Office: LA 357
Web: http://www.umt.edu/dcs/greg/index.html
E-mail: greg.larson@mso.umt.edu
Office Phone: 243-4161
Office Hours: M,W, F 1:30-2:30 p.m.
***Or by appointment***

Required Texts/Readings:
Cheney, G., Christensen, L.T., Zorn, T.E., & Ganesh, S. (2004). Organizational Communication in an Age of Globalization. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.

Maclean, J. (1999). Fire on the mountain: The true story of the South Canyon fire. New York: Washington Square Press

Course Packet (FacPac): Contents listed at the end of syllabus.

Nature of the Course
This course will introduce you to theoretical and practical issues relevant to communication in contemporary organizations. Rather than view communication as one factor of modern organizational life, we will approach our study from the perspective that organizations are largely constituted by communication. In business and non-profit institutions, in governmental agencies and organized religious groups, the construction of meaning through communication shapes collective attitude and action. Our attention to practical concerns (e.g., globalization, gender, employee participation programs, diversity and affirmative action issues) affecting today's organizational (and particularly, workplace) arena will bring theoretical discussions to life. My overall goals are to introduce you to the field of Organizational Communication and to assist you in the process of critically assessing your organizational experiences toward the end of improving them.

The course will proceed in a combination of formats, including lecture, class discussion, group and individual activities. I expect you to consistently complete the assigned readings prior to each class session, as this will enhance our ability to critically process information in class. Because I seek a mutual learning experience, I strongly encourage questioning minds and active contribution to both lecture and discussion. Your participation is vital to the success of this course.

Attendance/Punctuality/Participation:
While formal attendance will not be taken in-class, you are responsible for knowing all materials discussed in class that might be needed for quizzes, tests, or assignments. In addition, you must have a documentable excuse for missing a quiz or test in order to make it up. **Please be courteous and come to class on time.

Special Assistance:
If some extenuating circumstances beyond your control prevent you from meeting your expectations for your attendance and performance, I expect you to contact me immediately. The most important thing is that you contact me sooner rather than later. Notice to Students with Documented Disabilities: I encourage students with disabilities, including but not limited to, chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, to discuss with me, after class or during my office hours, appropriate accommodations that might be helpful to you.

Due Dates:
A late written assignment will be penalized one full grade for each day it is late and NO late submissions will be accepted after the assignment has been graded and returned to your classmates. Quizzes and tests must be completed on the day given (unless you have a documentable excuse as explained above).

Original Work:
Unless collaboration is part of the assignment, each assignment you turn in should be your own original work and should be done completely by you. You are expected to follow university policies and, as always, you are responsible for knowing what they are.

Requirements of the Course/Grading
So there are no surprises at the end of the semester, I encourage you to keep track of your points.

Assignments

      4 at 25 points each

Tests
    
    Quizzes: Random (approx. every other week):
                6 quizzes worth 15 points each.
                *Lowest quiz score will be dropped.*
    
    Midterm

    Final Exam

Letter grades are figured as follows:

A = Outstanding - goes beyond expectations
B = Good - above average
C = Satisfactory - meets minimum requirements
D = Unsatisfactory - does not meet some requirements
F = Failing -- Does not meet requirements

As per our departmental policy, you may not drop or change your grading option after the thirtieth instructional day except in the following situations: a) documentable accident or illness, b) no evaluation record for the course, c) documentable family/personal emergency, and d) documentable change in employment schedule that prevents completion of course (ref. relevant university documentation).

Course Packet (CoursePac):

Barker, J. (1997). Disciplining a teammate: Control in self-managing teams. In B. Sypher (Ed.), Case studies in organizational communication (pp. 97-109). New York: Guilford Press.

Deetz, S. (1997). The business concept and managerial control: A case study of discursive power. In B. Sypher (Ed.), Case studies in organizational communication (pp. 183-212). New York: Guilford Press.

Holmer-Nadesan, M. (1996). Organizational identity and space of action. Organization Studies, 17,49-81.

McGill, A. & Seeger, M. (2000). Ethical issues in Exxon's response ot the Valdez crisis. In G. Peterson (Ed.), Communicating in organizations: A casebook (pp. 177-182). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Pepper, G. & Larson, G. (2004). Long Distance Cultural Integration at Flex Technologies. In J. Keyton & P. Shockley-Zalabak (Eds.), Cases studies for organizational communication: Understanding communication processes. Los Angeles: Roxbury.

Rogers, E. & Allbritton, M.(1997). The public electronic network: Interactive communication and interpersonal distance. In B. Sypher (Ed.), Case studies in organizational communication (pp. 249-261). New York: Guilford Press.

Roy, D. (1959). Banana time: Job satisfaction and informal interaction. Human Relations, 18,158-168.