Public Speaking Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

SPCH-1315-012 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.

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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. (2005). The Art of Public Speaking (10^th ed). Boston McGraw-Hill

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Student Performance

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Grading Criteria

There will be a total of 1000 points possible in this course.  They are distributed as follows:

 

            Speeches                                                        Total of 600 points, or 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                                       Total of 100 points, or 10%

            Written Critique                                                           100 points

 

            Examinations                                                  Total of 200 points, or 20%

            Midterm                                                                       100 points

            Final Exam                                                                  100 points

 

            Participation and

Other Requirements, include:                         Total of 100 points, or 10 %

            Attendance

Homework Assignments

            Impromptu Speeches

            Group Work

 

 

Letter Grades:

 

For Speeches, Tests and Major Assignments                        For the Final Grade

                        A=90-100                                                        A=900-1000

                        B=80-89                                                          B=800-899

                        C=70-79                                                          C=700-799

                        D=60-69                                                          D=600-699

                        F=Below 60                                                     F=Below 599

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.

Calendar

Additional Information

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

• 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.  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, 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.