Pass the Parcel: Teaching the Large Introductory Class Jenny Mandelbaum Department of Communication

Pass the Parcel

Challenges of teaching and learning in the large class Overwhelming Anonymous Diverse

Instructor: Dr. Jenny Mandelbaum, Dept. of Communication Office hours: Monday 1-2:30, Thursday 10-11; Monday & Thursday, after class in classroom (briefly); and other times by appointment Office: 4 Huntington St., rm. 211 (2nd floor of the SCILS building, next to Alexander Library, CAC) Phone: ext Introduction to Communication 189:101:01 Monday/Thursday 11:30-12:50, Scott 135 Fall, 2005

(best way to reach me) Class website: Text: Brent D. Ruben and Lea P. Stewart (2005). Communication and Human Behavior. 5th Edition. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Study guide website: This excellent website has practice test questions, flash cards, a glossary, etc.

Tentative Schedule of Activities M 10/17 Sticks and stones...? What to say about Language Chapter 7 Th 10/20 A picture is worth a thousand words? Nonverbal Communication Chapter 8 M 10/24 You say potato, I say potato... The impact of Culture Chapter 14

Communication and Me -- Why Study Communication? Introduction to Communication, 9/8/05 1.Native/Personal theories --Examples --What is a native theory? --What do we use them for? --Some characteristics of native theories 2.Scholarly theories --Characteristics of scholarly theories 3.Native/Personal theories about communication

Challenges of taking a large class, and how to meet those challenges: (Fill in on first day of class)

The Syllabus Course Goals This class is designed to introduce students to major areas in the study of communication. We are all "lay" experts in communication. By the end of the course students will recognize differences between vernacular and academic approaches to communication, and will be able to apply theories of perception, the self, culture, language, nonverbal communication, mediated communication, relationships, groups, and organizations, and mass communication to real life situations. Despite its size, this class is a hands-on, active learning experience. Prepare to be involved.