyone (learners and instructors alike) is encouraged to share ideas and opinions openly, you should never use insults or resort to name-calling, even if you disagree strongly with what someone else has written.
When responding to messages or posts made by others, address the ideas, not the person.
Be careful when using sarcasm and humor. Without social cues, such as facial expressions and body language, a remark meant as humorous could come across as hurtful or offensive. Do not assume the use of emoticons, such as :-), is enough to convey your tone or intent.
Capitalizing whole words is generally seen as SHOUTING and is often offensive to the reader. Use all capital letters sparingly, such as to highlight a meaningful word or point.
Technology Requirements
Ensure you have regular access to a desktop or laptop computer with an internet connection to complete coursework. High-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable, or DSL) is highly recommended for an optimal learning experience. The College has numerous computer labs and a library with computers that may be used to complete coursework. Also, laptops can be checked out for the quarter using the device checkout agreement available in MyWCC under the My Account tab. While tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices may allow for completion of some coursework, they are not guaranteed to work in all areas. For example, it is recommended students do not attempt quizzes on Canvas when using a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, due to compatibility issues. Do not use the Canvas app on your mobile device. Log into Canvas on a laptop or computer instead. The app causes serious problems. If you have it on your mobile device, uninstall it. Otherwise, it will open itself without you knowing.
Web Browser
Use Firefox or Chrome as your web browser when using Canvas.
Lockdown
When a situation or incident poses a threat to campus, and it is not safe to leave an office, classroom, or building, you are encouraged to HIDE! If it is safe to get out, you are encouraged to GO and RUN to a safe area away from the threat. When fleeing the area, you should BE AWARE of your surroundings and be alert if there are any additional threats. If you are unable to lockdown, you should shield yourself by putting something between you and the threat. STAY OUT OF SIGHT!
If it not safe to get out, then you should lock down. After locking the door and shielding yourself, you should NOT answer the door if someone knocks and requests to enter. It is best to WAIT in a secure location until emergency responders come to the locked room. Individuals in a locked room should use a cell phone or landline, when safe, to contact 9-1-1 to advise of their status and needs.