S
t e p h e n
I W A N C Z U K
siwanczuk223247@comcast.net
stephen.iwanczuk@drexel.edu
COM
111- 701
PRINCIPLES
OF
COMMUNICATION
Monday
7—9:50
Curtis
258
3.0
credits
Office
Hours:
(PSA
Building-Rm. 305
33rd
and Powelton)
Mondays
and Thursdays: 2:30 —5:00 and by appointment.
This
course is dedicated to exploring the process of communication and its
application
in the corporate world. We will focus on personal, interpersonal, and group
organizational styles and mechanisms. The appropriateness of creativity
and individual expression will be examined, as well as, the fundamentals of
communication theory and management perspectives.
Textbook:
Cheryl Hamilton
Thomson/Wadsworth Publishing, Belmont, CA (2005)
Grading with required project point breakdown:
Business
Observation = 30 points
Business
Interview = 35 points
Two
tests = 35 points (each)
Group
Proposal = 10 points
Final
Group Project = 40 points
Final Group Presentation = 15 points
A/A+
grade = 180 to 200 points
B/B+
grade = 160 to 179 points
C/C+
grade = 140 to 159 points
D/D+ grade = 120 to 139 points
F grade
= 119 and below.
The instructor reserves the
right to reward an additional 15 points for creativity, outstanding work or
class participation.
Two
tests will be given covering topics from the textbook, in weeks 4 and 7 of this
course. Multiple choice questions combined with short essay answers will make
up the content of both tests. Both are TAKE HOME Tests.
Attendance:
Attendance
is required. In the case of extraordinary circumstances, absence will be
excused with a paper proof of the circumstance (a doctorŐs note for illness,
etc.). Excused absence is given at the sole discretion of the instructor. THREE
missed classes, even excused absences, will result in course FAILURE. Repeated
lateness will also contribute to the lowering of your grade. You must turn in
all work personally and during class. No work will be accepted by e-mail or
turned into my mailbox. All work is due on assigned
class
day. Late work is not acceptable without the instructorŐs approval. Please note
that tests, presentations, quizzes will not be rescheduled to accommodate
personal vacations, trips or other non-Drexel activity. I will not accept late
work or reschedule tests in these circumstances. Check on your
vacation/personal schedule to avoid any problems.
Papers:
Grading Standard (with categories)
Ideas
and content:
Papers contains a clear and effective central concept,
with specific
and complete details. ORIGINALITY, creativity and
insight
are the qualities I will look for!
Organization
and Structure:
Papers must have a clear structure utilizing topic
and
sub-topic sentences. The clear progression of ideas, sequenced in
appropriate
order, and supporting the main concept are ideal and vital ingredients.
Required length and style are also mandatory elements.
Style: Papers must have clear
sentences with variety of structure and length.
Wordy,
choppy and awkward construction is a quality to be avoided.
Paragraphs
must contain a central thought with a topic sentence and
proper
supporting elements. Clear transitions between paragraphs
are
also important.
Grammar,
Punctuation and Spelling: The principles of standard written
English
must be understood and demonstrated by the students.
Therefore:
A/A+ paper—is
excellent in all categories.
B/B+ Paper—is well done, demonstrating good control
of the
elements of effective writing, with few grammar,
spelling
and punctuation errors.
C/C+ Paper—adequate, possessing flaws in one or more
categories, and a few grammar, spelling and
punctuation errors.
D/D+ Paper—serious weakness in two or more
categories.
F Paper—demonstrates little proficiency in ANY of
the categories and contains more than five grammar,
spelling and punctuation errors.
Projects:
Project
#1: You
must visit three retail organizations and observe the staff,
their
reactions to customers, and how communication takes place with superiors.
Observe
vocal communication, facial expressions, non-verbal communication
and the
environment in which they work. Bring a note book, and observe the
sales
staff for 20 to 30 minutes. Grades will be based on how well you observe
the
sales staff, describe their reactions to situations and describe those
situations.
Include your opinion on how the staff treats customers and note the
most
successful events. Additionally, please explain the Organizational Model,
Communication
Style, Nonverbal and Verbal Communication in each of the
three
establishments. The first paragraph should list all 3 retail establishments,
location,
and time of day that you visited. The final paragraph(s) should draw a
conclusion
in which you justify your opinion on the most successful of the
establishments.
This report is worth 30 points, and should be four pages,
double
spaced, in length. This project is due Monday, July 30.
Project
#2: Please
contact a local business, group, or organization of more than 3 employees. Set
up a time to speak to a manager (include the managerŐs name, as well as the
company name), in order to discuss the communication problems that he/she faces
in the course of business. Discuss the communications technology used in the
workplace and their application. Focus your interview on the verbal and written
communication problems faced in their line of work. You MUST observe the daily
operation. Please write a report discussing the Organizational Models in place
and describe the organizationŐs communicational strengths and weaknesses.
Discuss Communication Styles,
Communication in the Workplace and Nonverbal Communication. Please include
personal recommendations to improve communication in this workplace. Grades
will be based on clarity, scope, depth and the detail of your observations,
analysis and recommendations. Please utilize classroom and book knowledge in
this report. This is worth 35 points, and should be four to five pages, double
spaced. This project is due Monday August 28.
Project
#3: THIS
IS A GROUP PROJECT.
You will be divided into groups
and
given a topic on which to prepare a report and presentation. Group
assignments
will be made Monday, August 7.. The first required element
is a
proposal of your final project that will DETAIL each group members role
in
preparing and presenting the finished product. This is worth 10 points and
will be
used to evaluate the presentation and final project. Some class time
can be
used in group meetings, however most of the work will take place out
of
class. The group report will be presented to the class, by each member of
the
unit. Group Presentations will be given on the final class session
(during exam week). All members of the group are required to be present.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
6/25—Course
Introduction—The Communication Process—Chapter 1
7/2 The
Communication Process—Chapter 1 (continued)
—Organizational Communication—Chapter 2
7/9—Organizational
Communication—Chapter 2 (continued)
—Improving
Interpersonal Relationships—Chapter 3
7/16—Effective
Listening—Chapter 4—Catch up and REVIEW
7/23—FIRST TEST (Take
Home)—Chapters 1 to 4
—Nonverbal
Communication in the Organization—Chapter 5
7/30—BUSINESS OBSERVATION DUE
(Project#1)
Half
of the class will present their projects
—Obstacles to Organizational Communication—Chapter 6
8/7—Basic Information for All
Types of Interviews—Chapter 7& 8
GROUPS ASSIGNED (for
Project #3)
—The
Employment Interview—Chapter 8
8/14—Catch up and
REVIEW—PROPOSAL DUE (project #3)
—SECOND
TEST (Take Home)—Chapters 5 to 8
—Informative Presentations—Chapter 11
8/21—Persuasive
Presentations—Chapter 14
—Researching, Supporting and Delivering Your Idea—Chapter 12
8/28—BUSINESS
INTERVIEW DUE (Project #2)
EXAM
WEEK—Group
Presentations (project #3)
Note: Specific Date will be posted on Banner later in the term.
ALL GROUP MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT!