Montgomery College
Department of AELP, LINGUISTICS, and COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Rockville, Maryland
Course:
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Semester:
COMM 108: Introduction to Human Communication (3 credits)
Anestine Theophile-LaFond, Ph.D.
MT 426
MTRF: 12 noon-1pm; W: 1:00-2:00 pm
(240) 567-4373
[email protected]
Current
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Catalog: A survey course that covers communication theory and develops communication
skills for personal and professional relationships in interpersonal, group and public settings.
Course content includes practice in the application of the principles of listening, verbal and
nonverbal communication, group dynamics, and public speaking. Assessment levels:
ENGL101/101A, RD 120.
Core Learning Outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Students will be able to explain the components of the communication process and the
types of communication in which human beings engage (interpersonal, group and public
speaking).
Students will recognize and accommodate gender and cultural differences in
communication settings and appreciate diverse communication styles.
Students will identify and apply active and critical listening skills.
Students will understand the role of free speech in a democratic society and be able to
critically evaluate and analyze the message and delivery style of public speakers.
Students will demonstrate techniques for effective communication and problem solving
in small task-oriented groups and understand how people relate to one another in groups
and teams
Students will develop perception and self-monitoring skills to enhance self-awareness
and communication competency.
Students will differentiate between and deliver effective informative and persuasive
presentations, and
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
locate incorporate and document key reference materials and modern information
resources
constructing a preparation outline which shows the organizational structural
techniques of an effective speech
demonstrate ability to analyze audiences
identify and use appropriate presentation technologies and software, modern
visual aids and graphical information in presentations
present the speech in an extemporaneous* mode
manage stage fright
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g.
8.
construct and analyze persuasive messages using logic, reasoning and supported
conclusions
Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing.
*Extemporaneous is defined as speaking conversationally, making eye contact and using notes;
reading from a manuscript or memorizing is not included in the definition.
TEXT: Adler, R. B., Rodman, G., du Pre A. (2016). Essential Communication. Oxford
University Press, USA
II. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Assignments:
 Two Speeches with full-sentence outlines for each (Informative, Persuasive)
 4 multiple choice tests (includes one final test).
 One problem-solving group project
 One Self Concept written essay
 One short assignment on Perception and Culture
 One Museum object based assignment or Eportfolio project- Extra Credit
opportunity
 Three “in-class” written reflections
 One Transactional Communication Model design assignment
2. Attendance and Participation:
 Students are expected to attend all classes. In cases involving excessive absences
from class, the instructor may DROP the student from the course. “Excessive
absences” is defined as one or more absence than the number of classes per week.
During summer school, you are allowed only two absences if the courses
meets four times a week. If it meets only twice a week, you are allowed only
one absence. If the class meets only once a week, do your best not to miss any
class.
3. Student Conduct
 Please be sure to obtain and read a copy of the current student Handbook
(http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/WorkArea/DAsset.aspx?id=21734 ). You are
expected to comply with the standards of college behavior and academic honesty.
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III. GRADES:
Communication Model Assignment = 5% (5 points)
(This is an in class completion assignment. In other words you will be doing
homework in class for a grade – instructions are provided)
Exam 1 = 10 % (10 points)
Exam 2 =10% each (10 points)
Exam 3= 10% (10 points)
2
Speech 1 Plus full sentence outline = 15 %( 15pts (outline/ presentation)
(This assignment includes graded in class work towards its completion- In other
words you will be doing homework in class for a grade – instructions are provided
-instructions provides).
Speech 2 Plus full sentence outline =15% (15pts (outline/ presentation)
(This assignment includes graded in class work towards its completion. In
other words you will be doing homework in class for a grade – instructions
are provided).
Group Project =20% (20pts)
In class completion of assignments for project will carry 10% (10 points) of
the total value (In other words you will be doing homework in class for a
grade – instructions are provided).
One Self Concept written essay = 5% (5 points)
One short assignment on Perception and Culture = 5% (5 points)
(This assignment includes graded in-class towards its completion. In other
words you will be doing homework in class for a grade – instructions are
provided - instructions are provided)
In class written reflections
= maximum of 3 points each
*Final Exam
TOTAL
90 - 100
=
Grading Scale:
80 - 89
=
70 - 79
=
60 - 69
=
59 or Below =
=
=
15% (15 points)
100% (119 points)
A
B
C
D
F
Note: All assignments must be completed in order to pass the class
Late assignments (turned in after class period on the due date) will be deducted a letter
grade.
EXTRA CREDIT: Object based learning Museum visit and/or Eportfolio See handout
IV. COLLEGEWIDE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Inclement Weather
Occasionally it becomes necessary to delay the opening of school, send students home
early, or close the College because of bad weather. If the College plans to close, radio and TV
stations will broadcast that message as soon as the decision is made. Please listen to the radio or
watch your local TV stations rather than call the College or your instructor. Information will be
available on the Montgomery County Emergency Information Line (301) 217-8800, on
www.montgomerycollege.edu, should you miss the broadcast message.
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Essential Services for your Success:
In addition to course requirements and objectives that are in this syllabus, Montgomery
College has information on its web site to assist you in having a successful experience
both inside and outside of the classroom. It is important that you read and understand
this information. The link below provides information and other resources to areas
that pertain to the following: student behavior (student code of conduct), student e-mail,
the tobacco free policy, withdraw and refund dates, disability support services, veteran
services, how to access information on delayed openings and closings, how to register
for the Montgomery College alert System, and finally, how closings and delays can
impact your classes. If you have any questions please bring them to your professor. As
rules and regulations change they will be updated and you will be able to access them
through the link. If any student would like a written copy of these policies and
procedures, the professor would be happy to provide them. By registering for this class
and staying in this class, you are indicating that you acknowledge and accept these
policies. http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/mcsyllabus/
Audit Policy
All students registered for audit are required to consult with the instructor before or
during the first class session in which they are in audit status, and students are required to
participate in all course activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the student and
instructor at the time of consultation. Failure to consult with the instructor or to so participate may result in the grade of “W” being awarded. This action may be taken by the
instructor by changing the “AU” to “W” before the drop with “W” date.
Withdrawal and Refund Dates
LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT INCURRING A GRADE: See current calendar.
It is the student’s responsibility to drop a course. Non-attendance of classes or failure to pay does
not constitute official withdrawal. To view specific drop deadlines, log into your MYMC
account:
1) Click on “My Class Schedule” under Student Quick Links
2) Select the current term
3) Click on “View Drop Deadline Dates” at the bottom of the page”
How Closing and Delays Impact Classes
Sign up for Montgomery College ALERT. Registration information is available at
www.montgomerycollege.edu/emergency.
Montgomery College will always operate on its regular schedule unless otherwise announced.
Communication
It is recommended that you check your MC e-mail account daily for official communi- cation or
as directed by your instructor(s). Student e-mail (montgomerycollege.edu) is an official means of
communication in this COMM108 class. You will be held responsible for information,
assignments, and announcements that will be sent by the instructor. Communication Studies
Program
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If you are interested in additional COMM courses, transfer opportunities/information, or
majoring in Communication Studies, please consider contacting one of the following
faculty members from their respective campuses:
Rockville:
1. Dr. Anestine Theophile-LaFond: [email protected]
2. Dr. Nader Chaaban: [email protected]
3. Dr. Benjamin Osmond Farrell: [email protected]
4. Professor Rose Piskapas: [email protected]
5. Professor Rachel Bonaparte: [email protected]
Germantown:
1. Dr. Aaron Johnson: [email protected]
2. Professor Gary Coley: [email protected]
Takoma Park:
1. Professor Ellen Mansueto: [email protected]
For additional information:
 Communication Studies website: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/acl/communication/

Course descriptions:
http://webdb.montgomerycollege.edu/Internet/courses/SubjectSelect.cfm

Degree plan/outline: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/EDU/Plain.aspx?id=12484
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