Business and Professional Speaking Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1321-005 Business and Professional Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

O'Hair, D. et al. A Speaker's Guidebook, Seventh Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Supplies

Note-taking supplies, Internet access, Knowledge of presentation software such as Prezi or Powerpoint.

Student Performance

Course Objectives

Application of communication theory and practice to public speaking with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity, and organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well asthe ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.

 

Learning Outcomes:

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 use of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.

6.     Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence 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

·        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 BY PERCENTAGE OF POINTS EARNED

 

900 – 1000 = A

800 – 899   = B

700 – 799   = C

600 – 699   = D

599 – 0     = F

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 may make up two absences in order to keep perfect attendance by attending approved AC plays or speaking engagements and writing a paper on the event. Or you may get 20 points for plays/speaking engagements without any absences.

Calendar

Additional Information

I will provide guidelines for the major assignments during the first week of class so that you will be prepared to meet expectations with each assignment and may ask questions in advance. I look forward to watching you grow as presenters this semester.