Public Speaking Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

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

Supplies

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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.

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

Students Rights and Responsibilities: Student Rights and Responsibilities

Expected Student Behavior:

1. Speeches are delivered on assigned days.  If you know well in advance, other arrangements might be possible.  Speaking late without prior approval will result in a 30 point deduction for that speech.  All late work will receive a 30 point deduction.

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

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.

Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

10%--Career speech

15%--Informative speech using a visual aid

15%--Persuasive speech

10%--Special occasion speech

15%--Speech critiques of classmates

10%--Mid-term exam

10%--Final exam

15%--Class attendance, class participation, assignments, and quizzes

 

Attendance

1. Because this is a performance course, regular attendance is essential. An attendance grade will be given. In addition, the fact that our course meets once a week for 3 hours and 45 minutes, being in attendance is especially critical.  (Missing one night class is akin to missing two daytime courses.)  To reward your participation and attendance, I will be taking role twice each class meeting a) at the beginning of class, b) after the break.  Student attending all 16 weeks, both the first half of class and the second, will receive two 100s for their attendance grades (6.25 points for each half of class attended).

2. I will monitor tardies (coming into class late, late being defined as 5 or more minutes).  Students who are tardy will receive half credit for their time in class (3.125 points for each half of class attended).  It is possible to be on time at 7 p.m. and receive a tardy for the attendance after the break.  Mind your time and be on time!

3. Students who maintain perfect attendance (no absences or tardies) will be exempt from the final exam.  (Plus, they will have earned two 100s!)

4. I will monitor your participation in class.  While you may not be comfortable speaking to a large group, this is a skill you are learning in this class.  If you are concerned about this, I encourage you to read the book Quiet by Susan Cain.

Calendar

Additional Information

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".

You may go into your Google Email and forward it to another account that you currently have on your mobile device, or that you may check more often.

GUIDELINES FOR MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

1. Career speech:  This speech will be 3-5 minutes long and should describe and explain what career you choose to embark upon (in other words, What do you want to be when you grow up?).  A formal typed outline and  pre-speech evaluation (Rubric) will be turned in before the speech and your note card will be turned in after the speech. At least 3 sources should be cited in your speech.  A photocopy of your sources will be attached to your outline.  Speech Rubric

2. Informative speech using a visual aid:  This speech will be 5-7 minutes long and should inform the audience.    A visual aid must be incorporated into the speech or you will lose 30 point.  A formal typed outline (Rubric) and pre-speech evaluation will be turned in before the speech and your note card will be turned in after the speech. At least 3 sources should be cited in your speech. A photocopy of your sources will be attached to your outline.  Speech Rubric

3. Persuasive speech:  This speech will be 5-7 minutes long and should persuade the audience.  A formal typed outline (Rubric) and pre-speech evaluation will be turned in before the speech and your note card will be turned in after the speech.  At least 5 sources should be cited in your speech.  A photocopy of your sources will be attached to your outline Speech Rubric

4. Special occasion group speech:  This speech will be 3-7 minutes long and will be a speech of introduction, a speech of presentation, an acceptance speech, a speech of tribute, or a speech to entertain.  A formal typed outline (Rubric) with the guidelines for your speech and a pre-speech evaluation will be turned in before the speech and your note card will be turned in after the speech.  If your guidelines are not typed on your outline you will lose 30 points.  At least 2 sources should be cited in your speech.  Speech Rubric

5. Exams:  The format of both exams will include multiple/choice, short answer, and/or essay.  Exams will be taken online.  You will need access to a computer with internet.  The fourth floor of the library is an excellent choice.