COMM

121

Spring 2016

Los Angeles City College

Communication Studies 121 (3582): Interpersonal Communication
Wednesdays 3:30pm-6:40pm
Room: FH B26
INSTRUCTOR: SARAH CRACHIOLO E-Mail: crachisb@lacitycollege.edu
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2969
Course Website: scrachiolo.weebly.com
Office Location: Communication Center (CC)/HFPA 190
Office Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays: 10:45am-11:45am; Wednesdays 12:00pm1:30pm; Thursdays 2:00pm-3:05pm
*This is a tentative syllabus. The instructor reserves the right to make changes throughout the
semester. Changes will be announced during class and posted on the course website
Textbook: Adler, Ronald B. and Russell F. Proctor. Looking Out Looking In. 14th edition. Boston:
Wadsworth, 2014. Print.

Suggested Course Materials: word processor, presentation software, and flash drive or access to
online storage-always back up and save your assignments!

Course Description: Students identify the dynamics of informal speaking situations which take place
when two to five people talk. Classroom exercises and experimentation provide understanding of selfconcept, perception, feedback, language, verbal and nonverbal communication, and listening. Students
study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal
relationships in personal and professional contexts.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. The student will improve their interpersonal listening skills.
2. The student will determine suitable conflict management strategies for interpersonal conflict.

LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE CAMPUS POLICIES

The following policies can be found in the LACC Catalog available online at
http://www.lacitycollege.edu/schedule/catalog/LACC-Catalog-Complete.pdf

Attendance
Students who are preregistered and miss the first class meeting may lose their right to a place in the class, but the
instructor may consider special circumstances. Whenever students are absent more hours than the number of hours
the class meets per week, the instructor may exclude them from class. In addition, the instructor will consider
whether there are mitigating circumstances which may justify the absences. If the instructor determines that such
circumstances do not exist, the instructor may exclude a student from the class.

Important Dates: Spring 2016

Last Day to Drop for Refund:
Last Day to Drop without Fee & without a W:
Census Date:
Last Day to Petition to Graduate:
Last Day to File Pass/No Pass:
Last Day to Drop with a W:

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Sunday, February 21, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
Friday, March 11, 2016
Sunday, May 8, 2016

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Withdrawal
It is the students responsibility to drop from class if he or she decides not to attend or stops attending. Students
might not be automatically dropped and/or excluded and will be accountable for any fees due. The semester will not
be noted on the student records. After the last day of the 12th week of the semester (or 75% of the time the class is
scheduled, whichever is less) will result in a W (Withdrawal) on the students record, which will be included in
the determination of progress probation. Drops are not permitted beyond the end of the 12th week. A grade (A, B, C,
D, F, P, I, or NP) will be assigned to students who are enrolled past the end of the 12th week even if they stop
attending class, except in cases of extenuating circumstances. After the last day to drop students may withdraw from
class upon petition demonstrating extenuating circumstances. Petitions may be obtained from the Office of
Admissions

Repeatability
Effective Summer 2012, course withdrawal (W) or a substandard grade (D, F, or NP) count as an attempt at
a course. Only three attempts at any one course will be allowed, with some exceptions.
Students who drop or are excluded after the last day to drop without a grade of W will have a W appear
on their transcript. The W will count as an attempt for that course.
A course in a students transcript which currently shows a recorded W counts as an attempt for that
course.
Students will not be allowed to register for any course within the LACCD if there are three recorded
attempts for that course in any combination of W, D, F, or NP grades.
Add permits for a course within the LACCD will not be processed if there are three recorded attempts for
that course in any combination of W, D, F, or NP grades.
For courses specifically designated as repeatable, students may repeat up to three times. (See Title 5
California Code of Regulations sections 55040, 55041, 58161).
Where the students number of enrollments in a course exceeds the allowable amount, the student may
petition for an additional enrollment in cases of extenuating circumstances.

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID Student Services Village 323-953-4000 ext. 2010 finaid@lacitycollege.edu
http://www.lacitycollege.edu/services/finaid/financial-aid-info.html
The Financial Aid Office administers federal, state, and institutional programs designed to expand college access.
The available financial assistance comes in the form of grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships. The assistance
makes it possible for individuals to continue their education beyond high school, even if they and/or their families
cannot meet the full cost of post-secondary education.
OFFICE OF SPECIAL SERVICES Student Services Village 100A (323) 953-4000 ext. 2270
http://www.lacitycollege.edu/services/oss/index.html
The Office of Special Services (OSS) is one of the student services at Los Angeles City College designed to provide
educational support and access to programs for currently enrolled students. A variety of programs and services are
available to eligible students with disabilities, providing them the opportunity to fully participate in Los Angeles
City Colleges programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable academic accommodations. Provision of
these accommodations allow students with disabilities equal access to all aspects of their education, however
students must master all competencies required by Title B of the California Educational Code and comply with the
Student Code of Conduct adopted by Los Angeles City College. Services provided include but are not limited to:
information and referral, advocacy and liaison, academic counseling, learning disability assessment, special
education and learning skills classes, high technology center, sign language interpreter, readers, note takers,
captioning and Braille transcription.
PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT POLICY
The policy of the Los Angeles Community College District is to provide an educational, employment and business
environment free from prohibited Discrimination, as defined by Rule 15003. Employees, students, or other persons
acting on behalf of the District who engage in Prohibited Discrimination as defined in this policy or by State and
Federal law shall be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, expulsion, or termination of contract. Any

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member of the Los Angeles City College community, which includes students, faculty, and staff, who believes,
perceives, or actually experiences conduct that may constitute prohibited discrimination, has the right to seek the
help of the College.
COMPLIANCE OFFICER Los Angeles Community College District Office (213) 891-2000 extension 2315
Los Angeles City College prohibits discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment, sexual orientation),
race, color, pregnancy, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, disability, medical condition (cancer
related), age (40 & above) and/ or veteran status. This is in accordance with applicable federal and State law and
District College policy. The policy applies to admission, access and treatment in College programs and activities for
all full-time and part-time students.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is one form of discrimination. It is generally defined as unwelcome sexual advances and/or
requests for sexual favors by a male or female. Sexual harassment is physical, verbal, or visual behavior that is
sexual in nature, repeated, and interferes with your ability to study or work. It is conduct that has created a hostile or
intimidating environment. The role of the Compliance Officer is to implement policies and procedures that follow
Federal and State laws on discrimination and sexual harassment, oversee compliance, investigate and recommend
resolutions to discrimination and/or sexual harassment complaints, serve as a resource on relevant issues and
promote diversity. Students who feel that they have been discriminated against or sexually harassed or who wish to
discuss incidents of discrimination or sexual harassment may contact and/or file a complaint with the Compliance
Office.
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION
California law requires that certain statutorily defined sex offenders notify community college law enforcement
officials that they are present on campus in specific capacities. If you fall into this category, you must register with
the Colleges Sheriffs Department Office.

STANDARDS OF STUDENT CODUCT

Board Rules website: laccd.edu/board_rules
As members of the College community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment;
to engage in sustained and independent search for truth; and to exercise their rights to free inquiry and free speech in
a responsible, nonviolent manner. Students shall respect and obey civil and criminal law, and shall be subject to
legal penalties for violation of laws of the City, County, State, and Nation. Student conduct must conform to
LACCD and Los Angeles City College rules and regulations. Violations of such rules and regulations will subject
students to disciplinary action. Such violations, include, but are not limited to, the following:
BOARD RULE 9803.12 Dishonesty, such as cheating, or knowingly furnishing false information to the
College.
BOARD RULE 9803.14 Forgery, alteration, or misuse of College documents, records, or identification.
BOARD RULE 9803.15 Obstruction or disruption of classes, administration, disciplinary procedures, or
authorized College activities.
BOARD RULE 9803.18 Assault or Battery. Assault or battery, abuse or any threat of force or violence
directed toward any member of the college community or campus visitor engaged in authorized activities.
BOARD RULE 9803.20 Lethal Weapons. Possession, while on a college campus or at a college
sponsored function, of any object that might be used as a lethal weapon is forbidden all persons except
sworn peace officers, police officers, and other government employees charged with policing
responsibilities.
BOARD RULE 9803.21 Discriminatory Behavior. Behavior while on a college campus or at a collegesponsored function, inconsistent with the Districts nondiscrimination policy, which requires that all
programs and activities of the Los Angeles Community College District be operated in a manner which is
free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy,
marital status, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or veterans status.
BOARD RULE 9803.24 Threatening Behavior. A direct or implied expression of intent to inflict physical
or mental/emotional harm and/or actions, such as stalking, which a reasonable person would perceive as a
threat to personal safety or property. Threats may include verbal statements, written statements, telephone
threats, or physical threats.

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Spring 2016

Board Rule 9803.28 Violations of Academic Integrity include, but are not limited to, the following
sections: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper project when the
instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than
one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume ones identity for the purpose of enhancing ones
grade.
BOARD RULE 9805.10 Assault or abuse of an Instructor. Assault or abuse of any instructor employed
by the District in the presence or hearing of a community college student or in the presence of other
community college personnel or students and at a place which is on District premises or public sidewalks,
streets, or other public ways adjacent to school premises, or at some other place where the instructor is
required to be in connection with assigned college activities

Ms. Cs Additional Rules

Course Website: All course documents (handouts, rubrics, etc.) are available online at
scrachiolo.weebly.com
Electronic devices are allowed for academic purposes only. If you are distracting to the classroom
environment you will be asked to leave.
All homework and papers are due by the beginning of class. Late assignments are NOT accepted.
o You must have proof of a completed assignment to show the instructor if you had
printing issues (saved in email, online storage, or flash drive). No proof will be assumed
that the assignment was not completed and will not be accepted.
Formatting requirements: MLA format. Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, and header. For
more information, please see: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/06/

E-Mail

Please put COMM 121 in the subject line so your email is not sent to spam;
Please write in complete sentences and completely spell words;
End your email with your NAME and your return email address;
Allow your instructors 24-48 hours to respond

Note about grading:

I do not change grades unless I have made a mathematical error. I am happy to talk with you about how
you can enhance your performance, but I will not argue with you about a grade I have given. Any
discussion of grades will be held privately between the individual student and the instructor; class time
will not be used as a forum to address these concerns.

Final Grades: the point total that you receive at the end of the semester is your final grade. I do not
bump up students 1 or 2 points to the next grade. Final letter grades are determined by percentage
points. For example, 89.45% and higher will receive an A and 89.44% and lower will receive a B.
Assignments

Readings: Regular reading assignments from the text are listed on the course schedule. Be sure to read the
material before you come to class.
Participation: The success of this class depends on the interaction of all members of the classroom
community. All students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and activities. All students
must be on time. 50 points
Quizzes: There will be a total of five quizzes throughout the semester. They will be based on readings of
the chapter, in class activities, and lecture notes. 10 points each x5= 50 points

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Spring 2016

Exams: There will be two exams during the semester. Each will cover information from the lectures,
readings, and in class activities. Each exam will require you to supply your own Scantron form 882E. 100
points each=200 points
Journals: You will answer questions to connect concepts with class material. Five questions x 10 points
each = 50 points
Research Project: You will choose a concept learned in class and expand our knowledge of it going
beyond the textbook. Further instructions will be provided. 100 points
Self-Concept Presentation: 2-3 Minute presentation. Your task is to examine and analyze your self
concept and the self image that you present to the world. 10 points
Card: Informational card for the instructor. Returned at end of the semester. 5 points
Plagiarism Pledge: Document stating you will not plagiarize. 5 points
Grade Worksheet
Assignment/Points
Card 5 points
Pledge 5 points
Quiz 1 10 points
Quiz 2 10 points
Quiz 3 10 points
Quiz 4 10 points
Quiz 5 10 points
Midterm 100 points
Self Concept 10 points

Your Grade

Assignment/Points

Your Grade

Journal 1 10 points
Journal 2 10 points
Journal 3 10 points
Journal 4 10 points
Journal 5 10 points
Project 100 Points
Participation 50 points
Final 100 points
Total Points/470:

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Spring 2016

Tentative Course Schedule*

*The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the schedule
Date
Week 1
Feb 10
Week 2
Feb 17

Topic
Syllabus/Catchphrase
Communication Models, Maslow and
Schutz (Ch. 1)
Self Concept (Ch. 2)

Week 3
Feb 24
Week 4
Mar 2
Week 5
Mar 9
Week 6
Mar 16
Week 7
Mar 23
Week 8
Mar 30
Week 9
Apr 6
Week 10
Apr 13

Perception: (Ch.3)
Collins and McIntosh (Weebly)
Self Concept Presentations

Week 11
Apr 20

Conflict (Ch. 11)

Week 12
Apr 27
Week 13
May 4
Week 14
May 11
Week 15
May 18
Week 16
May 25
Week 17
Jun 1

Relationships (Ch. 8)
Friendships (p. 290-294)
Romantic Relationships (p. 294-297)
Research Project Assigned
Workshop: Research and PowerPoint

Assignments
Assigned: Pledge/Card
Assigned: Journal 1
Due: Pledge/Card; Journal 1
Quiz 1: Communication Models
Assigned: SC Presentation
Journal 2
Quiz 2: Self Concept
Due: Journal 2
Due: Grading Rubric

Verbal Communication (Ch. 5)

Nonverbal Communication (Ch. 6)

Quiz 3: Verbal Communication

Listening (Ch. 7)
Midterm Review
Midterm Exam

Assigned: Journal 3
Due: Journal 3
Bring Green 882-E Scantron

SPRING BREAK NO CLASS

Emotions (Ch. 4)

Presentations Begin

Bring In Treatment Discussion Activity (Jake

and Amy)
Assigned: Journal 4
Bring In Treatment Discussion Activity (Paul
and Kate)
Due: Journal 4
Assigned: Journal 5
Quiz 4: Conflict
Due: Journal 5

Quiz 5: Romantic Relationships

Due: All paperwork and PowerPoint
Presentations

Presentations contd
Final Exam 5:00pm-7:00pm

Bring Green 882-E Scantron