Business and Professional Speaking Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

SPCH-1321-003 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

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

A Speaker’s Guidebook, 6^th edition

Supplies

Course Requirements:

• Mozilla Firefox (most compatible with Blackboard)
• Windows Media Player
• Microsoft Word
• You will need to open a Prezi account online (choose the free option)
• You must have regular access to a computer for this course.

Student Performance

After completing the required course activities, students will

1. Recognize and explain basic communication terms and principles.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of theory and competence in preparing and presenting informative and persuasive speeches.
3. Be able to analyze various communication contexts.
4. Apply communication principles and theory in diverse circumstances and demonstrate effective communication, distinguishing effective from less effective responses.
5. Be able to find, identify, and effectively use supporting materials in speech and written assignments.
6. Understand and discuss how best to avoid plagiarism.
7. Participate in class and group processes.
8. Demonstrate courtesy and respect for classmates.
9. Be able to research job listings and write an effective resume and cover letter

Students 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

Behavioral Expectations

1. If you arrive late to class, do not enter while someone is giving a speech. Wait outside the classroom door until you are sure the speech is finished before you enter.
2. Please turn off cell phone ringers before entering the classroom.
3.  No administrative withdraws will be initiated by the instructor.
4. Students will be required to dress appropriately on presentation days. For example, do not show up in a baseball cap, chewing gum, or wearing your sweaty workout clothes if you are presenting a speech.
5. Students are expected to act respectfully to one another, meaning you need to pay attention to the presenter rather than doing other homework, or looking out the window.
6. Students are expected to be good listeners while others are giving speeches.
7. Do not come in and expect to give your speech and leave. I will take off participation points if you leave before class is officially over. I take roll at the beginning and ending of each meeting.   

Grading Criteria

Grading Policies:
There will be a total of 1000 points possible in this course.  They are distributed as follows:

Letter Grades:
            For Speeches, Tests, and Major Assignments          For the Final Grade
                        A = 90 – 100                                                  A = 900 – 1000
                        B = 80 – 89                                                     B = 800 – 899
                        C = 70 – 79                                                     C = 700 – 799
                        D = 60 – 69                                                     D = 600 – 699
                        F = Below 60                                                   F = Below 600

Each student will be allowed to make up one speech if and only if you contact me before the start of class by phone or email and make arrangements with me. If you do not show up for the assigned presentation time and you do not contact me before the absence you will receive a zero on the speech and reflection paper assignment.

You will not be allowed to make up quizzes or postings, but I will drop the two lowest quiz grades.

The resume must be turned in on time or you will receive a zero.

Attendance

You will need to log in to the course 3-4 times weekly to participate in discussion board postings and take weekly exams, and you will be required to attend three mandatory meetings on campus where you will present speeches in front of your classmates.

Calendar

Additional Information

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