Public Speaking Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

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. New York: McGraw Hill.

Supplies

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Student Performance

 

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

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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.  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 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.  Students are allowed to make up only one speech.  The make up speech will be given in front of another speech class on campus, which you will coordinate with me the time and place.   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.  Additionally, cell phones are expected to be 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 without giving me notice 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 if they are 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 of 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:

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\ Overall Course Average will be calculated as follows:

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\ Speeches - 60%                                                        

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\             Speech #1: Introduction Speech  - 100 points                                  

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

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\             Speech #3: Persuasive Speech – 200 points                        

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\             Speech #4: Special Occasion Speech  - 100 points             

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\  Written Assignments - 10%                           

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\             Written Critique – 100 points                                                  

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\ Examinations – 20%

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\             Midterm – 100 points

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\             Final Exam – 100 points

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\ Participation and Other Requirements– 10%

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\             includes: 

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\             Attendance

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\             Homework Assignments

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\             Impromptu Speeches

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\             Group Work

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\ Letter Grades:

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\             A=90-100

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\             B=80-89

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\             C=70-79

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\             D=60-69

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\             F=Below 60

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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

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.