Public Speaking Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-012 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Lucas, S.E., The Art of Public Speaking, Tenth Edition, Custom Edition, New York:  McGraw Hill.

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.

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\ 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.

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

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\ 9. Use visual aids in presentation to enhance communication.

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

\ 1.   If you were not here for a lecture, then it is up to you to get the notes and assignments from other students.

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\ 2.   If you were not here for an assignment, then you get a 0 for that assignment unless arrangements were made with a fellow student to get the assignment for you.  As long as you keep up, there will be no problem.

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\ 3.  All cell phones must be turned off before entering the classroom.  Text messaging during class is not permitted.  Anyone caught text messaging during class is subject to dismissal

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\ 4.   If you need any help with anything, be sure and ask, call, or come by after class.  I’m here to teach and to help you any way I can.

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\ 5.   Relax, listen, get to know each other, have fun, and enjoy.  No one said that learning couldn’t be fun too.

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\ 6.   Come and talk to me.  I’m  willing to help you with anything at anytime!  That’s what I’m here for.

Grading Criteria

GRADING POLICY:

                       

                        25%      Exams (Mid term, Final)

                        25%      1st  Speech (Informative)

                        25%      2^nd Speech (Persuasive)

                        25%      3^rd Speech (Final Speech)

 

                    In-Class Activities: There will be several in class activities, and some assignments that are not necessarily given a specific grade.  This grade will be determined by the instructor at the end of the semester depending on participation in class discussions and group activities.

                           Grades

                           90 -100 = A

                           80 - 89 = B

                           70 - 79 = C

                           60 - 69 = D

                           59 - 0 + F

Attendance

\ ATTENDANCE:  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.  This course requires participation and attendance since many activities cannot be duplicated.  Additionally, much of what we learn about public and professional speaking is gained by listening to other speakers.  It is the student’s responsibility to be an active and valuable member of the audience as classmates make presentations.  Excuses for absences are not necessary.  An absence for any reason is a loss in the learning process.  However, if an assignment is missed then a valid excuse for the absence is necessary in order to make up the assignment.  

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Calendar

Additional Information

\ EXAMS:  There will be 2 major exams: a mid term and a final.  Any pop quizzes will be considered as in-class activities.  Any student who missed a major exam for any reason must make arrangements with the instructor before the next class meeting in order to make up the exam or the exam cannot be made up. 

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\ PREPARATION OUTLINES:  A preparation outline will be turned in before each presentation. 

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\ SPEECH PRESENTATIONS: Any presentation given after the due date will be lowered a letter grade for every class day that it is late.  However, make up speeches may only be given if time allows.

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\ Withdrawal from the course: No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.  It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the class before the last day deadline.  

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\ Additional Class Policies:

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\ Students who maintain perfect attendance will be  exemt from the final exam.

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\ No sustances or equipment in violation of Amarillo College's Student Code of Life will be permitted in speech communication courses.