Public Speaking Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-H 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. (2006). Customized: The Art of Public Speaking (9^th ed.), New York: McGraw Hill. (This is a custom book and is only available through the AC bookstore.)

Supplies

\ Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials and have access to the Internet either through campus labs or at home.

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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.

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\ 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

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

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• \ Students will arrive for class on time. Consistent late arrival will impact class participation grade.
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• \ Turn off cell phones or put them on silent ring during class.
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• \ Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade.
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• \ No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.
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Grading Criteria

Assignments:

Speeches:  Each student will deliver four major individual speeches and one team speech.  Students must meet the following requirements on every speech:

• Each student will turn in a typed outline on the day of the speech;
• Speeches will be graded on delivery, organization and content;
• Speakers will deliver their speeches extemporaneously—that is, the speaker will be familiar enough with the speech to rely only on a few note-cards.  Writing the speech in essay form is unnecessary and counterproductive.
• Speakers will not stand behind a podium, chew gum or wear a hat while speaking.

Homework:  Various written homework assignments will be given throughout the semester.  Performance on these assignments will impact student’s participation grade.

Written Critique: Each student will turn in a two-page typed critique of a live speaker’s presentation. 

Team Persuasive Presentation & Live Radio Presentation: This project allows Honors Speech students to use the communication concepts they have learned in speech class to create a clear, compelling persuasive message, which will be presented in a live radio interview and a group speech presentation.

Examinations: A comprehensive final exam will be given.  The exam may consist of multiple choice, true/false, list and explain, define, describe, short answer, application and essay questions.

Class Participation:  Each student’s class participation grade will consider participation in class discussions, impromptu speeches, work done in groups and other written assignments and homework. 

Reading Assignments: Students will complete weekly reading assignments.  Class discussion and examination questions will draw upon information presented in the textbook   Students should complete each week’s reading assignment by the end of the week.

Grades in the course are distributed as follows:

• Self Introduction Speech- 10%
• Company (Informative Speech) 10%
• Persuasive Speech - 10%
• Training Speech - 15%
• Written Critique - 10%
• Team Persuasive Presentation & Live Radio Presentation (aka Honors Project)- 20%
• Final Examination: -10%
• Class Participation attendance, in-class assignments):  10%
• Homework Average: - 5%

All late work will be penalized.

No student will be allowed to make up work without prior permission from the instructor. I reserve the right not to accept make-up work. Make-up work will only be accepted if a student has a valid and compelling reason to have missed the original speaking date and has contacted me to arrange to make up a speech.

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

A=90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=60-69

F=below 60

 

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation in discussions and activities will directly affect your grade. Daily attendance will be recorded. Points will be deducted from your participation grade for more than three absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence. Please note that speaking and participation make up 70% of the final grade.

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Calendar

Additional Information

Students' grades and additional resources/information will be available through Blackboard.