Public Speaking Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-008 Public Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

A basic course which acquaints students with principles of successful public speaking; provides activities which lead to the development of good speaking, listening and organizational skills. Gives students opportunities to analyze speaker effectiveness.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Steven Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking

\ Packet from AC Bookstore for Mrs. Orcutt’s class

Supplies

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Student Performance

Course Objectives: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

1. Define and explain basic communication terms and principles which undergird competent communication. (Communication model)
2. Demonstrate knowledge of theory and competence in preparing and presenting informative and persuasive speeches and in group tasks.
3. Apply communication principles and theory in diverse circumstances and demonstrate effective communication, distinguishing effective from less effective responses.
4. Demonstrate use of appropriate citations for all reference work used in papers and presentations.
5. Define and discuss how best to avoid plagiarism.
6. Participate in class and group processes while demonstrating respect for classmates.
7. Develop listening skills and critical thinking skills.

8. Select topics and develop speeches of various styles for various occasions that are audience appropriate.

9. Use visual aids in presentation to enhance communication.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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• \ Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade.
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• \ If you are late to class, do not enter while someone is giving a speech. Wait outside the classroom door until you are sure the speech is finished before you enter.
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• \ If you come to class late and I have already taken attendance, it is your responsibility to come to me after class and make sure you were counted present for the day.
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• \ Please turn off cell phone ringers before entering the classroom.
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• \ No administrative withdraws will be initiated by the instructor.
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• \ Students will be required to dress appropriately on presentation days. For example, do not show up in a baseball cap, chewing gum, and wearing your sweaty workout clothes if you are presenting a speech
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Grading Criteria

\ Speeches:  There are four major speeches in this class, which will determine 50% of your grade.  Requirements for each speech will be specified closer to the assigned due date.  However, the following requirements will be expected;

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• \ Each student is required to turn in a computer-generated outline at the time the speech is given.  A sample outline will be provided.
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• \ Speeches are graded on delivery, organization, and content.  A sample critique form will be provided for better preparation.
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• \ Delivery is expected to be extemporaneous – that is, the speaker is familiar enough with the speech to rely only on a basic outline.  An extemporaneous delivery makes writing the speech in essay form unnecessary and counterproductive.
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\ Examinations:  There are two exams during the semester and one final. The final exam in this class may consist of multiple choice, fill in the blank, list and explain, define, describe, short answer, application, and essay questions. The final is worth 100 points for a total of 10% of your grade. All exams are administered online. If you have perfect attendance online and in class, you will be exempt from the final.

\ Participation:  This is a communication course, therefore we will be doing lots of in-class discussion. Much of what you learn through lectures and textbook reading will be supplemented by group discussions, activities, and individual homework.  Some of these activities will be graded and you will receive a grade for participation. This grade is worth 100 points or 10% of your grade. If you miss class, you will be unable to make up any participation activity that was done on the day of the absence.

\ Over half of your participation grade will be determined by online discussions. If you miss the online discussions, you will not have perfect attendance. The discussion counts as your participation and attendance grade for the day. Late discussion postings will not receive credit.

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• \ Speech of Introduction 100pts                                                                      ______
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• \ Informative Speech using Power Point 200pts                                            ______
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• \ Persuasive Speech 100pts                                                                              ______
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• \ Occasion Speech 100pts                                                                                    _____
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• \ Exams  (2@ 100pts each) 200                                                                                    _____                                       
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• \ Final Exam 100pts                                                                                         ______
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• \ Reflection Papers 100pts (2 at 50pts each)                                                  ______
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• \ Participation/Attendance 100pts                                                                  ______
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\ TOTAL = 1000pts

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\ For final average

\ A = 900-1000

\ B = 800-899

\ C = 700-799

\ D = 600-699

\ F = 0 – 599

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

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• \ Any student who has PERFECT attendance for the entire semester will be exempt from the final exam. (If you miss class because of an emergency situation this means you do not have perfect attendance). If you miss any discussion postings you will not have perfect attendance.
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• \ Any participation activity done on the day of your absence will be counted as a zero and will not be able to be made up.
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• \ Any student who is absent during speech presentations will automatically have 10 points deducted for each absence on that specific speech grade. If you let me know in advance that you cannot make it to class, I will require a doctor’s note in order to excuse the absence. If you simply do not show up to class on the day you are assigned to give your speech it will be an automatic zero.
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Additional Information

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