Business and Professional Speaking Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1321-009 Business and Professional Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.

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

 

Supplies

Students must have access to a reliable computer to do their assignments. The library on Campus has computers to use if you need them.

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

·        1. Speeches are delivered on assigned days.  If you know well in advance, other arrangements might be possible.  Generally no late work is accepted.  Exception to this is at the discretion of the instructor.

·        2. Tests will be made up only in emergencies. Prior approval must be obtained from the instructor.

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

·       4.  Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct.  All speeches and papers presented should be the work of the student enrolled in the course.  Proper documentation should be made of materials cited from all sources.  If it is determined that a student has plagiarized a speech, paper, or exam, student will receive the grade of 0 and disciplinary proceedings against the student could ensue.

·          5.The instructor will not initiate administrative withdrawals.  If you stop attending class, but do not officially withdraw from the class, grades will be assigned based on the work required for the class, not just work completed.

Grading Criteria

GRADING POLICY

Many methods will be used to help the student develop his or her critical thinking skills, as well as demonstrate these through communication skills (both verbal and written). Class participation is expected; however corresponding points are given based from the students participation in classroom discussions and activities. The class will use activities and assignments as well as examinations to measure a student's success in understanding and applying the course content.

 

90 – 100 = A

80 – 89   = B

70 – 79   = C

60 – 69   = D

59 – 0     = F

 

Assignment/Grade checklist: Keep this current and you will always know where your grade stands.

           

_____ Brown bag sharing                               _____ VA speech

_____ Introduction speech                             _____ VA speech

_____ Mid-term exam                                                _____ VA outline

 _____ Resume

_____ Personal experience speech               _____ Attendance

_____ Self critique                                          ___ Toast

_____ Demonstration speech                         _____ Final

_____  Demonstration outline                                     

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.

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\ ·        2. Students who maintain perfect attendance will be exempt from the final exam.

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\ ·        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

GUIDELINES FOR MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

 

·         Demonstration speech – Choose a demonstration that can be completed during the time allowed (4 to 8 minutes).  You must actually demonstrate (not just describe what you have done), and include 2 sources that are cited in the speech.  Provide a typed outline for the instructor. (Use the format taught in class.)

·         Informative Speech using a visual aid– Choose a topic for this speech that sends itself to presentation using a visual aid.  Speech will be at least 4 minutes and no longer than 6 in length.  The speech must be informative, and include 2 sources that are to be cited in the speech. Provide a typed outline and works citied that follows the format taught in class.

·         Resume:  Each student will prepare a resume for a position at an actual company/institution.  The resume should include factual, not fictional, information about the student.