COM 1115 G - Intro to Communication: Key Points

Course Overview

COM 1115 G: Introduction to Communication; survey course with a public speaking focus.
Format: two components to earn 3 credits — lecture and lab (must take both).
Large enrollment: around 600 students total; three lectures and 30 labs; each lab has its own GTA.
Instructors: Day Romero (they/them) and Dr. Arnfield co-teach; GTAs handle labs and grading; accessible and supportive team.

Lecture: Thursdays, 12:00–12:50 (MO2 section).
Labs: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday; your schedule determines lab time.
Location: Lab content in Communication Sciences building; lecture is separate from lab.
Course materials: do not buy a book yet; ebook access pending; readings/week structure on Canvas.
Canvas: Lecture page for readings only; Lab pages hold grades, assignments, attendance, and announcements.
If in doubt, contact your GTA first; if unresolved, contact the course instructor.

Day Romero: undergraduate at NMSU, transfer from El Paso Community College; BA/MA in Communication Studies; identifies as queer and trans; interim director for LGBT+ Programs; values reflective teaching.
Dr. Arnfield: head of the Communication Studies department; teaches multiple areas; co-lecturer for this course; known for approachable style (Doctor Pepper anecdote).
GTAs/Lab Instructors: own sections, attendances, speeches, and grading; treated as faculty for policies and accountability; first point of contact for grade concerns.

Inclusive, intersectional framework; aims to represent all identities.
Safety and respect: no hate speech; Mentimeter feedback must be respectful; inappropriate input is shut down.
Academic freedom and critical thinking: question status quo; unlearn preconceptions; open to new ideas.
Empathy and compassion: acknowledge students’ outside life and responsibilities; communicate with care.
Open communication: talk to instructors about issues (lateness, absences, needs); minds cannot be read.

Public speaking practice in labs; present to about 20 peers, not 200.
Core idea: communication is a social process using symbols and nonverbal cues to generate meaning.
Transactional model: two-way sending/receiving; ongoing interpretation.
Symbols and nonverbal cues (tone, volume, facial expressions) affect meaning; meanings are context-dependent and can be interpreted differently.
Emphasis on developing empathy, critical reasoning, and the ability to defend arguments with evidence.

Two-part course structure: lecture content and lab activities; alignment between sections is essential.
Pop quizzes in lab: focus on lecture and ebook readings; no make-ups; quizzes use hard-copy notes only.
Mentimeter: anonymous, respectful feedback during lecture; not a free-for-all; step-in if content is off-topic or disrespectful.
Attendance and participation: labs handle attendance; lectures emphasize engagement and listening.

Ebook access is being resolved with the bookstore; do not purchase a book yet.
Announcements: posted in both lecture and lab Canvas pages; daily Canvas check is essential.
Syllabus and readings: unit one, section one available on Canvas; follow weekly reading schedule.
If you miss a lab, email your GTA to catch up on what you missed.

Be prepared: complete readings before lectures; take notes; print notes for pop quizzes.
Engage respectfully: support peers, avoid disruptive behavior, and practice active listening.
Ask questions: in lecture or to your GTA; use email or office hours as needed.
Be open to unlearning and adjusting communication styles as part of learning.
Recognize you are learning in a diverse, high-traffic environment; use both lab and lecture to develop skills.

Communication: a social process in which individuals exchange messages using symbols and nonverbal cues to generate meaning in various contexts.
Intrapersonal vs interpersonal: internal thought vs. actual interaction with others.
Meaning is generated and interpreted; context and nonverbal cues matter; communication is dynamic and interpretive.

Two-component COM 1115 G course (lecture + lab) with a strong emphasis on inclusive, reflective, and practice-based learning.
Authors: Day Romero and Dr. Arnfield lead a team of GTAs; focus on brave, respectful public speaking and critical thinking.
Stay engaged, check Canvas daily, attend labs, and participate with empathy and curiosity.