Public Speaking Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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 (11^th ed.), New York: McGraw Hill. (This is a custom book and is only available through the AC bookstore; however, other editions of this textbook are also acceptable.)

 

Supplies

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

 

Student Performance

Course Objectives: (Note: this is a combined 1315/1321 section so the objectives of both courses will be met)
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 communication competence and critical thinking through an understanding of the foundational communication models.
2. Demonstrate essential public speaking skills in professional presentations.
3. Demonstrate written and oral competencies as it relates to employment (including job searches, interviews, interpersonal interaction, conflict management, leadership and performance appraisals.)
4. Apply essential dyadic and small group processes as they relate to the workplace.
5. Utilize various technologies as they relate to competent communication.
6. Demonstrate effective cross-cultural communication.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.
8. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic
9. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.
10. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.
11. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.
12. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).
13. Utilize various technologies as they relate to competent communication.

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

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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 three 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): 20%
• Persuasive Speech: 20%
• Written Critique: 10%
• Team Persuasive Presentation & Live Radio Presentation (aka Honors Project): 20%
• Final Examination: 10%
• Class Participation attendance, in-class assignments, homework):  10%

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.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

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