Department of Communication/Media

CM101: FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMUNICATION

Dr. Joseph Chilberg Phone: 673-3822

Office: 306 McEwen Hall e-mail: Chilberg@Fredonia.edu

Hours: (see homepage)

OVERVIEW:

Fundamentals of communication will provide a survey of human communication covering face-to-face and media communication. We will review definitions, processes, theories and research, as well as applications and practices of communication. The course fulfills GCP Part II requirement (for non-majors only) by providing an interdisciplinary introduction to human communication and an overview of the Department of Communication curriculum. The main goal of the course is to create a critical awareness of human communication by identifying the basic functions of, uses for, and impacts on individuals and society. This will be achieved through text material, class activities, lectures, videos, and applying your experiences to the issues raised in our exploration of human communication.

OBJECTIVES:

Identify central focus, perspectives, and definitions of communication.
Identify the communication process, its components, and contexts.
Explain the strategic and automatic nature of human communication.
Review theories of communication as a means of psychological and social influence.
Identify the various traditional and new communication technologies, their applications and effects on each other.
Identify the types of computer-mediated communication and use electronic mail to send and receive course related messages.
Identify the fundamental characteristics of human communication contexts (e.g., interpersonal, group, organizational and media).
Identify the impact of communication on our view of reality in terms of public opinion, acculturation, social stability and change, and personal behavior.
Use course information to analyze and explain a communication episode

EVALUATION:

Chapter/Lecture Tests..........................................7 tests (approximately 250 total points)

(study guide for every test on www.fredonia.edu/department/communication/chilberg )

Communication Analysis Assignment...................................................(100 points)

A 96%	B- 80%	D+ 67%
A- 90%	C+ 77%	D 63%
B+ 87%	C 73%	D- 60%
83%	C- 70%	F 59%

TEXT:

Fundamentals of Human Communication, (2^nd ed.) DeFleur, Kearney, Plax

Articles on reserve at Reed Library (see course schedule)

Course Listserv:

The listserv is a feature of email. You are expected to join the course listserv. It also provides a means to communicate with all those registered on the listserv to ask questions on and share comments over the course content and assignments outside of class. If you do not know how to use email seek help from the office for Academic Information Technology (AIT), 2nd floor of Thompson Hall or contact a course assistant or AIT help desk (673-3150).

The course listserv is for course purposes and should not be used for social communication or non-course related messages. The following policies are to be followed when using the listserv.

ONLY send responses to person who initiated message unless it is relevant or important to the whole class--it is related to class learning or course policies

Do not be rude, aggressive, or condescending in replies and EXPLAIN yourself when making judgments or evaluations of others ideas or opinions

NO sexual, racist, ethnocentric, homophobic, and sexist humor that is not clearly related to learning about communication and explained as such (i.e., an example that is used to point out ethnocentric communication or use of English language abroad that shows humorousconsequences of misinterpretation).

How To Join The Listserv

TO: listserv@listserv.fredonia.edu

Message: subscribe CM10101 first and last name

(WARNING: put space between subscribe and CM10101)

How To Send Message Over Listserv

TO: cm10101@listserv.fredonia.edu

Message: (type in this section)

POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS:

This course is designed to challenge the most able and commited learners while preparing you for the "real world." You are expected to: be prepared and on time; raise questions regarding unclear material; check your email on a weekly basis; discuss personal concerns with me in private; be responsible for all information given in class or the listserv; refrain from distracting behaviors during class; participate in the class by asking questions and offering opinions; complete tests and assignments on time; and follow assignment instructions.

This is an "Excuse Free" course. Late assignments and make-up tests will not be accepted unless accompanied by note from your doctor or from the Office of Student Affairs. Make-up tests must be arranged with the professor within 5 days of original test date. If you plan to be absent due to religious observation, please notify me in advance.