UC Communication Course: Quick-Review Notes

Course Purpose & Deliberate Practice

This course emphasizes deliberate practice to develop interpersonal communication and related skills. It highlights that growth comes through sustained, varied practice, potentially totaling 10{,}000 hours.
Key focus areas: initiating conversations, building networks, organizational skills, leadership, critical thinking, creativity; all aimed at improving workplace and personal relationships.

Communication supports physical and mental well-being; builds relationships; helps negotiate identities and roles; especially important in first-year college to shape self-perception and world view.
Communication also serves social, relational, and cultural needs (networking, belonging, shared identity).

Canvas: access to course content; announcements; contact instructor via email; some updates may be posted there.
Textbook: included in tuition; no purchase needed; access through SendMage/MyTab using UC email; register this week.
Support: SendMage support link/phone if issues.
Syllabus: downloadable PDF; includes daily schedule and grading; weekly expectations.
Intro Discussion: a space to introduce yourself and build community; possible extra credit.

No exams in this course.
Online quizzes: 12 quizzes across chapters; can be completed at your own pace; must be finished by the last day of the semester.
Late work: no late submissions accepted for major assignments; quizzes not meeting deadlines contribute 24\% to final grade if incomplete.

You may miss up to 3 absences; excused absences require documentation (e.g., band commitments).
After 3 absences, unexcused absences affect your grade; seven total absences equals about a quarter of the course.
Pods/groups will be formed after Week 1 to facilitate peer support; use notes if you miss a class.
If you will be absent, coordinate with peers to share notes.

Bring a device for notes; laptops allowed if not distracting to others.
Remove earbuds/headphones in class; stay engaged; professionalism in written communications (emails) matters.

AI policy: discouraged for assignments; rely on personal experiences and human examples; AI tends to be too generic.
Diversity & Inclusion: course aims to be a safe, inclusive space; CAPS available for wellness; Title IX resources for reporting.
Academic integrity and conduct: follow University policies; awareness of plagiarism and appropriate AI use.

Best contact: email; office hours available virtually or in person.
Check Canvas regularly; enable notifications.
Syllabus and course schedule accessible on Canvas; download PDF for quick reference.

By this week: review syllabus; set up Cengage account; access the ebook; start Chapter 1.
In class: quick group introductions; designate a scribe; collect group names on paper.
Discussion: post in introductory forum; share articles or clips if desired.