Listen . Speak . Engage

San José State University
Communication Studies

COMM 150I-01: ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION INQUIRY
with Service-Learning (SL) Component (Engagement Unit). Area: Foundations; 4 Units

Fall 2019

MW 12:00 - 1:15 pm; HGH 225; Class #: 41272 Lecture

Professor: Federico Varona
Office Location: Hugh Gillis Hall 203
Telephone: (408) 924-5392
Email: federico.varona@sjsu.edu
Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays: 2:45 -3:30 pm. & by appointment
Class Days/Times: MW 12:00 - 1:15 pm
Classroom: Hugh Gillis Hall 225

Faculty Web Page and MYSJSU Messaging

Copies of the course materials such as the syllabus, major assignment handouts, etc. may be found on my faculty web page accessible through: www.sjsu.edu/faculty/fvarona. You are responsible for regularly checking with the messaging system through MySJSU (or other communication system as indicated by the instructor).

Course Description

Communication processes and functions in organizational life. Networks, culture, power, leadership, and ethics. Practical application of organizational communication theories and concepts. (4 Units). Prerequisite: Completion of GE oral communication.

Succeeding in a Four-Unit Course

At SJSU, students are expected to spend two hours outside of class for every one hour of class time. Because this is a four unit class, you can expect to spend a minimum of eight hours per week in addition to time spent in class and on scheduled tutorials or activities. Special projects or assignments may require additional work for the course. Careful time management will help you keep up with readings and assignments and enable you to be successful in all of your courses.

You should strive for five qualities in your writing:  (1) your writing should be COMPELLING (i.e., it should articulate a claim, make a point, be purposeful), (2) your writing should be COMPLETE (i.e., it should address all aspects of the assignment, it should be sufficiently developed), (3) your writing should be COHERENT (i.e., your argument should logically progress from one paragraph to the next), (4) your writing should be CONCISE (i.e., it should be richly developed, but not meandering or repetitive), and (5) your writing should be CORRECT (i.e., it should be free of grammatical, typographical and source citation errors, as well as fallacious reasoning).  I will look to these five criteria as I read and respond to your written work in this course.

Engagement Unit

All 4-unit courses in Communication Studies include a unit of engagement. This unit of engagement is designed to enrich students’ learning experiences and to facilitate student achievement of course learning objectives. Students enrolled in 4-unit courses are expected to spend 45 hours (average of 3 hours/week in a regular semester) outside of the classroom to complete engagement activities.   This unit is worth 25% of the overall grade. In this class, the engagement unit is the Service-Learning Team Research Project: Org. Comm. Inquiry (25 points). The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity of integrating service and learning through reflection and action. Therefore, you goal as a team is first to offer a meaningful service to a community organization; and second, to learn how to conduct organizational communication inquiry. The process entails the following tasks: gathering, analyzing, interpreting data, and developing an action plan to promote social chanage. (Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: Org. Comm. Inquiry. Service-Learning Team Research Project)

Foundations, INQUIRY, Practice

COMM 150I is an Inquiry course. Each course in the Department of Communication Studies primarily focuses on one of three areas: Foundations (theoretical underpinnings of the discipline), Inquiry (research in the discipline), or Practice (application of communication theories and concepts to real world contexts). Although the course addresses theory (foundations) and practice (application), the primary purpose of COMM 150I is to introduce you to methods commonly used in researching organizational communication.

Inquiry Area Objectives

This course satisfies the INQUIRY area of Communication Studies learning objectives. All INQUIRY courses, including COMM 150I, share these learning objectives:
Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in methods of communication inquiry.

• Research Methods: Demonstrate understanding of methods of communication research and analyses, such as rhetorical, critical, interpretive, performative, and social scientific approaches.
• Research Critique: Develop and apply analytical skills for understanding and evaluating communication research studies.

Course Goals

Within the INQUIRY area, COMM 150I is unique in emphasizing communication research in organizations. Specifically, it introduces you to concepts of inquiry commonly used in studying organizational communication. COMM 150I shows how focus group, interviewing, survey, ethnography, appreciative inquiry, and textual analysis are used in organizational communication research. The course examines the strengths and weaknesses of such methods. In addition, this course provides an opportunity to “enrich the student experience” in research methods by engaging you in assessing and reflecting upon your learning through a semester-long ePortfolio project.

Student Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course, you will:

• demonstrate an understanding of research methods commonly used in studying organizational communication, such as focus group, interviewing, survey, ethnography, appreciative inquiry, and textual analysis. (Research Methods)
• identify the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods commonly used in researching organizational communication. (Research Critique)
• evaluate research methods applied in published studies of organizational communication.  (Research Critique)
• articulate the ethical considerations organizational communication researchers face in their work.  (Research Critique)

Service-learning component

The general goal of the SERVICE-LEARNING component of this course is to integrate theory and practice through application and reflection. The specific goals are first, provide community service; and second, learn critical thinking, problem solving, and perspective transformation on the topics discussed in the course. All the assignments of this course are intended to serve these goals.
Students are invited to complete at least 15 hours of Service-Learning in nonprofit organizations in the community.

Required Texts/Readings

Textbooks:

(1) Brewerton, Paul and Millward, Lynne (2009). Organizational Research Methods. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Inc.  | ISBN: 9780761971009  | 202 Pages.

(2) Barrett, Frank J. and Fry, Ronald E. (2005). Appreciative Inquiry. Chagrin Falls, Ohio: Taos Institue Publications. | ISBN: 078802163X  | 128 Pages.

Assignments and Grading Policy

Assignments:

1. Sharing your Org. Comm. Inquiry Experience (10 points)

The purpose of this oral presentation is first, to share with your classmates one of the most meaningful (life-giving) communication experience (at work or in any other context). You can use also your community service-learning experience (if you are doing it or have already done it). Second, to enhance your presentational communication skills, that are critical to succeed in the work place. On the other hand, this assignment is designed to emphasize that our different and distinctive organizational communication experiences do account as legitimate and valued sources of knowledge, and that we can learn from each other.
(Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link:  Sharing your Org. Comm. Inquiry Experience)

2. Organizational Communication Inquiry Diagnosis Research Paper (15 points)
The purpose of this assignment is to develop awareness of successful communication practices, communication weaknesses, and needs that organizations are facing here and now. This assignment is part of the service-learning component of this class. Service-Learning is a form of experiential education that believes that learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection. In so doing you will have the opportunity of learning from the community while providing a service to it. If you have not started your Service-Learning experience, you can select for the purpose of this paper any present or past organization.
(Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: Organizational Communication Inquiry Diagnosis Research Paper).

3. How to Read Quantitative Org, Comm. Articles (Paper) (10 points)
The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to link practice and theory. To do so, you have to research how theory can help you first, to have a better understanding (perspective) of one of the issues (communication strength, communication problem, or communication need) discussed in your Diagnosis Paper; and second, design an action plan to promote institutional change. Moreover, this assignment will help you become familiar with the professional journals in the field of Organizational Communication and with the current research purposes, methods, and findings.
(Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: How to Read Quantitative Org, Comm. Articles (Paper)

4. Org. Comm. Inquiry. Service-Learning Team Project (Engagement Unit): (25 points)
The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity of integrating service and learning through reflection and action. Therefore, you goal as a team is first to offer a meaningful service to a community organization; and second, to learn how to conduct organizational communication interventions. The process entails the following tasks: gathering, analyzing, interpreting data, and developing an action plan to improve organizational communication.
(Specific instructions for this assignment are available on this link: Org. Comm. Inquiry. Service-Learning Team Research Project)

5. Mid-Term Exam (20 points)
Format for the test will be presented in class; it will include true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. Tests will assess not only your basic understanding of communication concepts and theories, but also your ability to integrate and apply those concepts and theories. (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5).
(STUDY GUIDE is available on this link: Mid-Term Exam (Download STUDY GUIDE)

6. Final Exam (20 points)
Format for the test will be presented in class; it will include true/false,  multiple choice, and short answer questions. Tests will assess not only your basic understanding of communication concepts and theories, but also your ability to integrate and apply those concepts and theories. (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5).
(STUDY GUIDE is available on this link: Final Exam (Download STUDY GUIDE)

The assignments in this class are designed to achieve course goals. Textbook readings, class lectures, case study analyses, in-class activities, research papers, and oral presentations will not only provide you with information about major concepts but will also allow you the opportunity to experience the concepts. Therefore, your attendance and participation in class are of utmost importance. You are supposed to read in advance the Textbook Chapter that is indicated for the given dates. The reading of these assignments is very important to participate in class discussion. Be prepared to answer any question about them.
All assignments and exams must be completed on the date assigned. If you turn in a paper late you will penalized for that assignment, unless an alternate due date has PREVIOUSLY been approved.

Grading Scale

Attendance per se shall not be used as a criterion for grading according to Academic Policy F-69-24. )

Student Resources

Academic Counseling Center for Excellence in the Social Sciences (ACCESS)

Clark Hall 240, Tel. 924-5363, socsci-access@sjsu.edu
All College of Social Sciences students and interested students from other colleges are invited to stop by for general education advising, help with changing majors, academic policy related questions, meeting with peer advisors, and/or attending various regularly scheduled presentations and workshops. Call or email for an appointment, or just stop by.

The Communication Center

The Communication Center is located in Hugh Gillis Hall 229 and is open Monday - Thursday 10:30AM - 4:30PM. The Center provides support for all students interested in developing their personal and professional communication skills, and offers specialized support for those enrolled in Communication Studies courses. Services include in-person tutoring, workshops, and self-paced online modules via Canvas. Upper-division Communication Studies students staff the Center and are trained in coaching students on a variety of topics related to our department courses—including public speaking and writing!  Need a quiet place in Hugh Gillis Hall to study, meet, or practice your speech? We have several rooms available. To make an appointment with one of our tutors or to reserve a break-out room go to our online appointment system (http://mywco.com/sjsucommcenter).  More information can be found through our COMM Center website (http://commcenter.sjsu.edu/).

COMM 80 & 191A Option (NEW for Fall 2019!)

Culminating Experience: In lieu of a traditional final exam. You are asked to participate in presentation skills development and SpeakFest (Nov 22)- 2 units of credit. There are two options: (A) complete a Speech Development module (two 30 minute tutoring sessions) to prepare for SpeakFest OR (B) attend two workshops to prepare for SpeakFest. This is a great way to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a public setting AND, if you wish, get two units of elective credit towards graduation. To receive the additional, optional 2 units you must sign up for Comm 80 & COMM 191B before SEP 10. Just add the course through your MySJSU; you do not need a permission code. There are no quizzes or exams for the courses, just your participation. Contact our Interim Director of Forensics Scott.Laczko@sjsu.edu with questions or problems registering. If you cannot participate in SpeakFest, you will receive an alternate assignment, which you may complete during our scheduled final exam period.

COMM 80 (Optional addition for classes encouraging COMM 80)

You are strongly encouraged to use the COMM Center and enroll in COMM 80; several class assignments require the use of the Center and there will be opportunities to earn extra credit through various Center activities.  Add COMM 80 by enrolling in any open section through MySJSU; no add code necessary! Find out more at the COMM 80 information page (http://commcenter.sjsu.edu/students/comm80/index.html).

COMM 80 (for classes that require public speaking)

Would you like to earn 1-unit of credit practicing your speeches for this class? Then add COMM 80! You are strongly encouraged to enroll in COMM 80; the course supports your public speaking skills by offering peer tutoring, workshops, and other self-paced activities. The course requires only 3 assignments (which can all be completed through practicing your speeches with a peer tutor) and is self-paced.  Add COMM 80 by enrolling in any open section through MySJSU; no add code necessary! Find out more at the COMM 80 information page (http://commcenter.sjsu.edu/students/comm80/index.html).

If you are at your unit limit you may complete an Excess Units Petition for Undergraduate Students form (http://www.sjsu.edu/registrar/docs/Excess_Units_Fall19.pdf).  The form asks you to include a short statement describing why you need the course. You can write: “COMM 80 is needed to provide supplemental instruction and support for my public speaking class (COMM 20).”

Library Liaison

Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Reference Desk, 2nd Floor, Tel. 808-2100, libguides.sjsu.edu/communication
The Communication Studies Department encourages vigorous and ethical research as part of information literacy for all of its students. For major research consultations contact: Maraci Hunsaker Marci.Hunsaker@sjsu.edu

Peer Connections

Clark Hall, 1st floor, Mon–thu 10:00 am–8:00 pm
Living Learning Center, Campus Village B, 1st floor, Mon-Wed 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Room ll67 (by the elevators on the Lower Level)
Student Services Center 600, Mon–Thu 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Fri10:00 am–4:00 pm
Tel. 924-2587, http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu/
The Peer Mentor Program is part of SJSU’s newly formed Peer Connections department, which provides campus-wide mentoring and tutoring services. The purpose of Peer Connections is to inspire students to develop their potential as independent learners while they learn to successfully navigate through their university experience. You are encouraged to take advantage of the Peer Connections’ services, which include enhanced study and time management skills, more effective critical thinking strategies, decision making and problem-solving abilities, and campus resource referrals. More information on services and the workshop calendar can be found online at http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu/

SJSU Writing Center

Clark Hall 126, Mon-Thu 9.30 am–5:30 pm, Fri 9:30 am–2:30 pm, tel. 924-2308, sjsu.edu/writingcenter
The SJSU Writing Center is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. The writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers.

Student Technology Resources

Computer Labs: Academic Success Center, Clark Hall, 1st floor; Student Union, 2nd floor; MLK Library
Media Services: Instructional resource center 112, mon–thu 7:00 am–9:45 pm, Fri 7:00 am–4:45 pm,
tel. 924-2888, http://www.sjsu.edu/at/ms/
Media Services provides a wide variety of audio-visual equipment for student checkout, including digital camcorders, video and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, screens and monitors.

University Policies:

Dropping and Adding

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, etc. Information on add/drops are available at http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/soc-fall/rec-298.html. Information about late drop is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/sac/advising/latedrops/policy/ . Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes.

Academic integrity

Students should know that the University’s Academic Integrity Policy is availabe at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/download/judicial_affairs/Academic_Integrity_Policy_S07-2.pdf. Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The website for Student Conduct and Ethical Development is available at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html.
Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to include in your assignment any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval of instructors.

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center) to establish a record of their disability.

COMM 150I - 01: ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION INQUIRY / Fall 2019

COURSE SCHEDULE