Public Speaking Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-012 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

Text: “A Speaker’s Guidebook”, 6^th edition, Dan O’Hair, Rob Stewart, and Hannah Rubenstein, St Martin’s Publishing

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

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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

Class  Policies:

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.”

Grading Criteria

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.

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. 

Extra Credit: Up to 5 points will be added to your final grade for completing a written analysis of a public speaker.

Class Participation:

This is an eight week course, so I am expecting students to come to class prepared. This means your chapter readings should be completed before class. We will be working on a variety of learning activities,  discussions, and group assignments in class.

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:

Grades are distributed 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%  

Class Participation/Attendance – 10%                                       

Total – 100 %

Letter Grades:

Letter grades will be determined 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 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.

Calendar

Additional Information

Office Hours:

Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday 1:00-3:00 PM. I am available by appointment if you need to speak in person outside of these office hours. Please do not hesitate to call or email me, or speak to me before and/or after class.

 

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 on the Washington Street Campus Room 111, orcall (806)-371-5992. 

Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday:   8am – 5pm (Ware Student Commons Room 111)

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