Course Syllabus

Southern New Hampshire University

COM 421, Communication Theory and Research

Reference # 3014507
Center: Online
10EW4
Class Inclusive dates: 03/01/2010 to 04/25/2010

Instructor Information
Daria S. Heinemann
[email protected]
517/381-2242 (10 AM – 8 PM EST, M.– Sat. only, please)

“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is
a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater
strength for our nation.”
---John F. Kennedy

Textbook
Title: Communication Research: Strategies and Sources
Author: Rebecca B. Rubin, Alan M. Rubin, and Linda J. Piele
Publisher: Wasdsworth: Cengage Learning
Edition: 7th Edition
Year of Publication: 2009
ISBN Number: 9780495095880

Course Prerequisites
*2

Course Description
This is the capstone course for all communication majors; it examines research approaches to the field and
requires students to perform both primary and secondary research, to write critical essays and to complete a
research project.

Grading Policies
Your grade in this class will be determined by the TOTAL number of points earned from written
assignment, online discussions and quizzes.
Students are expected to log in to class every 48 hours and check their e-mails for messages and/or
updates from the instructor. Announcements will be posted in the course keeping students informed of
any changes, important notices, and assignment clarification. Please check the Announcements every
time you log in to ensure you are not missing important information.

Below is the rubric that identifies the point value for each assignment required in this class.

Grade
Grade Points
percentage
NIH Training 60 points 6%
Topic Proposal 70 points 7%
Annotated Bibliography 200 points 20%
Literature Review 400 points 40%
Online Discussions (Discussion Board) 8 points (introductions) +
14%
22 points * 6 required
Final Exam 130 points 13%
Total 1000 points 100%
I do not assign work for extra credit

The official university grading scale appropriate for your course level:

Undergraduate Grading System:

Letter Grade Suggested Numerical Equivalent Points
A 95-100 4.00
A- 90-94 3.67
B+ 86-89 3.33
B 83-85 3.00
B- 80-82 2.67
C+ 76-79 2.33
C 73-75 2.00
C- 70-72 1.67
D+ 65-69 1.33
D 60-64 1.00
F 0-59 0.00
I Incomplete
IF Incomplete/Failure*
W Withdrawn

Attendance Policy
Failure to participate during the first week of the course (12:00 AM Monday through 11:59 PM
Sunday) will result in automatic withdrawal. Participation is defined as posting activity within a
discussion board, wiki, or blog, and/or an assignment submission. Students who do not participate
during the first week forfeit their rights to be reinstated into the course.
While Online Education classes are asynchronous, they are not correspondence or self-paced. Although
only a portion of student’s grades are tied to discussion, participation is mandatory. Students are
expected to login and participate at least 3 times per week, on 3 separate days throughout the term.
Extended absences, defined as failure to post into the Blackboard classroom for more than five days,
must be coordinated with the instructor. Students who fail to coordinate any such absence with the
instructor or who fail to withdraw from the course in accordance with Online’s official drop and
withdrawal policy will be graded appropriately.
For more specific information, please access Online’s official withdrawal policy, found at
https://www.snhu.edu/648.asp and the Student Handbook

Administrative Withdrawal Policy

Once a student has missed enough classes that the instructor believes that the student cannot meet the
goals of the course within the remaining time frame, the student may be given a failing grade,
withdrawn from the course, or be considered for an incomplete at the instructor’s discretion. Faculty
members may give a student a grade of incomplete (I) only if the student and instructor have agreed, in
advance, to plan or schedule for completion. Withdrawal is allowed due to lack of attendance or unusual
circumstances, not as a method to prevent failing grades. No withdrawals are permitted during the last
week of the term.

Participation Policy
As ongoing collaboration and dialogue are essential for effective online course delivery, it is imperative
that students participate regularly. Those who do not participate regularly according to the guidelines
outlined above may receive no credit for participation, and are subject to course failure at the
discretion of the instructor.

Use of TURNITIN
Please understand that in taking this course your assignments may be submitted to Turnitin.com and
reviewed for textual similarity suggestive of plagiarism. All submitted papers are subsequently included
as source material in the Turnitin.com database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism in other
submitted work. Please review Turnitin.com “terms of use agreement” should you have any questions.

Discussion Board
Each week I will post a question, to which you will be asked to respond thoughtfully with a short critical
essay. In addition, you will be required to engage in dialogue and friendly debate with your classmates.

Frequency of Postings
Students will be required to submit at least 3 postings per forum spread out over 3 separate days.
Posting three times in one day per forum is not an acceptable frequency, the quality of participation and
learning increases when postings are spread out over the course of the forum. This method of posting
provides a greater ability to synthesize other perspectives, demonstrate and increase student listening
skills, and contribute more fully to an evolving discussion.

Quality of Postings
The quality of your responses will be evaluated, not just the quantity. Your postings should draw on the
textbook, lectures, your own knowledge, current events, and other resources of your choice and be
presented in a form of a short critical essay. You must participate in discussions IN THE CURRENT WEEK,
which is Monday to Sunday, and you will not receive credit for postings that are submitted to the
discussion late. If you do not attend the classroom on the night of the class – you cannot make up that
attendance, so the same idea applies in this online class. While it sounds like a tough requirement, keep
in mind that your attendance is widened to any 3 days of the week, and you have 7 of those to choose
from. Therefore, if you elect to wait until the last day of the week to complete your Discussion Board,
and you lose internet access or get called on an unexpected mission – you will not be allowed to make
up missed work with the explanation that you should have started your work earlier in the week.

Things to Avoid
 Excessive use of “I agree” responses without explanation – provide reasoning for agreement or
disagreement
 Excessive postings in one forum (informally known as “hogging” the forum)
 The key to success in this area is balance
 Keep in mind that other students will be reading the postings
 Stay on topic and let others share their knowledge
 Lack of respect for divergent opinions - show the respect to others that you would like bestowed on
yourself
 Off – topic comments - heading down a new road may be healthy and of value occasionally but try
to be mindful of the discussion at hand
 Overly long threads – try to make responses no longer than one to two screen lengths – quality
trumps quantity in this area

Discussion Rubric: Grading

14% of the assessment criteria for this course will involve quality and quantity of your participation in
the discussion forum. The following is an outline of my expectations for your discussion board postings
and how they will be assessed.
 Quantity of postings: A minimum of 3 postings per forum on at least 3 separate days. You need
to spread out your postings.
 Discussion contributions are graded on the following points:

Exemplary responses
 Student made at least three postings on the discussion board, two of which were responses to
that of a classmate(s).
 Student’s comments were responsive to the discussion threads posted by the instructor.
 Student made substantive comments or questions that significantly enhanced the discussion
and served to help move the conversation forward. These included follow-up questions,
examples, and new perspectives.
 Student’s comments provided evidence that the participant had read a substantial number of
classmates’ postings.
 Student referred to or showed evidence of having read, viewed, or completed the relevant
readings, lectures and assignments.
 Student’s postings were constructive, and differences of opinion were expressed in a respectful
manner.
 Student’s attendance demonstrated by time stamps in the system shows a minimum of 3
separate days of postings
 Student’s posts demonstrate command of written language (no major spelling or grammar
errors)

Satisfactory responses
 Student made at least two postings (one was a response to the main discussion).
  Student was responsive to the greater part of the discussion threads posted by the instructor.
 Student made comments or asked questions that contributed to the discussion and helped
move the conversation forward. These included at least a few examples of follow-up questions,
examples, or new perspectives.
 Student showed some evidence of having read, viewed, or completed the relevant readings,
lectures and assignments.
 Student’s postings were constructive, and differences of opinion were expressed in a respectful
manner.
 Student’s attendance demonstrated by time stamps in the system shows a minimum of 3
separate days of postings
 Student’s posts demonstrate command of written language (few major spelling or grammar
errors)

Unsatisfactory responses
 Student made at least one posting of a substantive nature.
 Student was responsive to at least one discussion thread posted by the instructor.
 Student’s comments provided evidence that the participant had read at least a few classmates’
postings or had read, viewed, or completed one of the relevant readings, lectures and
assignments.
 Student’s attendance demonstrated by time stamps in the system shows less than 3 separate
days of postings

Early Assignment Submission

If a student chooses to work ahead, he/she assumes the responsibility of clear understanding of
assignment instructions and his/her assignment will be graded on the same scale as everyone else’s
work. Therefore, I encourage you to read the instructions for each assignment carefully and clarify any
questions with me prior to submitting your work. Please note that if you submit your assignment early, I
reserve the right to grade it early and return it to you in a timely fashion. With that said, no
“corrections” or “resubmissions” will be allowed after the grade has been assigned. If you submit the
assignment, I assume it is your “final work” and will grade it accordingly.

Late Assignments Policy

Late work is generally NOT accepted. I will make exceptions only due to the following four reasons:
 death in YOUR immediate family. (Not your best friend’s or your boyfriend’s. . .),
 life-threatening illnesses or emergency surgery,
 natural disaster (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods. . .)
 compelling circumstances beyond your control (what substitutes a “compelling” circumstance is,
ultimately, my call).

If you claim an excused absence, you must furnish documentary support that your absence resulted
from one of the four causes listed above. If you know about an excused absence in advance (such as
upcoming surgery), you should notify me in writing at the beginning of the semester, if possible,
outlining the reasons for, and specific date(s) of, your absence. For documentation to be valid, it must
be signed by someone in a position to determine the absence’s validity (such as a doctor for an illness)
and must be dated. Finally, all documentation must be presented to me within three (3) calendar days
of your return (login) to class following the absence. After three days, I will count the absence as
unexcused and penalize your grade accordingly. I reserve the right to verify the legitimacy of all
documentation concerning absences.
Any other reasons are not considered valid. Thus, if you have computer problems, please call your
family/friends, go to your local library, use the campus computer center, use your computer at work
(please get permission from your boss!), or visit an internet café.

Penalties for Late Work

Unless you have made an arrangement with the instructor regarding your late work as outlined in the
“Late Assignments Policy” area, any work submitted after the deadline (11:59 PM EST) will NOT be
accepted. Please note that if prior arrangements regarding late work are made, your assignments might
still be penalized, so consider working ahead to avoid last minute issues.

Student Conduct
I expect appropriate student conduct in class. Ethical communication rules apply in all interactions: e-
mails, discussions, assignments, and/or conference calls. Students who chose not to abide by rules of
proper etiquette are subject to disciplinary procedures.

Grade Disputes
In the case that you disagree with an assignment grade, please follow a general procedure:
1. Wait 24 hours before contacting me about your grade. I find that first response to a grade can be very
emotional, and I encourage you to “sleep” on it before presenting your argument. This will allow you
to think about your assignment more objectively and give you an opportunity to provide me with a
sound argument free of emotions and disappointments.
2. Write out the dispute with the grade as clearly and concisely as possible, providing clear claims
supported with sufficient and appropriate evidence. Please do not call me to dispute your grade until
you have written out your argument and given me time to read and consider it. I will not discuss grade
disputes without a written justification of your position.
3. Make a conference call appointment, after you’ve given me your written justification and given me
time to read and consider it. This will give you time to explain why the grade is inappropriate.
There is a “statute of limitations” on all grade disputes: you have seven (7) calendar days from the date
a graded assignment is returned to you in which to submit a dispute. I will not consider grade disputes
made past this deadline unless there are compelling circumstances to do so.

Academic Honesty Policy

Southern New Hampshire University requires all students to adhere to high standards of integrity in
their academic work. Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated by the university. Students
involved in such activities are subject to serious disciplinary action. This includes course failure,
academic suspension, and expulsion from the university.
It is the students’ responsibility to understand what constitutes plagiarism (defined below), guidelines
for proper citation, and that ignorance of plagiarism does not and will not constitute an excuse for
the behavior.
It is the responsibility of the student to:
 Review the following document, courtesy of turnitin.com and research resources:
http://www.plagiarism.org/resources/documentation/plagiarism/learning/complete_resources.
doc
 Use www.plagiarism.org as a resource throughout the term.
 Contact his or her instructor with any questions or concerns.

Technological tools may be used to detect plagiarism or cheating at the instructor’s discretion.
Definitions of Academic Dishonesty
1. Cheating
a) The unauthorized use of notes, textbooks, oral, visual or electronic communication, or other aids
during an exam, quiz, or other related course assignment.
b) The copying of the work of another student during an exam, quiz, or course assignment.
2. Plagiarism
a) The use, whether by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another
without full and clear acknowledgement through proper citation format.
b) The submission of an assignment or parts of an assignment written by someone other than the
student, including but not limited to other students, commercial organizations, and electronic sources.
c) The submission of an assignment which contains an amount of cited and/or paraphrased material that
far exceeds the norm.
3. Misrepresentations
a) The substitution of another student/individual for completion of a course, or during the taking of a
quiz, examination or other assignment.
4. Unauthorized collaboration
a) The sharing of quiz/exam questions or answers with another student without the instructor’s
permission.
b) The copying of another student’s papers, homework or any assignment without the instructor’s
permission.
c) Group collaboration on individual assignments without the instructor’s permission.
5. Alteration or fabrication of data
a) The submission of data not obtained by the student during the course of research.
b) The deceitful alteration of data obtained by the student during the course of research.
6. Duplication
a) The submission of the same or similar paper in more than one course without the express permission
of the instructor.
7. Participation in or facilitation of dishonest academic activities
a) The stealing of quizzes or examinations.
b) The alteration of academic records, including grades.
c) The sabotaging of the work of another student.
d) The distribution of materials for the purpose of cheating.
e) The alteration, forging, or misuse of university-related documents.
f) The intentional reporting of a false violation of academic integrity.
g) The offer of a bribe to any university member in exchange for special consideration or favors.
h) The misuse of university resources, including library resources (print and electronic) and facilities,
computer labs, university equipment and networks, etc.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but is representative of any actions completed in the spirit of
academic dishonesty for which the university’s policy on Academic Integrity might apply. It is the
student’s responsibility to seek clarification from an instructor if the student has questions about what
constitutes academic dishonesty.

ADA/504 Compliance Statement

Southern New Hampshire University is committed to and concerned with meeting the needs of students
challenged by physical, sensory, psychiatric and/or learning disabilities. At the beginning of each term,
or as soon as you become aware of a disability, we encourage you to request those accommodations
which you need to meet your academic goals. To ensure that all of your needs are met, the University
recommends that you meet with one of the following individuals who will assist you in making contact
with appropriate faculty members and support services staff regarding accommodations.
For questions concerning compliance matters, grievance or legal issues:
Ms. Jet Goldberg
Director of Wellness Center
603-645-9679
[email protected]

For questions concerning support services, documentation guidelines, or general disability issues:
Office of Disability Services
Exeter Hall, Suite 59
Phone: (603)668-2211
Hyla Jaffe, Director, ext. 2386, [email protected]
Liz Henley, Disability Specialist, ext. 2118, [email protected]

Assignments & Schedule

Week Topics Readings/Assignments/Exams/Due Dates
1 Introduction to Due: March 7
Communication Research; Readings: Chapter 1, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Lecture 1
Understanding Com Theory Assignments: print and read syllabus and calendar,
complete NIH Training, complete Student Introduction
and Online Discussion Board 1
2 Searching the Due: March 14
Communication Literature; Readings: Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Lecture 2
Understanding Research Assignments: Online Discussion Board 2
Design
3 Research Sources (part 1); Due: March 21
Interpersonal Com Readings: Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 11, Lecture 3
Theories Assignments Due: Topic Proposal, Online Discussion
Board 3

4 Research Sources (part 2); Due: March 28

Group Com Theories Readings: Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Lecture 4
Assignments Due: Online Discussion Board 4

5 Writing Research Papers; Due: April 4

Mass Com Theories Readings: Chapter 12, Lecture 5
Assignments: Annotated Bibliography
Online Discussion Board 5

6 Intercultural Com Theories Due: April 11

Readings: Lecture 6
Assignments: Online Discussion Board 6

7 Final Project Week Due: April 18

Assignments: Literature Review
 8 Finals Week Final Exam (Comprehensive) You MUST take the test by
Friday, April 23!

Online Course Structure / Blackboard Tools

Your course is organized through Blackboard CourseInfo. Below are the tools in your class, how we will
be using them, and expectations associated with each. Take time to acclimate yourself to the tools and
contact me if you have questions.

Button Description You Should…

Announcements The Announcements area is used to Students are expected to check the
post day-to-day course details such as announcements on a regular basis, at least
the status of or directions for every 48 hours.
assignments and discussions.
Course The course syllabus and any supporting Students are required to review the syllabus
Information documents will be found here. at the start of each term. It is
recommended that the syllabus be
downloaded for future reference.
Course The Course Documents area will Students are expected to check this area at
Documents contain course lecture, readings, the start of each module and throughout
activities, and evaluations. This section the module week to review course
should also contain a checklist materials.
summary of assignments for the
module. Additional links, resources,
etc. are posted within the folders on
occasion.
Communications Email – Email is to be used sparingly. It is required that the use of email be
The primary communication tool areas limited to comments and questions of a
for the course include announcements, personal or sensitive nature.
discussion forums and small group
areas.
Discussion Board Forums - The Students are expected to participate and
threaded discussion forums will be the contribute on a regular basis. Refer to the
primary area for discussion and Discussion Rubric, Participation Policy,
collaboration throughout this class. Attendance Policy and Grading Policy
sections for detailed information on student
expectations.
Group Pages - This area is used for Students will work in these areas when
small group and one-on-one activities small group work is assigned.
as directed.
Student Tools Please refer to your Blackboard Student
Manual for information on the tools located
in this area (Grades, for example).
Faculty Instructor information is located in this Students can access Instructor background
area. and contact information here.

General Expectations/ Housekeeping Information and Any Other Supplemental Information

 All papers should be submitted through the appropriate Assignment in Blackboard by the stated due
date using Microsoft Word or similar word processing format. The length of the paper is defined by
instructor and should follow APA formatting guidelines.
 All assignments must be submitted to the appropriate Assignment in Blackboard by 11:59 PM
Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the date it is due.
 Any written assignment submitted in the course is expected to have a standardized look. Your name,
contact information, and assignment title must be listed at the top of your submission. All work is
required to be completed in Times New Roman size 12 font, be double-spaced, and saved in a DOC
or RTF format.
 Please save your file with your name and assignment title (detailed instructions are included with
each assignment description). It is the student’s responsibility to submit correct work, thus, if a
wrong file is attached and submitted, the instructor reserves the right not accept the assignment or
assess late work penalties as appropriate.
 Since this course is offered online, the holidays will not automatically delay the assignments. If NO
ANNOUNCEMENT is posted regarding the extension of the deadline for any assignment, please
consider the due date on the Syllabus valid, and submit the work accordingly.

Off Campus Library Services

Off-Campus Library Services (OCLS) has been established to provide holdings, materials, and services for
faculty and students at continuing education centers and in distance education programs. A barcode is
required to access materials. To obtain your barcode you can access a request form online. For further
information or inquiries please contact Off-Campus Services Librarian Ed Daniels at
[email protected] or go to http://www.snhu.edu/library.asp
Fax: 603-645-9685 attn: OCLS
Phone: 603-645-9605 ext. 2163

Library Resources Statement: In addition to the intellectual resources available on site and online
(http://www.snhu.edu/library.asp), Shapiro Library makes available group and one-on-one instruction in
information literacy, enabling students to define and articulate what knowledge-based resources are
relevant to their research interests. Library staff are available to assist students in effectively and
efficiently accessing information from credible sources, to compare new knowledge with prior beliefs,
and to consider the related ethical, legal, and socio-economic issues that are inherent in scholarly
investigation.

Technical Support
Support for technology and Blackboard software issues can be found at
http://d2.parature.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8141 or by dialing SNHU 24/7 Live Support at
1-877-708-2909.

Copyright Policy
Southern New Hampshire University abides by the provisions of the United States Copyright Act (Title 17
of the United States Code). As defined by Federal Copyright Law (title 17, U.S. Code) ‘Work for Hire’,
SNHU maintains ownership over course materials created under agreement. Any person who infringes
the copyright law is liable. The Copyright Policies can be secured from the Library Director and is
accessible (under Guides/Tutorials) on the Shapiro Library Web pages. For SNHU guidance on copyright
questions go to http://www.snhu.edu/2876.asp

References

Quotations book. Retrieved January 22, 2010 from http://quotationsbook.com/quote/11953/