Public Speaking Syllabus for 2013-2014
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

SPCH-1315-013 Public Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Text:   Lucas, S.E. The Art of Public Speaking. New York: McGraw Hill.

Supplies

\N

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. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.
2. Apply elements of audience analysis.
3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic
4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.
5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.
6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.
7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

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

Class Policies:

1.  Note that speaking and participation compose an overwhelming majority of the final grade.  Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement.  Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade.  Daily attendance will be recorded. Ten points will be deducted for each absence after the first regardless of the reason for the absence. Three tardies or early exits will count as an absence. It is the responsibility of the student to remain after class and ask the teacher to adjust a tardy or an absence.  Additionally, should you miss a class period, it is your responsible to CALL me AFTER the missed class to discussed the material and/or assignments that were missed. 

**Students who maintain perfect attendance/participation will be exempt from the final exam**

2.  Speeches are to be delivered on the assigned day.  Speakers who are late will not be allowed to give their speech.  Speakers, who are absent without explanation, will receive a zero.

3.  There are no make-up speeches.  Should you miss a speech, you have the option to write a 10 page paper for speeches valued at 100 points or write a 20 page paper for speeches valued at 200.  You are only allowed this option for 1 of your 6 speeches.  This paper’s topic must meet my approval before it is turned in and will be due the class period after the missed speech.  I will NOT accept a hand-written paper nor will I accept a paper less than 10 or 20 pages depending on the speech’s value.  Also note, I reserve the right not to accept make-up work.

4.  No substance or equipment in violation of the AC Student Handbook will be permitted in speech communication courses. 

5. Cell phones are expected to be turned off or put on silent ring during class and put away during class.  No one should be using their phone during class.  Should you decide to use your cell phone, you will be asked to leave the class and not return.

6.  Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct.  All speeches and written assignments presented in this class are expected to be original work by the student.  A student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade.

7.  I do not accept assignments that are handwritten.  Please note, that some in-class assignments are an exception.  If you are late to class the day an assignment is due, you will NOT be allowed to turn in your assignment and will receive a zero.

 8.  I do accept assignments via email only if they are submitted before the scheduled due date and/or class time.  Should you need to communicate with me regarding your grades, class attendance, assignments or any other matter, you will need to call me or speak with me before or after class.  Email is only used for turning in assignments.

9.  Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (Phone: 371.5436).

 

Grading Criteria

Grading Policies:

Overall Course Average will be calculated as follows:

Speeches - 60%                                                        

            Speech #1: Introduction Speech  - 100 points                                  

            Speech #2: Info/Visual Aid Speech – 200 points                              

            Speech #3: Persuasive Speech – 200 points                        

            Speech #4: Special Occasion Speech  - 100 points             

 Written Assignments - 10%                           

            Written Critique – 100 points                                                  

Examinations – 20%

            Midterm – 100 points

            Final Exam – 100 points

Participation and Other Requirements– 10%

            includes: 

            Attendance

            Homework Assignments

            Impromptu Speeches

            Group Work

Letter Grades:

            A=90-100

            B=80-89

            C=70-79

            D=60-69

            F=Below 60

 

Attendance

\ 1.  Because this is a performance course, regular attendance is essential. An attendance grade will be given. Ten points will be   deducted for each absence after the first. Three tardies or early exits will count as an absence. 
\ 2. Students who maintain perfect attendance will be exempt from the final exam.  
\ 3. Students may make up two absences in order to keep perfect attendance by attending approved AC plays or speaking engagements. Or you may get 20 points for plays if not needed for make up.

Calendar

Additional Information

Assignments:

Major Speeches:  There are four major speeches in this class, which determine 60% of your grade.  Requirements for each speech will be specified closer to the assigned due date.  However, the following requirements will be expected for each speech:

• Each student is required to turn in a computer-generated outline the day of the speech. A sample outline will be provided.
• Speeches are graded on content, organization and delivery.  A sample critique form will be provided.
• Delivery is expected to be extemporaneous—that is, the speaker is familiar enough with the speech to rely on a small set of notes (this may by subject to change).  An extemporaneous delivery makes writing the speech in essay form unnecessary and counterproductive.
• Speakers should not chew gum or wear a cap while speaking.

Written Critique:  Each student will turn in a two-page, computer-generated critique of a live speaker’s presentation.  You may choose to evaluate the performance of your minister/preacher/rabbi or a special speaker outside of this class.  As with your presentations, the individual’s content, organization and delivery should be considered.  The assignment is worth 100 points. 

Examinations:  Exams in this class will consist of multiple choice, list and explain, define, describe, short answer, application and essay questions.  Each of the two exams is worth 100 points, totally 200 points.

Other Requirements:  Many of the class lectures and discussions will be supplemented by work done in groups or as homework.  Some of these activities will be graded and you will receive a grade for participation within the group.  Participation in class discussions, homework assignments and impromptu speeches in class are a part of this grade.

Attendance:  Because of the nature of this course, it is imperative that you attend class. Ten points will be deducted for each absence after the first regardless of the reason for the absence.  Perfect attendance results in an exemption from the final exam.