Business and Professional Speaking Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

SPCH-1321-006 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

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Text:   Lucas, S.E. The Art of Public Speaking, Custom Edition. New York: McGraw Hill.

 

Supplies

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

·        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 10 point deduction for that speech.  All late work will receive a 10 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.

           

5% –  Introduction speech                   5% –  Self critique                                            

 8% - Group                                       10% –  Mid-term exam                                     

10% –  Demonstration speech          5% –  Demonstration outline 

10% –  VA speech                              5% –  VA outline

10% - Persuasive                               5% - Persuasive Outline

5% –  Resume                                    10% –  Attendance                                  

12% –  Final              

Attendance

·       1.  Because this is a performance course, regular attendance is essential. An attendance grade will be given. Ten points (10) will be deducted for each absence after the first. Three tardies or early exits will count as an absence.

·        2. Students who maintain perfect attendance will be exempt from the final exam.

·        3. Students may make up two absences in order to keep perfect attendance by attending approved AC plays or speaking engagements. Or you may get 20 points for plays if not needed for make up.

Calendar

Additional Information

GUIDELINES FOR MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

 

·         Demonstration speech – Choose a demonstration that can be completed during the time allowed (4 to 8 minutes).  You must actually demonstrate (not just describe what you have done), and include 2 sources that are cited in the speech.  Provide a typed outline for the instructor. (Use the format taught in class.)

·         Informative Speech using a visual aid– Choose a topic for this speech that lends itself to presentation using a visual aid.  Speech will be at least 4 minutes and no longer than 8 in length.  The speech must be informative, and include 3 sources that are to be cited in the speech. Provide a typed outline that follows the format taught in class.

·         Resume:  Each student will prepare a resume for a position at an actual company/institution.  The resume should include factual, not fictional, information about the student.