Public Speaking Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-016 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

O’Hair, Stewart, Rubenstein, “A Speakers Guidebook” text and reference

This textbook is tabbed for easy reference.

Supplies

You must be available to a computer that has the internet. (check the library if you don't)
You will eventually need Microsoft PowerPoint.

It is suggested that the student get Microsoft Office, the newest edition.  There is usually a free student edition of Microsoft Office online.  There are other alternatives, however

It is desired to have a smart phone, or phone with video capabilities.

Student Performance

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

In addition every student will also be required to comply with the policies as published in the “Students Rights & Responsibilities” booklet. This publication may be acquired through the office of the Dean of Student Services.

There will be no administrative withdrawals from this class after the last day to withdraw. Students are considered adults, and should be able to accept responsibility to withdraw if it becomes necessary. We hope this never happens.

  Online etiquette should be used at all times.  Please be courteous and thoughtful to your fellow students.

Grading Criteria

Grading Policy:

 

Grading Policy:

5% 1st Speech

10% Miscellaneous: Homework Assignments/Preparation outlines

15% Exams (Mid term, Final)

20% Discussions

20% 2^nd Speech

30% 3^rd Speech

 

Grading Schema:

100  to  89.5    = A

89.4  to  79.5   = B

79.4  to  69.5   = C

69.4  to  59.5   = D

59.4  to  0        = F

Any homework submitted late will be deducted a letter grade for every day that it is late.  Speeches that are not presented at the scheduled time will be given a 0. 

Discussion forums will not have make ups.  Once the forum is shut down there will be no one in there to read your posts or replies to another student so it would be a useless effort.  Therefore, if you miss the discussion during the week, you get a 0 for that discussion. 

There will be a lot of discussions during the semester with a lot of chances to bring up a grade if a discussion is missed. 

The best bet? Don’t miss a discussion!…….it’s not rocket science, just read the chapter and discuss.  It’s just that easy!

Attendance

Attendance: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  However, since this is an online class, the only attendance will be during presentations.  It is also recommended to sign on to the course no less than 4 times a week, even if it is just to check any email.  Your email should be checked every time you sign on to the AC Portal.  Our only communication with each other is through email and I quite often send very important announcements to the entire class through email.

Calendar

Additional Information

If you are having problems with anything at all, please email me and I will try to help.  If I can’t help I might be able to send you to someone that can.  If I can’t do that, I will try to find out how you can be helped.  If I can’t do that, I can at least give great moral support.  Email me – I am very approachable with a good sense of humor and easy going. I’m easy to talk to.  Because I am usually teaching two or three online classes I check my emails 8 to 10 time a day.  I will try to respond to your email as soon as I possibly can. Usually the same day or the next.

Grades for speeches and homework will be returned within 2 weeks; Usually much sooner