Public Speaking Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-006 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Text: O’Hair, Dan, Steward, Rob, and Rubenstein, Hannah.  A Speakers Guidebook (6^th  ed.), New York: McGraw Hill.

Common Reader for 2016-2017: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by
Jamie Ford.

For general information on the book you may visit the AC Common Reader website at: https://www.actx.edu/commonreader/pagesmith/15. More specific information about the story can be found at: https://www.actx.edu/pagesmith/349.

 

Incoming students may obtain copies of the book by attending Badger Boot Camp or New Student Orientation General Sessions. In addition, copies of the book are available to check out at the AC Library.

If you haven’t already read the book, it’s highly recommended that you participate in the common reader program. When applicable, references are made within the course content that relates to the common reader. Moreover, there will be class activities and speech topics based on themes, settings, characters etc. from the book.

 

2016 Common Reader Selection Author Visit:
https://www.actx.edu/commonreader/pagesmith/17. 

Supplies

Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials

Student Performance

Course Description:

A basic course to acquaint students with principles of successful public speaking; provides activities that lead to the development of good speaking, listening and organizational skills and gives students opportunities to analyze speaker effectiveness.  (3 sem hrs; 3 lec.)

Course Objectives:

Through participation in lectures, reading assignments, in-class exercises and other assigned activities, students will:

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

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (located in the Student Services Center 119; phone number 371 5436) as soon as possible.

 

Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

 

Grading Criteria

 Please note that speaking and participation make up 70% of the final grade. Much of what we learn about public and professional speaking is gained by listening to other speakers.  It is each student’s responsibility to be an active and valuable member of the audience as classmates make presentations. Speeches must be delivered on the assigned day.  If there is an unavoidable conflict or emergency, it is your responsibility to contact me that day to schedule a make-up speech.  Speakers who are absent without explanation will receive a zero. No student will be allowed to make up work without prior permission.  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.  Make-up speeches will be given outside of class time. All late speeches (regardless of the reason for the lateness) will be penalized. 

Points will be deducted as follows:

Speech given during the week designated for speeches but after the assigned speech day: subtract 5 pts from a 100 pt assignment and 10 pts from a 200 pt. assignment Speech given on a designated makeup day: subtract 10 pts from a 100 pt assignment and 20 pts from a 200 pt assignment.

All late written work will be penalized one full grade.  In other words, an “A” will automatically become a “B”. Students will arrive for class on time.  Consistent late arrival will impact class participation grade. Turn off cell phones or put them on silent ring during class.  No text messaging will be permitted during class. Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct.  All speeches and written assignments presented in this class must be original work by the student.  Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade.  No form of scholastic dishonesty will be tolerated.  Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disability Services (located in the Student Services Center 119; phone number 371 5436) as soon as possible. Visit the Amarillo College Disability Services website at https://www.actx.edu/disability/

 

 Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

Assignments:

Speeches-Students will deliver 4 major speeches during the course. These speeches account for the bulk of the final grade (60%)

Each student will deliver four major speeches.  Students must meet the following requirements on every speech: Each student will turn in a typed outline.         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

 

Chapter Quizzes:

Students will complete a quiz for each chapter. The quizzes are available on-line through the Blackboard site that corresponds with this course. No make ups will be offered. The lowest grade will be dropped.

 

Final Exam:

Will include material covered during the 8-week course. Will be available on-line during the last week of class.

 

Extra Credit:

Up to 10 points will be added to your final grade for completing a written analysis of a public speaker at one of the AC Common Reader events.

 

Class participation:

This 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. Quizzes will be due by Sunday each week.

Attendance:

Attendance will be recorded. Students will swipe their ID card on the scanner located in the classroom.   Points will be deducted from your participation grade for more than two absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence.  Please note that speaking and participation make up 70% of the final grade. Much of what we learn about public and professional speaking is gained by listening to other speakers.  It is each student’s responsibility to be an active and valuable member of the audience.

 

Grading Policy:

Grade distribution works as follows:

4 Major Speeches:

Introduction- 10%

Informative- 20%

Persuasive- 20%

Final Speech- Group Presentation: Pecha kucha- 10%

 

Examinations:

Chapter quizzes- 20%

Final Exam- 10%

Attendance/Participation- 10%

 

Total- 100%

 

Letter Grades will be determined as follows:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 79 – 70

D = 69 – 60

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 two absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence. 

Please note that speaking and participation make up 70% of the final grade. Much of what we learn about public and professional speaking is gained by listening to other speakers.  It is each student’s responsibility to be an active and valuable member of the audience as classmates make presentations.

Calendar

Additional Information

Office Hours: Regular office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m.  During these times, in order to ensure my undivided attention, I encourage students to schedule appointments.  I am also available at alternative times by appointment.  Please do not hesitate to speak to me before or after class or contact me by telephone or e-mail if you have any questions or concerns.

 

If you have questions about the course material, assignments, due dates etc please contact me.  If you need technical support contact the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) student help center located in the Ware Student Commons located on the Washington Street Campus, Suite 205. Or call either (806) 371-5992 or (806) 371-5932.

 

Hours of operation are:

Monday – Thursday        8am – 5pm (Library 205)

Monday – Thursday        5pm – 9pm (Library Research Desk on the 4^th Floor)

Friday                              8am – 5pm (Library 205)