CIS 110-00213

CIS 110-002: Composition and Communication (3 hours)

Fall 2014

Time and Location

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 – 8:50 a.m.

LCLI 311

Instructor Information

Jacob (Jake) Matig, M.A.

E-mail: jacob.matig@uky.edu

Phone: 859-257-8370

Office Location: LCLI 310

Office Hours: Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday and Friday: by appointment

Catalog Description

Composition and Communication I is the introductory course in a two-course sequence designed to engage students in composing and communicating ideas using speech, writing, and visuals. Students will develop interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and information literacy skills by exploring what it means to be engaged, twenty-first century citizens. Students will practice composing, critiquing, and revising ideas based on personal experience, observation, and fieldwork in the community, culminating in several discrete projects using oral, written, and visual modalities.

Student Learning Outcomes

In this course, students will demonstrate the ability to…

· Compose written texts and deliver oral presentations that represent relevant and informed points of view appropriate for the audience, purpose, and occasion.

· Analyze, create, and use visual media as both independent and interconnected forms of communication.

· Demonstrate an awareness of appropriate strategies used to communicate effectively in different situations (e.g., public speaking, interpersonal) and contexts (e.g., face-to-face, digital).

· Work with design elements (font, size, line, color) to successfully incorporate design principles (contrast, alignment, repetition, and proximity) as part of effective composition

· Employ research skills to find, analyze, evaluate, and properly cite pertinent primary and secondary sources, using relevant discovery tools (e.g. InfoKat, Library Databases, Google), as part of the process of composing work in written, oral, and visual modes.

· Organize, revise, practice, edit, and proofread (for grammar and mechanics) their own and other student work flexibly and effectively to improve the development and clarity of ideas.  

· Define goals for improving/revising work and devise effective plans for achieving those goals, in collaboration with peers, instructor, and librarians.

· Employ and evaluate interpersonal communication skills.

Required Materials

Verderber, K. S., Verderber, R. F., & Sellnow, D. D. (2014). Communicate! (14th ed.). Cengage:

Boston, MA. ISBN-13: 978-0-8400-2816-7.

Glenn, C., & Gray, L. (2012). Harbrace Essentials. Wadsworth: Boston, MA.

UK Common Reader: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

3 x 5 inch index cards

Course Assignments

You will complete three major assignments including oral, written, and visual components. You will revise your projects based on instructor and peer review and feedback. These projects will demonstrate your writing, interpersonal/intercultural, and public speaking skills.

Point Distribution

Assignment

Points Possible

% of Total Grade

Exploring Culture Essay

100

22.2%

Portraying Culture Speech

100

22.2%

Electronic Portfolio

100

22.2%

Self-Introduction Speech

10

2.2%

Interview Transcript

10

2.2%

Essay Draft

20

4.4%

Speech Outline

20

4.4%

Movie Reflection

10

2.2%

Pre- and Post-Tests

10

2.2%

Classroom Activities

(e.g., group activities, impromptu speeches, etc.)

70

15.6%

TOTAL

450

100%

Major Assignments

Project 1: Exploring Culture Essay (100 points)

For this assignment, you should identify a culture you are not part of (i.e., in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, etc.). First, conduct research on this culture (what defines their culture, what are their beliefs, social norms, etc.). Next, identify how this culture if typically perceived and stereotyped by society. Finally, you should conduct an interview with at least two members of this culture. Your paper should focus on what you learned through your research and interviews about this culture. Your paper should meet the following requirements:

a. At least 2400 words (not including your cover page, abstract, or references page), double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins.

b. Include at least 6 external and credible sources (should include the 2 interviews you conducted).

c. Conform to 6th edition APA format.

d. Include at least 2 supporting images.

Project 2: Portraying Culture Speech (100 points)

For this assignment, you should identify an artifact within popular culture (e.g., a song, a movie, a TV show) where the culture you explored in project 1 is portrayed in some way. In your speech, you should compare how the culture is portrayed in the artifact with what you learned through your research. Your speech should meet the following requirements:

a. 4-5 minutes in length.

b. Orally cite at least 2 external sources.

c. Include at least 2 presentational aids (pictures, graphs, charts, etc. can be displayed via PowerPoint slide).

d. Submit a typed, formal outline.

e. Use up to four 3 x 5 notecards.

Project 3: Electronic Portfolio (100 points)

For this assignment, you will create an electronic portfolio that showcases your work from this semester and the process by which you have grown as a communicator. Your portfolio will be created electronically, using your choice of platforms (e.g., Weebly, Wix, Blogger). You must include in your portfolio:

a. Introduction to the portfolio, centered on its purpose, content, and navigation (written for a broad audience)

b. Exploring culture essay

1. Initial draft with comments

2. Version submitted for grading

3. Revision of submitted version, aimed at improving the essay

4. Reflective essay (at least 300 words) that highlights how the essay changed and evolved throughout the semester

c. Portraying culture speech

1. Outline version submitted for grading

2. Reflective essay (at least 500 words) that reflects on the success of your speech, including both content and delivery.

d. Minor assignments and in-class work as directed by your instructor

e. Final essay (at least 500 words) that explores what the portfolio says about you as a student and communicator. You may choose to reflect on aspects of the course such as what you learned from exploring another culture, what you took away from looking at popular culture examples, and how you see the content and skills of this course affecting you beyond this course and your academic career.

Your portfolio will be graded based on the content as well as the visual design of the portfolio. You may use templates from whatever platform you choose, but think carefully about the navigation of the website, overall organization, and visual impact.

Minor Assignments

(1) Pre- and Post-test (10 total)Each CIS 110 student is required to complete a pre-test at the beginning of the semester and a post-test at the end of the semester for departmental assessment purposes. These will be completed online and you will receive credit for these assignments; your answers will not affect your grade. You will receive 10 pts for completing these two assignments (5 pts each) and you must complete both tests to receive credit. Each test will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

(2) Self-Introduction Speech (10)

You will prepare a 2-3 minute speech of self-introduction. You should use PowerPoint and incorporate only three photos (at least one photo must include you). You may use a maximum of three, one-sided notecards and will not use a podium.

(3) Essay Draft (20)

You should complete a rough draft of your essay. You should turn this in on Blackboard and bring a hard copy to class. In order to get credit for this assignment, you need to have at least ¾ (or 4-6 pages) of the paper draft completed. All essays should use 1 inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font.

(4) Interview Transcript (10)

After completing your interview with a community member, you should submit a word document with the questions that were asked and the audio or video recording and the interview transcript.

(5) Speech Outline (20)

You will complete a typed formal outline with your speech. This should be submitted to Blackboard on the day you deliver your speech in class.

(6) Movie Reflection (10)

We will watch the movie Outsourced in class. You will then write a 4-page paper about how the movie connects to key concepts from the class.

(7) Other Activities/Assignments/Opportunities (70)

You will receive points for various activities throughout the semester, including impromptu speeches, homework, and group activities.

It is possible that extra credit opportunities will arise which may include attending a lecture, writing a current event essay, participating in a research study, etc. These activities will be announced including how much potential extra credit they are worth. However, there is no guarantee that there will be any extra credit offered, and you should not rely on this to boost your grade.

Grading and Grading Scale

The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90 – 100%:A

80 – 89%:B

70 – 79%:C

60 – 69%:D

59% and below:E

Only students who have completed all components of the major assignments on time are eligible for a passing grade in this course. If you disagree with the grade that you receive on a major assignment, you are welcome to advocate for a change in the grade. However, please wait 24 hours after receiving your grade and review the feedback I provided thoroughly before doing so. I will not discuss your grade in class: You must schedule an appointment with me to discuss your grade and my evaluation. Appointments must occur within 7 calendar days from the date you received your grade.

Please note: Final grades are non-negotiable. If you suspect that you are doing poorly in the class, it is in your best interest to meet with me early on in the semester to discuss performance improvement plans.

Mid-term Grade

Mid-term grades will be posted in myUK by the deadline established in the Academic Calendar (http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/AcademicCalendar.htm).

Final Exam Information

Date, time, location, and other information are located in the Academic Calendar.

Course Policies

Submission of AssignmentsProject One essay MUST be submitted in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format to Blackboard. To do this, you will click on the Assignments tab in Blackboard, click on the name of the assignment, attach the file, and click on submit. If you have submitted correctly, you will see a screen that confirms your submission and you can check the grade book to see that the assignment has been submitted.

Unless otherwise noted, all minor and major assignments should be submitted through Blackboard by the start of class on their due date. Any assignments submitted past the deadline, will incur a 10% penalty for each day beyond the deadline up to 5 calendar days (i.e., 50% off).

There are no make ups for speech days. Please coordinate switching spots with a classmate if you anticipate that you will not be able to make your speech day, but note that you will lose 5 points for the day you miss as an audience member (see Attendance policy).

Attendance

You are expected to be in class every day so you can benefit as much as possible from this course. There are multiple ways in which absences can affect your final grade. For classes that meet three days a week, you are allowed 3 unexcused absences. For each subsequent unexcused absence, your final course grade will be reduced by 5% (1/2 letter grade) for each such absence. If you have unexcused absences for 20% of the course, you will be unable to pass this course. Students are expected to withdraw from the class if more than 20% of the classes scheduled for the semester are missed (excused or unexcused) per university policy.

Students are required to attend class whenever any student is scheduled to speak. You will lose 5 points for each speaking day you miss.

Students also are expected to arrive to class on time. If you are tardy (5+ minutes late) for three classes, this will count as one unexcused absence. Each subsequent occurrence of three tardies will result in an additional unexcused absence. If you fail to complete any of the major assignments (essays or speeches), this will result in an “E” for the course.

For any emergency situation that arises, call the Instructional Communication Division office (859-257-8370) to leave a message. Also, be sure to email your instructor as soon as you know about the situation.

Excused Absences

If you are absent on a day when an assignment is due or an exam is given, you will be allowed to hand in or make-up that work only if the absence is officially excused. Excuses for university-sponsored activities must be made prior to such absences. No make-up work is available for in-class exercises, workshops, or exams unless approved in advance by your instructor.

Students need to notify the professor of absences prior to class when possible. Specifically,

· Students must notify the instructor of their absence prior to the absence or within one week after the absence.

· Students must submit any written documentation supporting their excused absence within one week after the absence.

· Absences for major religious holidays require advance written notification (The amount of time required is left to each instructor’s discretion and should be stated in the syllabus)

· Penalties regarding late work and arriving late to class/exams should be reflected in the syllabus.

S.R. 5.2.4.2 defines the following as acceptable reasons for excused absences: (a) serious illness, (b) illness or death of family member, (c) University-related trips, (d) major religious holidays, and (e) other circumstances found to fit “reasonable cause for nonattendance” by the professor.

Students anticipating an absence for a major religious holiday are responsible for notifying the instructor in writing of anticipated absences due to their observance of such holidays no later than the last day in the semester to add a class. Information regarding dates of major religious holidays may be obtained through the religious liaison, Mr. Jake Karnes (859-257-2754).

Verification of Absences

Students may be asked to verify their absences in order for them to be considered excused. Senate Rule 5.2.4.2 states that faculty have the right to request “appropriate verification” when students claim an excused absence because of illness or death in the family. Appropriate notification of absences due to university-related trips is required prior to the absence.

Academic Integrity

Per university policy, students shall not plagiarize, cheat, or falsify or misuse academic records. Students are expected to adhere to University policy on cheating and plagiarism in all courses. The minimum penalty for a first offense is a zero on the assignment on which the offense occurred. If the offense is considered severe or the student has other academic offenses on their record, more serious penalties, up to suspension from the university may be imposed.

Plagiarism and cheating are serious breaches of academic conduct. Each student is advised to become familiar with the various forms of academic dishonesty as explained in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Complete information can be found at the following website: http://www.uky.edu/Ombud. A plea of ignorance is not acceptable as a defense against the charge of academic dishonesty. It is important that you review this information as all ideas borrowed from others need to be properly credited.

Part II of Student Rights and Responsibilities (available online http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/part2.html) states that all academic work, written or otherwise, submitted by students to their instructors or other academic supervisors, is expected to be the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. In cases where students feel unsure about the question of plagiarism involving their own work, they are obliged to consult their instructors on the matter before submission.

When students submit work purporting to be their own, but which in any way borrows ideas, organization, wording or anything else from another source without appropriate acknowledgement of the fact, the students are guilty of plagiarism. Plagiarism includes reproducing someone else’s work, whether it is a published article, chapter of a book, a paper from a friend or some file, or something similar to this. Plagiarism also includes the practice of employing or allowing another person to alter or revise the work, which a student submits as his/her own, whoever that other person may be.

Students may discuss individual assignments among themselves or with an instructor or tutor, but the actual work must be done by the student. When a student’s assignment involves research in outside sources of information, the student must carefully acknowledge exactly what, where and how he/she employed them. If the words of someone else are used, the student must put quotation marks around the passage in question and add an appropriate indication of its origin for essays and papers and in the form or “oral footnotes” in public speeches. Making simple changes while leaving the organization, content and phraseology intact is plagiaristic. However, nothing in these Rules shall apply to those ideas, which are so generally and freely circulated as to be a part of the public domain (Section 6.3.1).

Accommodations Due to Disability

If you have a documented disability that requires academic accommodations, please see your instructor as soon as possible during scheduled office hours. In order to receive accommodations in this course, you must provide your instructor with a Letter of Accommodation from the Disability Resource Center (Room 2, Alumni Gym, 257-2754, email address: jkarnes@email.uky.edu).

Classroom Behavior Policies

Participation

To benefit from this course, you are expected to fully engage with the material, instructor, and your peers. This means you are expected to (a) read and consider applications of the information before coming to class, (b) ask questions and/or make applications in small group and large group class discussion, and (c) work to facilitate classroom interaction.

Late Assignments

The make-up of projects and deadline extensions will be arranged only (1) when prior arrangements have been made with me or (2) in the presence of verifiable extenuating circumstances. All determination of permissible late and make-up work will be decided at my discretion. It is your responsibility to notify me in the case of emergency with valid and complete documentation. If advance notice is impossible, you must notify me within 24 hours from the beginning time of the assignment due date. My contact information is on the first page of this syllabus and also can be obtained by contacting the Department of Library and Information Science, so there is no excuse for not being able to contact me.

Again, unless I note differently in advance, all minor and major assignments should be submitted through Blackboard by the beginning of class on their due date. Any assignments submitted past the deadline will incur a penalty. Please coordinate switching spots with a classmate if you anticipate that you will not be able to make your speech day, but note that you will lose points for the day you miss as an audience member (see Attendance policy).

Class Conduct

We will have fun this semester, and there will be a great deal of give and take in our discussions. But we will only have fun if you conduct yourself with respect for yourself and others. This means you are to:

1. Come to class prepared. Communication hinges on active participation. To that end, participation will be a big part of this course. You are expected to do all reading/homework and come prepared to discuss it in advance of each class. To earn the full points for participation, you will need to attend class punctually (no more than 5 minutes late), contribute regularly (individually and in group activities), and take pride in the work you do. While each class’s lecture notes will be available on Blackboard, I will note provide additional class notes to any student. If you miss a class, you are responsible for acquiring notes from other students in the class.

2. Be respectful in your words and actions. Respect is a primary tenant of good communication, especially intercultural communication. You are expected to offer support and encouragement to your classmates and listen to others carefully before offering your opinion. Furthermore, please refrain from using language that could be considered offensive by others in the class. Please talk to me outside of class if anything that happens or is said during class bothers you.

3. Demonstrate “immediacy” throughout each class period. Part of being an effective communicator is demonstrating that you are genuinely interested in what others communicate to you. You are expected: (1) to silence and put aside your cell phone before each class period; (2) to refrain from eating, sleeping, reading the newspaper, or talking to each other once class has started unless asked to do so; and (3) to avoid entering the classroom late or leaving early without permission. If you use a laptop/tablet for taking notes, please close all web browsers, e-mail programs, and other documents during class, unless instructed to do so. Students who engage in disruptive behavior may be directed to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. See the UKY’s Code of Student Conduct for further information on prohibited conduct.

Email Policy You are encouraged to email me with any comments, questions, concerns you have throughout the semester at jacob.matig@uky.edu. Please DO NOT email me your assignments, as all assignments should be submitted through Blackboard (unless I specify otherwise). I will respond to all emails within 24 hours of the time I receive them. If you have questions that require a more immediate response, I strongly encourage you to “ask three, then me:” First, consult the syllabus; second, look on Blackboard; and, finally, ask three other students in the class. Chances are that the answer to your question will be found from one of those sources.

Blackboard Policy

Please check your Blackboard account daily for updates from me. Blackboard will be the primary channel through which I communicate with you throughout the semester, and is your one-stop shop for all lectures, assignments, and grades in this class. Again, unless otherwise noted, all minor and major assignments should be submitted through Blackboard by midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on their due date. I will strive to have grades posted on Blackboard within two weeks of an assignment’s due date.

Additional Student Resources The Multimodal Communication Lab (MC3), The Study, and The Writing Center

The Multimodal Communication Lab (MC3) is located in 107A Grehan (phone: 859-218-0221) and is your go to location for assistance on class presentations of all types. You have the opportunity to work one-on-one with peer tutors experienced and specifically trained in various presentational methods. We offer several resources, including but not limited to: Brainstorming potential oral, written, and visual presentation topics; organizing content and develop outlines; using proper APA/MLA style in outlines and papers; developing and using effective presentational aids, including PowerPoint, poster sessions, and prezi, improve public speaking delivery; and creating effective digital texts (e.g., websites, blogs). You can also schedule an appointment online at https://ci.uky.edu/icr/mc3-schedule or walk in to 107A Grehan.

According to the Academic Enhancement website, The Study located in 306 Complex Commons Building, is responsible for programs and services for students intended to promote effective learning strategies in and out of the classroom in order to enhance the academic experience of all students at the University of Kentucky. For more details check out their website at: http://www.uky.edu/AE/

The Writing Center is located in W. T. Young Library, Room 108B in the Hub (phone: 859-257-1368). The staff can help you identify and correct problems with your writing. You can also schedule an appointment online at: http://wrd.as.uky.edu/writing-center

The Media Depot is located in the basement of William T. Young Library and will have video and audio recording rooms, computers for editing multimedia projects, collaborative spaces, and staff to assist students with multimedia needs: http://www.uky.edu/ukit/mediadepot

Tentative Class Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: WHILE IT IS MY INTENTION TO ABIDE BY THIS SCHEDULE, ANY CHANGES I ANNOUNCE IN CLASS OR ON BLACKBOARD TAKE PRECEDENCE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP ABREAST OF ALL CHANGES AND COME TO CLASS PREPARED.

C! = Communicate!HE = Harbrace EssentialsBb = Blackboard

Date

Topic

Assignments

W Aug. 27

Welcome and Class Overview

Read Bb: Syllabus

F Aug. 29

Introduction to Communication and Multimodal Communication

Form Learning Groups

Read C!: Unit 1 Prequel & Ch. 1

“All About Me” Due

M Sept. 1

LABOR DAY - NO CLASSES

W Sept. 3

Interpersonal Communication: Perceptions of Self and Others

Read C!: Ch. 2

F Sept. 5

Interpersonal Communication: Interpersonal Relationships

Read C!: Ch. 7

M Sept. 8

Interpersonal Communication: Interpersonal Conflict

Read C!: Ch. 8

W Sept. 10

Interviewing 101

Introduce Project 1

Read C!: pp. 452 – 459

Read HE: pp. 72-73

F Sept. 12

Public Speaking 101

Introduce Self-Introduction Speech

Read Bb: Public Speaking 101 PDF

Culture Topic Due

M Sept. 15

Interpersonal Communication: Cultural Communication

Read C!: Ch. 3

W Sept. 17

Self-Introduction Speech Presentations

Self-Introduction Speeches Due

F Sept. 19

Self-Introduction Speech Presentations

Self-Introduction Speeches Due

M Sept. 22

Interpersonal Communication: Verbal Communication

Read C!: Ch. 4

W Sept. 24

Interpersonal Communication: Nonverbal Communication

Read C!: Ch. 5

F Sept. 26

Interpersonal Communication: Listening

Read C!: Ch. 6

Interview Materials Due

M Sept. 29

The Writing Process: Planning & Drafting

Read HE: Chs. 1 & 2

W Oct. 1

The Writing Process: Microstructure

Read HE: Chs. 3 & 17

F Oct. 3

The Writing Process: Style

Read HE: Chs. 28, 29, 30

First Draft of Essay Due

M. Oct 6

The Writing Process: Incorporating Evidence

CLASS HELD IN WILLIAM T. YOUNG LIBRARY, ROOM B-108A

W Oct. 8

The Writing Process: Incorporating Evidence Day 2

Read HE: Chs. 9(pp. 64-72 ONLY) & 10

Two Secondary Sources Due

F Oct. 10

The Writing Process: Citing Sources

Read HE: Chs. 12 & 14

M Oct. 13

The Writing Process: Revising & Polishing

Exploring Culture Essay Peer Review

Read HE: Ch. 4

Revised Draft of Essay Due

W Oct. 15

Public Speaking: Speech Anxiety & Effective Public Speeches

Introduce Project 2

Read Bb: PDF

F Oct. 17

Public Speaking: Informative Speaking

Read C!: Unit 4 Prequel & Ch. 16

Final Essay Due

M Oct. 20

Public Speaking: Topic Selection and Development

Read C!: Ch. 11

W Oct. 22

Public Speaking: Organization and Outlining

Read C!: Ch. 12

F Oct. 24

NO CLASS

M Oct. 27

Public Speaking: Language

Read C!: Ch. 14

Draft speech outline due in class

W Oct. 29

Public Speaking: Delivery & Presentational Aids

Read C!: Chs. 13, 15

F Oct. 31

Portraying Culture Speech Rehearsals

M Nov. 3

Portraying Culture Speech Presentations

Final Outlines Due

W Nov. 5

Portraying Culture Speech Presentations

Final Outlines Due

F Nov. 7

Portraying Culture Speech Presentations

Final Outlines Due

M Nov. 10

Portraying Culture Speech Presentations

Final Outlines Due

W Nov. 12

Visual/Digital Communication: Introduction to Digital Communication

Introduce Project 3

Read Bb: Writing in the Digital World PDF

F Nov. 14

Visual/Digital Communication: Web Content and Design

CLASS HELD AT PRESENTATION U! in WILLIAM T YOUNG LIBRARY

M Nov. 17

Visual/Digital Communication: Web Content and Design, Day 2

Read Bb: Web usability PDF

W Nov. 19

In-class work day

F Nov. 21

E-Portfolio Peer Review

First Draft of E-Portfolio Due (Hint: Try to have as much of your speech reflection as possible completed by this date.)

M Nov. 24

Out of class work day

W Nov. 26

THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASSES

F Nov. 28

THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASSES

M Dec. 1

Outsourced

W Dec. 3

Outsourced

F Dec. 5

Outsourced

E-Portfolio Due

M Dec. 8

e-Portfolio Presentations

W Dec. 10

e-Portfolio Presentations

F Dec. 12

e-Portfolio Presentations

Outsourced Paper Due