Instructor:  Dr. Mollie Elizabeth Condra
Phone:   322-2307 (Communication Studies Office)
   596-7471 (Cell phone)
   301-3237 (Work )
E-Mail:   mollie.condra@healthstream.com
Office Hours: After class and by appointment only
Room & Time: 109 Calhoun – 6:30-9:00 pm, Tuesdays
Text: Wood, J.S. (2000) Communication theories in action. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Additional readings may be put on reserve in the library.

Course Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to attain knowledge of communication theory. This will involve the study of multiple perspectives of communication behaviors and an examination of the conceptual and historical connections among theories of communication. Additionally, an objective of this course is that the process of theorizing becomes appreciated and understood. In doing so, it is expected that your critical thinking skills will be enhanced as you debate the merits of the various theories surveyed in this class. It is also very important that you develop the ability to see the “real life” applications of communication theory. The everyday application of communication theories will be consistently stressed throughout the course.

Course Requirements:

Reading and active participation

Assigned readings must be read before class meetings. Lectures will not simply reiterate what was assigned from the text. As such, it is very important that you prepare properly for each class meeting. Your active participation is expected in this course. Questions, debate, and discussion are a significant aspect of your college education and, consequently, are always welcome in this course.

Exams

There will be two exams in this course: a mid-term exam that counts 25% of your final grade and a cumulative, final exam that counts 25% of your grade. Each may contain identification, short-answer, and essay questions. You will never need a “blue book.” Always use a pen with blue or black ink. Time will be allocated before each exam for a review session where I will give you more details on how to prepare. Make-up exams are not typically given but if you do have a genuine emergency on the exam date, please let me know in advance if possible. At the very least, you should always call me or Diane Banks (2-2307) if you must be absent for an exam. Exams are not given early—for any reason.  (Primary final exam is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26 and the alternate for 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 30.)

Communication Theory Critique Paper

This paper should critically examine a communication theory that is not covered in our text. Your job will be to use the criteria discussed in class and in the text to critique the merit of a theory. Your evaluation of the theory will not require a literature review. Instead, you will need to rely on your understanding and ability to evaluate the theory.
(4-6 pages, APA, 25% of final grade)

Communication Theory Application Paper

An application of one communication theory examined in this course is required for the final paper. This will involve some type of “experiment” that is conducted outside of class. The paper must also include a brief review of literature on your topic but the majority of your writing will explain the results of your investigation. A brief presentation is required. Papers should be 8-10 pages and should use the APA style for citations and references. This paper counts 25% of your final grade. *You may choose to work with a partner or by yourself on this project/paper.

Course Policies

Attendance

You must attend class. It is really that simple. If you miss a one-night-per- week class an outrageous amount (4 or more), you will automatically fail the course. I trust that you are all serious students who know that attending class is crucial for success on the exams and assignments.

The Honor Code

Submitting work that is not your own, either on an exam or in an assignment, is a violation of the University Honor Code. All violations will be reported to the Honor Council for deliberation. I do randomly check sources and I do require that you spread apart for taking exams. Cheating, in any form, should never enter your consciousness.

Other Rules

Arrive on time.
Never leave class early.
Look energetic in class.
If you possibly can, avoid gum. Drinks, food, etc.,. are OK.
Return promptly after an intermission.
Be ready to start class when I am in front of the classroom.

Conferences

Please feel free to stay after class to discuss any aspect of this course. I look forward to working with you in and out of class. Given my schedule, I strongly encourage you to make an appointment with me. A  mutual meeting place can then be decided upon.

Grading

Final grades for the semester will be derived as follows:
 Mid-term exam………………………………………25%
 Final Exam (cumulative) …………………………… 25
 Comm. Theory Critique Paper………………………25
 Comm. Theory Application Paper………………….. 25
                 100%

92.6 – 100  =  A 90.0 – 92.5  =  A-
87.6  - 89.9 =  B+ 82.6 -  87.5  =  B 80.0 -  82.5  = B-
77.6  - 79.9  = C+ 72.6 -  77.5  =  C 70.0 -  72.5  = C-
67.6  - 69.9  = D+ 62.6  - 69.9  =  D 60.0 -  62.5  =  D-
         < 60.0 =  F

* Grades for all assignments are not set on a pre-determined curve that distributes a set number of letter grades. Normative data for the class as a whole is, however, taken into account6 in the grading process.
* When grades are being averaged to determine the final letter grade to be given for the course, numbers are not rounded. For example, an 89.9 is a B+, not an A-.
* All assigned work is due in class on the due date. If any assignment is turned in late—FOR ANY REASON (i.e., printer problems, sick, automobile accident), ten points will be deducted per day that it is tardy.