Public Speaking Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-011 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

Text: Lucas:  The Art of Public Speaking, A.C. or earlier edition

Supplies

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Student Performance

 

 

Course Description: A basic course that 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.

 

 

Student Performance/Learning Outcomes: 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

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

Confidentiality:

Many communication courses ask students to engage in a level of self-disclosure not characteristic of other courses, and different people will feel comfortable with varying levels of self-disclosure. You should draw from your personal experience and you may choose to talk about yourself or someone you know. If it is the latter they should remain nameless in the interest of confidentiality.

 

You may find some areas in this course therapeutic, but the class is not intended to be therapy. Therefore I reserve the right to limit self-disclosure if it is not in keeping with the objectives of the course. Additionally, because some individuals will be sharing personal stories, I expect there to be a high level of confidentiality among the members of the class and respect for the privacy of others. What’s said in the classroom stays in the classroom.  

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Class Policies:

§         Turn off cell phones or put them on silent ring during class.

 

§         No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.  It is each student’s responsibility to drop a class or withdraw from school in the event he/she decides to quit attending class.

 

§         Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

 

Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct. All presentations and written assignments submitted in this class must be original work by the student.  Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade in the course.

  

Grading Criteria

 

Grading: I use traditional grading. I do not curve. You get what you earn. Traditional means an A = 90 - 100; B = 80 - 89; C = 70 - 79; D = 60 – 69; F = 59 and under.

 

            Speeches =   80% of the final grade

            Quizzes =    15% of the final grade

            Attendance = 5% of the final grade

  

Attendance

 

Attendance: Five percent of your final grade is based on class attendance. 3 unexcused absences are permitted. 5-percent is deducted from your final grade for each additional absence. An unexcused absence is when you don’t show up and you didn‘t let me know you weren‘t going to be in class.  An excused absence means you’ve called or emailed me and told me you won‘t be in class. Excused absences do not count against you. In other words: Be in class or let me know you’ll be absent. It’ll pay off. Attendance during major speeches is critical and mandatory. Unexcused absences during speeches will result in a 10 percent reduction on your speech grade.

 

 

 

Absences During Speeches: Excused absences will be rescheduled if name is drawn the day of absence. You must call or e-mail me no later than the day of your absence to be excused. Unexcused absences will NOT be rescheduled if name is drawn. There are NO second chances.

 

Attendance in class is required throughout the speech period. Your job before and after you speak is to be part of the audience, and to assist in evaluating your classmates (see below). Attendance will be taken.

 

Unprepared: A student who is present when his or her name is drawn, but who is unprepared to speak will receive an F for the speech and will NOT be rescheduled. There are NO second chances.

Calendar

Additional Information

Speeches: You’ll research, write and deliver four speeches to an audience composed of your classmates - and me. That means that regardless of your feelings about talking in front of a group of people, in this situation you are among friends. And that does include me.

 

The four speeches are:

 

An Introductory Speech: A short speech (1 to 2 minutes) in which you’ll introduce one of your classmates or …

           

            A Brown Bag Speech: A 2 to 3 minute personal introductory speech.

 

An Informative Speech:A 5 to 7 minute speech to inform your audience about a topic you’re familiar with or have researched.

 

A Persuasive Speech: A 5 to 7 minute speech to inform your audience about the good work of a local service agency, organization or cause and to persuade them to support that agency or a topic of your own choosing with the instructor‘s approval.

 

The method of evaluating and grading the speeches will be explained fully but, for now, you’ll be evaluated and graded against yourself - not against some standard or professional speaker. In other words, I’ll be looking for improvement in your own preparation, presentation and ability from one speech to the next. That means a C, a D or even an F on your first speech can be completely wiped out by a B or an A on your second.