COMS 246 - Interpersonal Communication - Tammera Stokes Rice

Introduction

Welcome to Interpersonal Communication, Communications 246 online course.  My name is Tammera Stokes Rice, and I will be your instructor.  Please read this entire letter, and if you have any further questions, please email me at tammera.rice@canyons.edu.  I will do my best to reply to you within 24-48 hours.

I am excited to be working with you this semester. Interpersonal Communication, Gender Communication, and Intercultural Communications are my favorite courses to teach because it’s where I discovered my passion for the study of communication. However, regardless of whether you decide to pursue the study of communication, or whether this is your only class in communication, I’m happy that you’re here. In this class, you will learn how communication creates, develops, and changes personal identities and how it impacts our relationships (and so much more). I hope that this class will help you better understand yourself and others. I am committed to helping you succeed in this class so please join me in making this a fun, rigorous, informative, and rewarding experience.

Course Description

This course examines theories and topics within interpersonal communication, such self-concept, self-disclosure, listening, emotions, communication climate, language, and conflict, within different dyadic communication contexts including friendship, family, and romantic relationships. 

What to Expect in this Course

In order to be successful in this course you must have reliable access to the Internet, a web browser and a word processing program. 

Learning Management System Information: This course utilizes a LMS called Canvas for our (discussions, grades, assignments, resources, etc.). Please log into Canvas by visiting https://coc.instructure.com by the Monday of the start of classes.   Login information will be emailed to you prior to the start of the course. If you haven’t used or want a refresher on Canvas, please visit the guides.

If after two days of registering for the course you still do not see the Coms 260 link in Canvas, please contact Canvas Support at 661-362-3344.

NOTE: OUR COURSE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE IN CANVAS UNTIL SUNDAY THE SEMESTER BEGINS.   If the first assignment has not been completed by the due date, you will be dropped from the class. 

Types of Assessments

Discussion boards, quizzes, activities, journals

Textbook Information

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:

We are using an Open Education Resource this semester created by the COC Communication Studies Department.  It will be available in Canvas at the beginning of the semester at no cost to you.  I will also be using additional reading materials found within Canvas.

Other Relevant Course Information

You must login to our course and complete the first discussion board assignment for Week 1, by midnight on the Tuesday of the first week of classes.   If the first week’s assignment is not completed by this day and time, then you will be dropped from the course.

If you are already familiar with online courses, then this class will feel comfortable to you.  However, if this is your first time taking an online course, then you should be aware that this course runs at a quick pace and relies upon your commitment to do the coursework independently.  Ideally, you should be self-reliant, motivated and disciplined in your work ethic.  

I look forward to meeting you virtually.  Again, if you have questions about this course, I can be reached at tammera.rice@canyons.edu.   

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 03/21/2025 Sub#: 1894