CMST 1545 16: Communication Foundations

CMST 1545 - Communication Foundations

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 16, CRN 41419,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Dorian Mermer

Email: dlmermer@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Dorian Mermer
Instructor Professional Qualifications: M.A. in Rhetoric and Communication from Kent State University, 1989.
Instructor Office Phone: 330-941-2255
Instructor Email: dlmermer@ysu.edu

Student Support Hours:

In Person: Monday, Wednesday – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in Bliss 2013.

Online: Tuesday, Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Meetings by Appointment Only: Monday, Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Communication and Grading Expectations: I respond to email within 24 hours. If emailed over the weekend, you will receive a response Monday morning after 1:00 PM. I will not be available for student support hours during University observed holidays. Regarding grading assignments, I try to have grades returned within a week of submission.

Private Instructor Information

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Course Description

1545. Communication Foundations. Theories, strategies, and skills for competent participation in interpersonal, group, and public communication situations. Application exercises in interpersonal, group, and public communication. Prereq.: ENGL 1549 or ENGL 1550. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Experience Communication Child, Jeffrey ISBN 13 : 9781266162701

Experience Communication (Looseleaf) - With Connect, 3rd Ed.

Child, Jeffrey    Publisher : McGraw Hill            ISBN 13 : 9781266162701

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Additional Course Materials

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Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 Syllabus and Ch. 1: Communication, Perception, and Your Life. Introduction to communication Partner introduction and site and syllabus quiz.
8/31 Ch. 2: Communicating Verbally. Ch. 3: Communicating Nonverbally. Verbal and nonverbal communication.
9/7 Ch. 4: Communicating Through Listening. Ch. 13: Public Presentations to Inform. Review: Informative Speech Folder. Listening and informative speech basics.
9/14 Ch. 10: Organizing Your Presentation. Ch. 11: Gathering Information and Supporting Materials. Organizing and using supportive materials. Informative Speech Topic Approval Form – 9/18.
9/21 Ch. 12: Communication Apprehension and Delivery. Delivering your speech.
9/28 Informative Speeches, Outlines and Audience Analysis.
10/5 Informative Speeches, Outlines and Audience Analysis.
10/12 Ch. 14: Public Presentations to Persuade. Review: Persuasive Speech Folder. Persuasive speeches. Persuasive Speech Topic Approval Form – 10/16.
10/19 Ch. 5: Interpersonal Communication. Ch. 8: Organizational and Small-Group Communication. Interpersonal communication and small-group communication. Break into groups and Complete Group Topic Approval Form - 10/23.
10/26 Persuasive Speeches, Outlines and Audience Analysis.
11/2 Persuasive Speeches, Outlines and Audience Analysis.
11/9 Ch. 6: Intercultural Communication. Ch. 7: Mediated Communication. Individual RTM - 11/13.
11/16 Group meeting days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Group RTM – 11/20.
11/23 Group meeting day on Monday. No class on Wednesday and Friday due to Thanksgiving break. All Quizzes by 11:59 PM. This is the last day for quizzes.
11/30 Group Presentations and Outlines.
12/7 Individual Assessment of Group Project – by 12:00 PM (noon). Final Survey – . Must be completed by 11:00 PM. The survey opens on at 8:00 AM.

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning. 

Additional Information

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