Introduction to Communications Syllabus
Pitt Bradford: College in High School
Name of High School: DuBois Area Senior High School
COMM 0101
Introduction to Human Communications
Instructor Name: Heidi Shindledecker
Instructor Email: hshindledecker@dubois.school
Instructor Phone: (814) 591-9500
Mission of the University: Founded in 1963 as a regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh and set in the heart of the scenic Alleghenies, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford provides affordable access to a distinguished four-year higher education. Pitt-Bradford offers high quality teaching supported by the resources of a world-class research university in a friendly, inclusive and student-focused academic environment. In service to our region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pitt-Bradford connects communities to new ideas, innovative research and exciting arts and cultural programming, partnering with key stakeholders to build opportunities for continued regional development and growth.
Course Description
An introduction survey course designed to familiarize students with the many contexts of human communication, such as interpersonal, small-group, organizational, public speaking and media communication.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the definition, purpose, and value of communication.
Analyze how meaning is created, invested, and shared in various communication contexts.
Explore the process of perception, its role in identity development, and its impact on interpersonal communication.
Examine how culture shapes communication and how communication generates culture.
Recognize verbal and nonverbal communication, including the use of symbols and signs.
Develop listening skills as a foundation for efficient, effective communication.
Gain insight into group and team communication, leadership, service, and organizational communication.
Cultivate media literacy in traditional and emerging media contexts.
Required Texts and Materials
A First Look at Communication Theory (11th Ed.) by Em Griffin, Andrew M. Ledbetter, et al.
Everyone’s an Author (4th Ed.) by Andrea Lunsford, Michal Brody, Lisa Ede, Jessica Enoch, Beverly J. Moss, Carole Clark Papper, Keith Walters
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Schedule of Classes: Key reading, research assignments, and exam dates
TOPIC
Week 1-2
Weeks 1-2: Introduction to Communication
Overview of course objectives and expectations
Defining communication: What it is, why it matters, and how it functions across contexts
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 1 - “Launching Your Study of Communication Theory”
Dare to Lead: Introduction - The importance of vulnerability in communication
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 1 - “Thinking Rhetorically”
Weeks 3-5
Weeks 3-5: Theories of Communication
Overview of foundational and contemporary communication theories
Comparing and contrasting linear, interactional, and transactional models of communication
Introduction to symbolic interactionism, coordinated management of meaning, and uncertainty reduction theory
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapters 2–4
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 4 - “Rhetoric, Writing, and Speaking”
Weeks 6-7
Weeks 6-7: Motivated Reasoning and Social Judgment
Understanding motivated reasoning and its impact on perception
Exploring social judgment theory and its application in interpersonal and political communication
Case studies: Persuasion in advertising and public speaking
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 14 - “Social Judgment Theory”
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 6 - “Analyzing Arguments”
Weeks 8-10
Weeks 8-10: Communication and Politics
The role of communication in political messaging and campaigns
Techniques for effective political persuasion and framing
Discussion of political discourse and misinformation in the digital age
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 7 - “Agenda-Setting Theory”
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 8 - “Using Sources Responsibly”
Weeks 11-14
Weeks 11-14: Communication & Culture
Examining communication’s role in shaping and challenging social identities
Intersectionality: How culture impacts communication practices
Discussion of leading with integrity and power dynamics
Textbook Reference:
Dare to Lead: Chapters 4–5 - “Braving Trust” and “Living into Our Values”
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 7 - “Writing to Make a Difference”
Weeks 15-17
Weeks 15-17: Communicative Constitution of Organizations
Exploring how communication creates and sustains organizational culture
Leadership communication strategies and the importance of clarity and empathy
Real-world case studies of effective organizational communication
Textbook Reference:
Dare to Lead: Chapters 7–8 - “Courageous Leadership” and “Clear Is Kind”
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 20 - “Cultural Approach to Organizations”
Weeks 18-20
Weeks 18-20: Historical Foundations of Communication
The contributions of the Sophists, Aristotle, and Plato to communication theory
Analyzing Aristotle’s Rhetoric and its relevance to persuasion today
Ethical considerations in classical rhetoric
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 21 - “The Rhetoric”
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 2 - “Ethos, Pathos, and Logos”
Weeks 18-23
Weeks 21-23: New Rhetorics and Communication as Persuasion
The evolution of rhetorical theory and modern applications
Communication as a tool for persuasion in marketing, advocacy, and leadership
Workshop: Crafting persuasive messages
Textbook Reference:
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 3 - “Writing to Persuade”
Dare to Lead: Chapter 6 - “Rumbling with Vulnerability”
Weeks 24-26
Weeks 24-26: McLuhan: The Medium and the Message
Exploring McLuhan’s theory of media and technology
Understanding how mediums shape communication and societal values
Discussion of modern examples: Social media, streaming, and virtual reality
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 25 - “Media Ecology”
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 5 - “Exploring Media and Technology”
Weeks 27-29
Weeks 27-29: Social Media and New Media
The impact of digital platforms on interpersonal, group, and mass communication
Analyzing social media algorithms and their influence on public discourse
Media literacy: Identifying credible sources and combating misinformation
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 26 - “Uses and Gratifications Theory”
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 9 - “Communicating in Digital Spaces”
Weeks 30-32
Weeks 30-32: Rhetorical Consequences and Post-Structural Theories
Understanding rhetorical consequences: How language can harm or oppress
Introduction to post-structural theories and their critiques of traditional communication models
Discussion of deconstruction, power, and resistance in communication
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 24 - “Critical Theory of Communication in Organizations”
Dare to Lead: Chapter 9 - “The Courage to Lead with Empathy”
Weeks 33-34
Weeks 33-34: Communication Ethics and Social Responsibility
Ethical considerations in communication: Transparency, honesty, and integrity
Case studies: Ethical dilemmas in interpersonal, organizational, and media contexts
How communication can drive social change
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 23 - “Communication Ethics and Social Responsibility”
Dare to Lead: Chapter 10 - “Daring to Lead with Courage and Integrity”
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 11- “Arguing a Position”
Week 35
Weeks 35: Emerging Trends in Communication
Exploring artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the metaverse in communication
The future of work and remote communication tools
Discussion: How technology will continue to shape human interaction
Textbook Reference:
A First Look at Communication Theory: Chapter 26 - “Uses and Gratifications Theory” (extended discussion)
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 12 - “Adapting Communication for Emerging Contexts”
Dare to Lead: Final reflections on adaptive leadership
Week 36
Week 36: Course Wrap-Up and Review
Revisiting key concepts and theories from the course
Reflection activity: Applying course content to personal and professional contexts
Final project presentations and review for the final exam
Textbook Reference:
Everyone's an Author: Chapter 10 - “Writing for Reflection and Growth”
Dare to Lead: Conclusion - “The Future of Leadership and Communication”
Important Course Information
Introduction to Human Communication explores the foundations of communication, examining how meaning is created, shared, and interpreted across various contexts. Students will analyze the role of perception in identity and interpersonal interactions, investigate the relationship between culture and communication, and develop an understanding of verbal and nonverbal expression. Emphasis is placed on enhancing listening skills, group and organizational communication, leadership, and media literacy in both traditional and emerging media landscapes.
Instructional and assessment strategies will include:
Direct Instruction
Discussion
Questioning
Hands-on / inquiry
Research
Student Presentations
Cooperative Groups
Demonstration / Models
Incorporate student voice and choice in methods and materials
Teacher Observation
Guided instruction
Practice Activities
Reflective writing
Discussion
Peer consultation/revision
Student-developed collaborative evaluation and rubrics
Self-Evaluation
Conference With Students
Multiple opportunities for the application of skills in a variety of formats and learning environments
Incorporate student voice and choice in methods and materials
Expectations to Promote Student Success
Because of the independent nature of the course, you'll need to bring your Chromebook and to class each day. All course materials, assignments, and resources will be accessible in Google Classroom, so be sure to join the classroom for your scheduled period.
You will be expected to complete all assignments on time. Turning in late work without having an approved extension may complicate your progress in the course, so be sure to turn in your assignments on the appropriate due dates. We'll keep your course work in electronic form as much as possible, using Google Drive.
You are expected to arrive for class on time and fully prepared to participate in class discussions. You should arrive prepared for class with something to write with and on. You are strongly encouraged to present questions and opinions. In addition, simply being present, attentive, and interested contributes to class atmosphere and dynamics.
You are expected to read assigned and self-selected material, note important ideas, and be prepared with ideas and questions about the reading, assignments, and other relevant course material during our class meetings.
You are expected to be respectful of the classroom environment, your peers, and your instructor. In addition, you are expected to limit behaviors that are distracting to other students and the instructor. It is essential that you attend class and spend our class time focused on the activities and materials that are assigned for the day. Class time will not be spent scrolling online, texting during class, or chatting with your neighbor. This is not professional, nor mindful, behavior.
This course will be comprised of group discussions, in-class experiential and writing activities, academic research, readings, writing/application assignments, project-based learning, and presentations. Your engagement in all course components is expected.
Classroom Courtesy:
· Set cell phones to silent and turn off other devices that might make noise during class, and then put them away. Do not hold them in your hands or place them on the desk. Refrain from text-messaging, tweeting, snapping, searching the Internet, and/or online shopping during class.
· Ear-buds and any other listening devices should be put away during class, unless we're using them for an in-class activity.
Grading Opportunities
High School’s Grade Scale
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 76-84
D 70-75
F 0-69
Assignments/Assessments:
Narrative Writing Samples
Informational Writing Samples
Memoir Analysis
Media Reviews
Text Reflection
Self-evaluation/reflection
Argumentative Research Writing Samples
Argumentative Text and Speaking Analysis
Writing Reflections
Film Reviews
Impromptu Speeches
Additional student-selected speaking opportunities
Compare/Contrast Writing
Completion of exit interview
Self-evaluation/reflection
Midterm and Final Assessments, if specified by the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford Campus
Comprehensive Writing/Reflection Portfolio
Pitt Grading System:
All courses required to satisfy associate and baccalaureate degree requirements-including all courses required for a major, a minor, or general education-must be taken for letter grades, with the exception of those courses designated as graded S and NC only. Pitt-Bradford uses 13 earned letter grades. They are listed below with their equivalent quality point values.
A+ 4.00
A 4.00 superior achievement
A- 3.75
B+ 3.25
B 3.00 meritorious achievement
B- 2.75
C+ 2.25
C 2.00 adequate achievement
C- 1.75
D+ 1.25
D 1.00 minimal achievement
D- 0.75
F 0.00 failure
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Members of a university community, both faculty and students, bear a serious responsibility to uphold personal and professional integrity and to maintain complete honesty in all academic work. Violations of the code of academic integrity are not tolerated. Students who cheat or plagiarize or who otherwise take improper advantage of the work of others face harsh penalties, including permanent dismissal. The academic integrity guidelines set forth student and faculty obligations and the means of enforcing regulations and addressing grievances.