Com 110 Interpersonal Communication
What is the textbook for this course?
Looking Out Looking In 13th edition, by Adler and Proctor ( ISBN 978-D-495-89817-7) text
 
Where can I purchase the textbook?
You may purchase or rent the book on campus at the MCC bookstores. You may also be able to find it at other online sources using the title or ISBN number noted above. If you order this text from an online source please be sure to allow enough time for shipping as you will need the book during the first week of class.
MCC Online Bookstore
 
What hardware/software will I need?
Computer
Modem
Internet Service Provider
Web Browser 
MS Word (or program that will save to .rtf, .doc or .docx format)
 
Do I need to be proficient on the computer?
You should be able to do the following on your computer
browse the web using a current browser (MS Explore, Safari, Firefox work the best)
send and receive e-mail
participate in a web-based discussion board
 
What if I do not know how to do any of the above?
You should complete MCC Online  It will explain all of the technical processes you should know.
 
Can I use my current e-mail address (the one provided by my ISP)?
You can use your personal email for individual correspondance with me but you will also need to check your Maricopa e-mail account regularly for updates from the instructor. This is important because all records, access information, etc. is accomplished through the MCCCD student server.  If you do not have an MCCCD e-mail address you cannot be given access to the course web
 
How do I get an MCCCD e-mail account?
You should sign up for an email account when you register at any of the MCCCD colleges.  The account will typically be your MEID@maricopa.edu.
 
How do I access the online course materials
 
When you have enrolled in the course  you will be able to access the course materials via MyMCC.  You will be asked to log in which you can do using the same username and password that was given to you with your Maricopa MEID account.   Once you have entered the MCC Portal you will be able to select your online communication course.  From there you will be able to link to the course materials.    NOTE:  These links will not be active until the beginning of the semester when the course is made "live".
 
What do I do first?
 
You will see an "Orientation" icon on the course home page.  It will be your responsibility to complete the orientation by the designated date.  Please read the information carefully and follow the directions explicitly.
      
NOTE:  Any student who does not complete the Orientation by the designated deadline (see course calendar) and who does not make arrangements with the instructor for an extension will be dropped from the course.
 
What is the format of the course?
It is divided into eight modules corresponding to the chapters 1,3, 5-10 in the text. Each module involves mastering the content in the text and applying the concepts in a Skill Building Assignment. In addition, students are expected to participate in weekly discussion of material via Bulletin Boards.
 
On what are grades based?
Orientation   10 points
Tests (midterm and final @45 pts. each)   90 points
Course Modules** 200 points
Outside reading project 100 points
TOTAL 400 points
 
What about the tests?
There is a mid-term and a final. Both are taken online. You will be given the date on which to take the test. On that date you will be given access to the test only one time and it will be for a limited amount of time.
 
What is involved in the Course Modules?
There are eight modules corresponding to Chapters 1,3,5,6,7,8,9 and 10 in the text.   Each module will be worth a total of 25 points and will consists of the following tasks:
  • Review Quiz (5 pts).    The quizzes are based on the key terms and content objectives for each module and are designed to allow you to verify your understanding of the content.  Each quiz is worth up to 5 points and you may take each one as many times as  necessary (before the deadline) to attain the maximum points. (Only your highest score will be counted toward your final grade.) You will be able to review your answers immediately upon  submission.  It is required that you complete each quiz by the assigned deadline - there will be no opportunities to make up quizzes after the module deadline. 
  • Discussion (5 pt).     We will have a course discussion board for each module  and you will be asked to post  a minimum of five times per module.  I will typically release the board for each module on the day we begin discussion of that module.  You will have until midnight on the day of the Module deadline to post to that board.   I will  then close the board for posting.  This will ensure that we are all discussing the same content each week.  As we get going in the semester the volume of postings  grows.  You will probably find it helpful to check the boards every couple of days to keep up.
  • Skill Building Assignment (15 pts).  Each module will be accompanied by an assignment designed to allow you to practice the skills discussed.  For the most part you will be asked to try the skills within the context of your own relationships and to report on the outcome.  
 
What is the Outside Reading Project?
It involves selecting and reading a trade book (i.e. not a text book) relating to some aspect of interpersonal communication. You will write an abstract/critical analysis of the book for the instructor and post a summary of your paper on the appropriate Bulletin Board for your fellow students to read and discuss. 
 
How do I turn in assignments?
All assignments will be submitted via a form imbedded in the course web pages.  
How do I know when assignments are due?
All due dates are noted on the course calendar .
            
Can I see a syllabus for the course?
            This is the  current  syllabus for this course.  
 
How much time will be involved?
You can expect to spend at least as much time on this course as you would any college course.    Each module will involve the following activities:
read the assigned chapter
complete and submit the review quiz
post to the class discussion bulletin boards
complete and submit the skill building assignment
 
How does this course transfer?
It transfers in the same way that a traditional Com 110 Interpersonal Communication course transfers (For MCCD competencies for this course see this link MCCCD Officail Couse Competencies)
 
Do I need to come to MCC's campus.
Not unless you request a personal meeting with the instructor, in which case, that can be arranged.
 
How do I contact the instructor?
For the most part we will communicate via e-mail. We can also communicate via telephone or fax when necessary.
 
Will I get to know my fellow classmates?
Although you will most likely not meet face-to-face you will have weekly contact via Class Discussion Bulletin Boards. You will also have access to e-mail and several live chat rooms.
 
Is there anything that I should be doing before the course officially begins
You should go to MCC Online and verify that you are competent in each of the processes explained there.  
How do I register?
Call 461-7700 or visit MCC Online for information
I have further questions.
Contact me at smerritt@mesacc.edu or call me at (602) 461-7537.
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Quality Matters
 This logo recognizes that this course has met Quality Matters review standards.
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